Decking Out Your House
Festive Ideas To Get Into The Holiday Spirit
Written by Belinda Albo – Interior Designer and Author
Read Belinda Albo’s Bio

The holidays are what you make it. And decorating your home is the first way to give it that personalized touch. Read on to be inspired by five festive ideas that will get you and your family into the holiday spirit.

As the holiday season quickly approaches, consider trying these simple ideas to add sophisticated style to your home décor.

1. Mantel Piece

For those of us who like to take a simple approach when decorating, white vintage milk glass vases are beautiful when illuminated with tea lights. Another simple idea is to spray paint real pears silver or gold and place them in a dish, lined up along the ledge.

2. Mirror, Mirror

Try hanging a wreath on a full-length mirror in your entranceway instead of on your front door. Use a colourful ribbon and a one-inch tack to suspend and support it. You can also lean various sized silver and gold-framed mirrors over a fireplace – and alternate with a wreath and stocking on each mirror.

3. Table Setting

When setting your table, use an accent charger and versatile white plates to help set the stage. Use a small cloche (a bell shaped plate cover) and place a name-tag in the centre of each plate. You can also place the centrepiece on a mirror to enhance the display.

4. Outdoor Urn

Create a winter wonderland setting for the outdoors by filling empty urns with a robust display of evergreen cuttings. You can also include cedar and spruce branches, seeded eucalyptus, magnolia leaves and dogwood branches (most of which you can find at your local garden centre). Finish off the look by nestling large pinecones and red apples into the display for contrast. The key is to fill the urn until it looks like it's overflowing with festive cheer.

5. Centrepiece

Try this textural arrangement of apples, lemon leaves and scattered pinecones for a unique December display. If you want to bring more of the outdoors in, include greenery such as cuttings of blue spruce. And to keep this elegant display fresh for a longer period of time, spritz daily with water.