Over the years many of us have collected many, many Christmas
decorations. Every year we get them out of the attic and lovingly place
them in their usual place. But what if you are tired of this traditional
decorating and you want a fresh look and different feel. Where do you
start?
Begin
by some brainstorming. Decide on a look. Do you want to create the feel
of the old fashion Christmas look or do you want something modern,
maybe monochromatic. Who are you directing this look at? Do you have
small children for whom you are trying to create a fairyland? Do you
want to have minimalist atmosphere? Have you always wanted your home to
look like an ice castle or an ornate gold palace? Are your teenagers
wanting to have the theme centered around their sports heros? Having
decided on a general direction then it is time to pick a theme. You
could decide on building your theme around traditional Christmas items
such as snowflakes, candy canes, Santa Claus, Poinsettias, reindeer,
gingerbread houses or boys, Christmas trees, or gifts. Maybe you would
rather do something around big bows, crystals, branches, or shapes, or
birds, or penguins. This is limited only to your imagination.
Having
decided on a direction for Christmas décor, the next step is to decide
on a color scheme. By having a constant color theme throughout your home
you will have a coordinated look. Often the theme will dictate this
color theme. For example if you decide to center your decorating on
candy canes then the predominant colors will be red and white. On the
other hand using bows, crystals, and branches for a monochromatic look
will probably be icy blue and white.
Then a decision to how you
can achieve this is needed. Shopping for and creating the decorations
will add new enthusiasm to this Christmas. Some of these themes make
great family participation. Children love to be involved in decorating
the house. There are great places to shop such as flea markets,
Christmas craft shows, specialty shops, and online. Unearthing an old
fashion sled, vintage ice skates, or an old Christmas sweater might be
just what is needed to be the focal point for the theme.
Once you
gather the materials you need to assess them for textures, size, and
suitability. To compliment the main items you can use table linens,
runners, sofa throws, pillows, and mats. The Christmas tree and the
decorations for it can carry the theme.
Enhance your look by
adding natural Christmas tree boughs, pinecones, holly, and of course a
Christmas tree. Remember when adding elements to consider the scale of
them. Each item should blend and compliment each other rather than over
power others. This is especially true when picking a Christmas tree. It
is sometimes hard to judge the height of a tree in a lot or when cutting
one at the Christmas tree farms.
Carry your theme outdoors. The
wreath on you door, the holly on your mailbox, or a Christmas matt at
the front door will welcome your visitors. By using the same color
scheme outside as inside the spaces are united.
Creating your own
special Christmas décor is only limited by your imagination. Remember
this is for you and your family. Merry Christmas!
This article is written by Pat Tate who is using her blog
Top Ten Christmas Ideas to talk about Christmas food, Christmas carols, the
popular toys and gifts on everyone's Christmas list.
