All year long, I look forward to decorating my home for the holidays. Even during the dog days of summer, my mind wanders to twinkling lights and the scent of fresh greenery. While there are many cherished holiday traditions within my décor, I also enjoy trying new colors and arrangements each year. Here are my ideas to help get your holiday decorating started.
The first item on any holiday décor list should be a gorgeous wreath for your front door. Whether fresh or preserved, wreaths create a warm welcome for your guests. There are so many ways to personalize your wreath. I love attaching fresh fruit such as apples and tangerines with floral wire or mixing greenery types for interesting texture. The most popular wreath adornment is a classic bow. Select a color palette for your wreath’s ribbon that compliments the exterior of your home. Try mixing more than one ribbon together for a custom look – and never skimp on the amount of ribbon used in your bow.
Bring the scents of the season inside your home using vases filled with clippings of magnolia, spruce, fir, cypress, boxwood, mistletoe or pine. Use pretty containers that you already own, such as blue-and-white jars, cash pots or pottery, and fill them generously with greenery of varying height. Look around your yard and use what you have then supplement the arrangements with a few purchased pieces of fresh or preserved greenery. You can even add a few pre-lit branches or interesting accents like crooked willow, berries or even feathers for extra punch. These arrangements are perfect on an entry table, sideboard or flanking a mantle.
Handrails, mantles and doorways loved to be dressed in seasonal garland. Boxwood, magnolia and olive leaf garlands are my favorites. Garland can be used on its own or laced with lights, ribbon, grapevine, berries or ornaments. Pre-lit garlands are very popular and can be cost-effective. If choosing a faux option, try tucking in a few springs of a live element to freshen up the look.
Tabletop options are endless. I prefer to keep my table’s centerpieces low to ensure my guests can easily converse. Moss covered reindeer planters are both classic and whimsical and are lovely when planted with ivy, fruit, ornaments or flowers.
Your overnight guests will appreciate a few holiday touches n their rooms. Details as simple as a holiday-scented diffuser or a pretty container of amaryllis or paperwhites makes their stay extra special.
Finally, fill your home with orchids in beautiful pots. Orchids add a refined element to your home and temper the glitz of the season. But best of all, when the time comes to pack up the holiday decorations, you can leave these gorgeous blooms out to enjoy well into the New Year.
Byline
Betsy Fletcher is the gift and garden accessory buyer at Atlantic Avenue Orchid and Garden. She loves assisting customers with decorating ideas or in selecting the perfect gift.