Have you admired the holiday ideas you see in magazines? Would you love to create something for your porch or entry to welcome guests and wow the neighborhood? Do you want to decorate your home differently this year? Well, you can! And you don’t need to spend a fortune.
Decorating for the holidays shouldn’t empty your wallet. It takes a bit more effort to figure out inexpensive decorating ideas, but digging deep into your creativity will help you come up with something unique and memorable.
First and foremost, decide what kind of look you want — playful, elegant, homespun, folksy, natural — and select a color scheme that works with your home. If you need inspiration, visit local garden centers, home décor or craft stores for ideas. Decorating shouldn’t make you crazy; it’s all about what makes you happy. Whether your taste is to decorate simply or to go all out, here are a few ideas to get you started.
Look around outside. Whether you want an elegant or homey feel, mother nature has an abundance of raw materials in your own landscape. If you don’t have access to fresh greens, many garden centers sell bundles of mixed greens at a reasonable price, but they won’t be nearly as fresh as those you cut yourself. When gathering live greens from your shrubs and trees, remember that you are actually pruning the plants. Consider carefully which branches to cut and which ones to leave. Distribute the cuts evenly around the plant in order to preserve its natural form.
Many different kinds of greens can be used for holiday decorations. Pines, firs and cedars are good to use for indoor decoration since they dry out slowly and hold their needles best at warm interior temperatures. They may last for several weeks if properly treated and cared for. Hemlock, spruces and most broadleaf evergreens will last longer if used outdoors.
Make sure that any wreaths, roping and garlands that you bring indoors are as fresh as possible. Check needles by bending them. They should be flexible and not break. Avoid greenery that is shedding or that has brown, dry tips. Before bringing any greenery inside, soak in water overnight to hydrate it.
Other landscape materials that can be used for decorations include red and yellow twig dogwood, holly, Japanese pieris with its lily of the valley like flowers, mountain laurel and different varieties of cones and seedpods. And don’t ignore bare branches of fruit trees, contorted hazelnut and curly willow. Finding a branch with outstanding architecture can serve as a focal point to any of your displays or vignettes.
Has your theme emerged yet? Good. Time to begin your decorating outside. Various small potted evergreens such as arborvitae and cedar, combined with boxwood, lanterns, colorful ornaments and natural grapevine balls make a striking seasonal display. Or perhaps your family are sports enthusiasts and an old sled with ice skates and snow shoes is more your style. Whatever your style, let it shine through with things that say you! Then add some twinkle so the display lights up the night.
Next, choose a door decoration that will set the stage for inside. A natural wreath made of magnolia, fir, boxwood and cedar, adorned with a colored bow says traditional. A natural grapevine wreath decorated with cedar, magnolia leaves, pinecones and faux berries says natural but elegant.
Whether you’re a traditionalist or a minimalist, love the classic look of a green fir Christmas tree and red holly berries or want a contemporary theme, December is the time of year to indulge your decorating dreams!
And, please keep the light of the season in your hearts. Be kind to all who cross your path and be generous with your smiles. Peace!
Donna Lane owns Lane Interiors & Gardens, is a master gardener, past president of the Norwood Evening Garden Club, and an active member of many other horticultural organizations. You can reach Donna at AddictedGardener@verizon.net.
http://norwood.wickedlocal.com/news/20171212/addicted-gardener-let-nature-guide-your-holiday-decorating