Must-Haves for Holiday Decorating

The holidays are fast approaching, and it’s not too early to start enhancing your holiday décor. For inspiration, here are 10 “must haves” to inspire your creativity!
1. Let There Be Light! Soft glowing light is complementary to you and your guests. Once you’ve turned the lights down low, bring out the candles by the boxful.
From tall and tapered to short and stout, candles set a celebratory tone. For the most dramatic impact, group candles just as you would any other collectible, and display them on a silver platter.
2. Haul Out The Holly! When choosing plants to help add holiday cheer, think beyond the traditional poinsettias. Fill metallic vases with bouquets of fresh flowers and holly. Or choose beautifully shaped topiaries covered with pepper berries.
3. Precious Metals. Silver is still the choice of metal, and you can incorporate it in a number of ways, including candlesticks, picture frames, and decorative boxes.
Don’t hesitate to mix things up a bit. In formal rooms, combine your silver pieces with gold or polished brass accessories. Or take a more casual approach by blending pewter, copper and brass.
4. A Feast for the Eye. The dining room itself should be a visual feast. Drape the chandelier with pine garland or holly. Surprise your guests with wrapped gifts on their salad plates.
And for a cohesive feeling, incorporate an element of your room’s design on the table. If you room features a mirrored wall, use mirrored charges beneath each plate
5. Ornamental Accents. Christmas tree ornaments are not just for trees anymore. Display some on the coffee table is an oversized bowl or clear glass urn. You can even use round glass balls as place cards, and write each guest’s name on each and set them around the dining table.
6. Be My Guest. Is your guest room ready for holiday guests? Is there a luggage stand and/or space in the closet? Are there plenty of pillows? Is the bedside table big enough to accommodate a lamp, reading materials, and a carafe of water?
Don’t forget the little extras such as fresh fruit, potpourri, and a basket of toiletries. And be sure to include a few holiday touches like greenery or a small gift.
7. The Wonder of Wreaths. Whether you prefer wreaths made of natural materials or some of the lovely permanent florals on the market today.
Wreaths are an absolute must for any holiday home. In addition to their traditional place on the front door or over the mantle, smaller wreaths can be used as curtain tiebacks or napkin rings.
8. Festive Fruits and Vegetables. Visit the produce aisle of your grocery store for unique holiday decorations.
For example, spray-paint walnuts and gourds in silver of gold and display them in a decorative basket. Or fill a large crystal bowl with red and green apples.
9. Set Your Own Style. Make your tree an integral part of your decorating scheme and a reflection of your personality. Are antique toys a personal passion? Then decorate the tree with miniature wooden versions.
Are you a dedicated beachcomber? Attach some of your favorite shells to the tree with simple grosgrain ribbon.
10. Wrap It Up With Ribbon. Ribbon can be used for much more than wrapping presents. Use French wire ribbons, in a variety of widths, to tie bows on your trees. Or instead of a garland or greenery, wrap your banister with ribbon.
You can also hang holiday cards from a mantle or shelf using narrow ribbons in holiday colors.