READER'S ROCK LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE VOL 2 ISSUE 4 NOVEMBER 2014 VOL 2 ISSUE 5 DECEMBER 2014 | Page 72

(BPT) - One of the best ways to kick off
the holiday season is to decorate. And
while it's easy to load your cart with
beautiful decor from your favorite store,
Christmas is more personal when
decorations are homemade.
No time you say? Between planning
dinners for the family and throwing
cocktail parties for friends, it can be
overwhelming. But it is possible to
survive it (and enjoy it) by keeping
everything simple. This season, let your
creative instincts shine through as you
watch your mantels, stairwells, and
tables come to holiday life, with ideas
like these:
Create a magical mantle
For most families, the living room is
where gifts are exchanged, holiday
movies are enjoyed and stories are
shared gathered by the fireplace - a major
focal point in the room. Give this cozy
centerpiece a warm new look by creating

a decorative display for your mantel.
Draping a festive garland is one way to
achieve a distinctive display. Do-ityourself banners and garland have
become increasingly popular as a great
way to personalize your decor.
To make your own, start with a heavy
fabric, like burlap or the kind used for
upholstery, and cut enough pennants for
your favorite holiday saying, like "Let it
Snow." Then using a snowflake stencil,
spray paint the pattern with a silver color.
Krylon Metallic Brilliant Silver, for
example, works very well on fabric.
Spray paint chipboard letters in a bright
white. Once everything dries, spell out
your message, one letter per pennant, and
adhere the letters. Adorn the banner with
plastic snowflakes and holly sprigs to
finalize the festive look.
Trim a tree like a pro

Create a happy homemade holiday