Use whatever you love to up your holiday decorating

Before you start putting everything away so you can decorate for the holidays, stop. Those items you collect, whether it’s figurines, colored glass pieces, porcelain bunnies or whatever, can be used in your festive decor.

Treasures that have happy memories attached can add to how special your mantel or tabletop will look. The display is unique and can be a conversation starter. Just remember you don’t have to include an entire collection.

All it takes is a little imagination and festive ribbon, greenery, lights, or whatever ties into your theme this year.

Retailers say lanterns are a big hit this season, so if you’ve accumulated lanterns over the years, this is the time to get them out. Put battery operated candles in them and you’ll have a rustic look to welcome guests.

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut and drag out the same centerpiece or use the same idea year after year. So using what you’ve collected is an easy way to bring on change.

And think about repurposing. If you filled glass containers with candy last year, this year put colorful balls in them, or pine cones, maybe some plain and some painted. It’s fun to change things up.

Not feeling creative? Flip through one of the many magazines offering holiday ideas for inspiration. You don’t need to copy, but it helps get you in a decorating mood.

Look around the house. You’ll be surprised that treasures you already have can easily make a holiday statement this season.

A sampling from a collection of white pitchers add snowy white and winter white to a silver and white display in a hall entry. Placing items on a tray makes a display look more complete. (Fernando Salazar/TNS)

Lanterns are a trendy item for holiday decorating this year. A candle in each lantern results in a rustic look. Also popular are small holiday scenes, greenery, glittering Christmas trees and other festive items tucked inside lanterns. (Fernando...

A plaid table runner covers an antique buffet. A collection of apothecary jars are filled or partially filled with colorful balls in various color combinations. Lights make the glass sparkle and plaid ribbon ties in the runner. This also would work...