Decorating for the holidays
STORY BY Joyce Block
I n just a few weeks our families and friends will be gathering together to celebrate Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. Flowers, trees and other plants are ways to add color, scent and add to the festive atmosphere that you are trying to create in your home.
Chrysanthemums in the autumn colors of yellow, orange, white and burgundy add that special touch of color either as a potted pot outside or as a cut flower in a floral arrangement for your fall celebrations and Thanksgiving. You can purchase chrysanthemum plants at local big box stores or local independent garden centers. Perennial chrysanthemums can be planted in your yard, after you are done enjoying them.
Pumpkins, gourds and corn stalks are other items that can be used to decorate also. Outside these plants bring all fall touch to what you need. Inside, on your tables, the small pumpkins can be used as a name card holder for your guests. Or using fall leaves scattered down the length of your table using small pumpkins, acorns and other items for a centerpiece. Battery operated candles can add a bright light to your celebration table.
Even though many stores have had Christmas merchandise available for several months, Thanksgiving is the normal kick off for winter decorating your home.
Hanukah is the Jewish celebration of light; it does not have a set date. It normally falls in the first part of December. It lasts for eight days, with special foods and gifts given. The colors blue and silver are highlighted during the celebration. Adding touches of white flowers like carnations, and blue irises will complement the color scheme of this holiday.
Christmas trees, garlands, swags and wreaths are available both fresh and artificial. The fresh trees and other items are grown specifically to be Christmas trees. Artificial trees can be used for several years, provided there is storage for them in your home or nearby.
Frasier firs are the Cadillac of Christmas trees. Great scents, low needle drop and long-lasting trees make these trees awesome. Spruce trees are another popular cut Christmas tree. These trees have shorter needles and are great for a small space. Make sure that a fresh cut is made on the trunk when you purchase it. Make sure to keep the tree stand full of water, and check it every day. Tree preservatives are sold to add to the water and to help the tree last longer.
Fresh garlands, and wreaths will have needle drop once they are placed outside. If the weather stays cool and wet, the garlands and wreaths will last longer. If the weather is hot and dry, they will need to be sprayed with water occasionally.
Kwanzaa starts Dec. 26 and ends Jan. 1. This holiday is to celebrate Seven Principles of unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Fruits, nuts and vegetables are
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