A festive mood: Decorate for the holidays with style
As we patiently wait for the first blast of cool, crisp air and embrace the winter, it’s the perfect time to assess our table settings and tabletop decor for the holidays.
December holidays are a great time to infuse your home with special touches and decorations that will make the season a more pleasurable and memorable event. This is one area of interior design that can change seasonally and is often overlooked because sometimes hosts are stumped when it comes to how exactly to decorate.
Holiday decorations are for everyone to enjoy, whether celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. It’s great because holiday decorations can be enjoyed by all, from children to grandparents to visitors. The trick is how to integrate the decoration with your existing furnishings and decor so one doesn’t overpower the other. Seasonal decor needn’t be over the top. They can be simple, but a few rules should be kept so your living areas don’t end up looking like a department store.
From your point of entry, a wreath, a floral arrangement or garland on your door and windows can begin to reveal the tone of your decor. Wreaths have left the religious and funerary arena to become a staple item of regular decoration.
Some are even kept on doors year round and can be decorated to keep up with the seasons and diverse holidays. And yes, there can even be a Hanukkah or Kwanzaa wreath. Some of the most elaborate and refined holiday decorations can be seen in Colonial Williams- burg, Virginia. It is somewhat of a tradition there.
Table centerpieces should be festive and luxurious; however, the height should be kept in check so we can see our dining partners.
Napkin rings are all the rage for their decorative qualities, but did you know they are really intended for distinguishing your particular napkin every time you reuse it? A nicely folded napkin is preferred.
Some people like to develop a decorative theme for their homes and trees, yet others prefer to decorate with a built-over-time collection of diverse ornaments. Trees can add a special touch to any holiday, whether a Christmas tree or a Hanukkah bush. Will you use a real or an artificial tree? It’s a matter of personal choice and convenience.
An important issue to ponder is what kind of tree will complement your decor. A contemporary interior, for example, shouldn’t be festooned with an overloaded tree filled with traditional or vintage ornaments, and vice versa — a traditional home wouldn’t look quite right with a stark tree with a minimal amount of ornaments.
It’s easy to get in the spirit to decorate. Begin by selecting a color harmonious to your decor. Bright colors work best to brighten your home. Check your lights to ensure there is bright light where it needs to be near working surface and dim subdued light for ambiance as well. Your home should sparkle during the holidays.
Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Florida.