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Christmas Decorating Ideas
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It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! The holidays are
just around the corner and we've got some ideas and tips for
Christmas decorations to create memorable family moments.
Between cooking and cleaning, setting the stage for celebrations
can be an overwhelming task. These easy Christmas decorating
tips will help you provide a festive environment for a winter
holiday you will always remember.
Set a Holiday Atmosphere
Trigger your family's senses with visual and aromatic pleasures.
Holiday decorations and scents are key to setting the mood for a
festive Christmas get-together.
Weave some garland or check out your local craft and hobby store
for some wicker baskets and make your own colorful centerpiece.
Add some silk poinsettia plants, ribbon and greenery to complete
the basket. Make some extras to give away as gifts on Christmas
Eve.
Find at least one decoration that will stand the test of time.
It will have to be durable (perhaps store bought) and be stored
properly. On the bottom, write the date it was first used. Your
family will get used to this particular decoration and as the
years go by, it will become a conversation piece that will bring
back many Christmas memories.
Decorate a Christmas Tree
Every family has a routine for trimming their tree. Whether it's
adorned with treasured ornaments that have been in the family
for years, or a trendy flocked tree, it's where the presents are
parked. If you want to keep your traditional
Christmas tree, but enjoy the new fiber optic designs,
consider getting a smaller, tabletop version. This way you'll
have the best of both worlds. Check out our
Christmas Trees Guide if you need help choosing the perfect
tree for your household.
Add Natural Greenery and Flowers
Poinsettias provide beautiful flowers and are a popular
tradition in American homes around the holidays. With the many
varieties available today, you will definitely find one to
compliment your Christmas decor. To learn more about these
plants, go to our Christmas Poinsettia Plant Care page.
Create a Nativity Scene
There are many nativity displays available, from hand-carved to
porcelain. With a barn setting, these includes Joseph, Mary,
baby Jesus, the Three wise men, and often, some animals. By
setting up a nativity, indoors or outdoors, we're remembering
the reason for the holiday.
Decorate Your Christmas Table
Your table decor will look inviting with a cloth or linen
tablecloth. They are readily available in Christmas season
patterns with bright, holiday colors. Often you can find
matching napkins to complete the look. Unless your Christmas
dinner is completely casual, avoid vinyl tablecloths. They are
more appropriate on a smaller table for children to reduce
stains.
The most popular centerpiece choice is a fresh fruit basket --
with good reason. This will serve two purposes. The brilliance
of the basket itself brings natural beauty and color to your
table, and the fruit makes a nutritional snack that will
compliment any meal. That is why they make such a popular gift.
Keep in mind, if you have new guests this year, they may bring
one as a gift. If you have leftover fruit, send some home with
the kids for an evening snack.
If a fruit basket isn't your choice, display a bouquet or basket
of fresh flowers on your table to compliment your tablecloth and
add color. Silk flowers and poinsettias are gorgeous and can be
used year after year.
Make Homemade Placemats
Take all of your favorite
Old Christmas Cards, cut them up and
organize them into a collage. Secure them together with glue.
After this is done, cut them into an oval shape and laminate
them to make some unique, beautiful placemats. My children did
this with their grandma a few years ago and they turned out
fantastic. We still get them out every year. Some cards are just
too beautiful to throw away!
Distribute Holiday Aromas
The cooking scents alone will provide an aroma pleasing to any
guest. If you want to start early, consider some dry or liquid
potpourri in a small crock pot to slowly fill the air with
holiday fragrance.
Candles supply beauty, a delicate scent, and an overall "homey"
feeling. There are some seasonal candles available specifically
for Winter and Christmas holidays. Choose adorned candleholders
and jars or decorate your own with beads and acrylic paint.
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