A Festive Twist
By Jackie Glass | President, Principal Designer | jackieglass.ca
I have decided to do things differently this holiday season. My family and I booked a Christmas trip to Tobago this year, which means we will be spending the holidays under palm trees, eating Caribbean food instead of decking out the tree and roasting the traditional turkey in Canada.
The holiday season is a wonderful time of year, but if you are like me, you may approach it with a certain level of stress. I tend to be the official host for my family, and at some point, the coordination of additional entertaining, buying gifts, wrapping and decorating usually has me longing for the new year so that everything can get back to normal.
This trip means I do not have to worry as much about decorating. I am not putting up a tree, for example, so the initial pressure is off – but I do still feel that I want to add some festive charm to my home. Many of us entertain with friends prior to Christmas or Hanukkah family time, so it’s nice to do some sort of decorating to celebrate the season.
Granted, it’s a lot of work to completely deck out a home for the holidays. While many people embrace it, there are others who prefer a simpler approach. Maybe you spend time with your family during the holidays, or live in a space where a huge Christmas tree just won’t fit. Whatever the reason, I’ve compiled a list of easy ideas that anyone can do to create a seasonal feeling.
You may have noticed that putting decorative bows in your hair is really on-trend right now. So why not add ribbons to your holiday table? I love adding satin bows to candelabras or wrapping a formal napkin with satin ribbon. Running strips of ribbon down the centre of your dining table is another quick way to add colour and style.
Add some humour to your decor by wrapping garlands around collectibles like statues or vases. Garlands can mimic a scarf. Or hang baubles from doorknobs or drapery finials.
We’ve also noticed that beautiful tassels and trims have had a resurgence in the design world. Some have leather detailing and make a gorgeous statement added to pillow trims or draperies. Adding a tassel to a doorknob or even as ornaments on a tree creates a traditional and unique look. I also love the look of a basket of tassels on a hall table – the woven threads are visually entrancing.
Scent is always a great way to add a festive feel. Unique scents like a cookie-scented candle make you both hungry and nostalgic!
I love throws, and have quite an assortment. Checked or plaid throws look wonderful used as tablecloths; consider layering them (they don’t have to match!) for an informal feel.
If you want “instant” festive decorating, just add a pop of red. Red ribbons, candles, red ornaments, and flowers all work. Red is eye-catching and plays well to the season.
I like using multiples of one type of flower for the holidays. Try carnations – they last for weeks and I like grouping them tightly in vases or bowls.
If you like the traditional poinsettia plant, cutting them and putting them in different-sized vases for smaller bouquets make them look like cut flowers. They also last!
You don’t always need traditional boughs or garlands. You can easily create a holiday feel by adding festive candles in holiday colours. Adding different heights makes it visually interesting.
How about tumbling all the holiday ribbon used for wrapping your gifts in a big bowl and use it as a centrepiece on your coffee or dining table?
String lights are so perfect at this time of year. I love filling bowls or lanterns with them. If you don’t have a fireplace, consider grouping lanterns in different heights to add a pretty sparkle to your room.
If you do have a fireplace, group bundles of wood tied with ribbons or string in an artful way. I like stacking them on each side of the fireplace opening. You can do this with an electric or gas fireplace.
Create an entrance by framing every door on your main floor with a garland.
The bar cart is an important unit during the holidays. But keep it simple by adding one festive item. For me, it’s my silver ice bucket with deer antler handles. You could add some colourful glassware or some holiday-inspired spirits.
Start a holiday collection of something – miniatures are always fun. Consider gingerbread houses, trains, nutcrackers or a nativity scene. Adding a new piece each year makes it special and nostalgic.
Buy inexpensive holiday-inspired hand towels, napkins or dinnerware. I usually buy four to six salad or bread and butter plates instead of committing to a whole dinner set. That way I can mix and match each year.
If you have artwork above your fireplace mantel or over a table, consider holiday decorating using the colours of the image as your inspiration. This draws the eye to your art while still feeling festive. Easing up on a completely co-ordinated holiday palette makes it easier and more eye-catching.
Craft it out! I admit I am not a big do-it-yourselfer, but I would consider spray-painting pinecones gold or even bleaching them. They serve as great placecard holders! In fact, painting anything gold or silver says holiday immediately.
Why not use sheepskin throws as a tree skirt, instead of the traditional round ones? They definitely give off a cottage vibe! I drape them over dining room chairs during the winter months for an instant cozy feel.
And lastly, I do love to forage. Clipping some branches and then hanging them with three to five ornamental balls adds a modern feel to a room. This can also be used as a unique centrepiece.
Whether you do a little, a lot or somewhere in between, this time of year always inspires us to enjoy our family and friends. And that’s a good thing, no matter where you are!
