5
Deck the Halls Naturally
Steps to Simple Holiday Decorations
Holiday decorating is one of those things that
can overwhelm this busy time of year. Thankfully it is possible to have a festive home without all the stress.
1. Less is More
It can be fun to see the glitzed and glammed
homes, but that doesn’t mean you need to go
all out on your own home. A few meaningful,
symbolic pieces can celebrate the holiday while
keeping cleanup and storage easy. Save the
money you’d spend on 20,000 twinkle lights or
a dozen poinsettia pots sprinkled all over the
living room to instead pay down debt, save for
vacation, or give a family in need a holiday of
their own that they couldn’t otherwise afford.
2. Bring the Outdoors In
Pine cones and acorns make warm and cozy
additions to centerpieces, candles, and even ornaments. Or try mixing whole, unshelled nuts
as natural elements to your holiday decorating. Create your own landscapes inside an old
apothecary or mason jar — spread cotton on
the bottom and get creative with your still life.
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|by Sandy Kreps
3. Neutral with a Pop of Color
White candles on silver stands are timeless. I
recently gave away my cute-but-difficult-tostore set of reindeer dessert dishes that were
used maybe once or twice a season — they
were fun and whimsical and took up way too
much space. My everyday white dishes look
just as lovely holding those desserts, and I don’t
have to figure out where to keep them for the
other 11 months of the year.
4. Versatility of Ornaments
Glass ornaments are inexpensive at craft stores,
and easy to personalize with paint, stickers or
rub-ons. Leave them empty or fill them with
fake snow, glitter or other small objects. Or try
the Seven Blessings Ornament — simply decorate a plain glass ornament, then fill it with 7
strips of paper with written blessings for the
coming year (Love, Abundance, Good Friends,
etc. — make them personal!)
5. Pare Down & Organize
Limit your holiday decor to a certain number
of boxes or bins. If it doesn’t all fit, it’s time to
reduce. As you’re decorating, pay attention to
any decor that doesn’t make the cut this year —
it may be time to donate it before the holiday
season, so it can give someone else joy without
taking up any more of your valuable storage
space.