House to Home with Debbie Travis

Decorating expert and television personality Debbie Travis appears in The Telegram’s Home Buyers’ Guide each week.

Three weeks to go. How will you decorate the house? Check out stores and on-line sites for inspiration. Pull together your decorations for Christmas trees inside and out, wreathes, lights, real or faux greenery. Work within a theme that will integrate your home’s holiday glitter. Combine what you have with a splash of new ornaments, and a dazzle of metallic accents. Window wreaths and monotone or heritage trees are favourites.

Two weeks to go; time to do an inventory check on kitchen supplies, china and silverware. Tableware for entertaining is most fun when it is mix and match. Place everyday crockery beside some splendid fine china. Pull out the silver you got from your grannie and give it a good shine. One less thing to think about on feast day.

Have a “me” day. You are organized, you deserve it. Shop for a holiday outfit, spend a few hours at a spa.

Choose holiday baking that can be done ahead of time and sealed or frozen. Set aside a weekend to make your special family recipes: shortbread, a gingerbread house, fruit cakes, brownies, and candies. Shop for ingredients, and enlist helpers to join you in the kitchen. This can be combined with decorating the house.

With just a few days to go, write up your grocery lists, and beverage requirements (including glasses, mix, ice, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks).

Make sure you have wrapping paper for last minute gifts. Finally, remember that what doesn’t get done, probably doesn’t matter. A relaxed and happy host is the best gift you can give your guests.