Time to deck the halls! Bring in the merry ornaments, stockings and garlands!
This year, the reasons to fill your home with holiday cheer may be quite different than years past. As I spent the evening adorning my tree, the temptation to succumb to a little 2020 defeat hung in the air as the first decorations were hung from the branches. We won’t be hosting holiday get togethers and even extended family members won’t likely be here to enjoy our little wonderland of cherished holiday tchotchkies.
My favorite Christmas song isn’t one of the best known. It’s a little ditty by country music legend Alan Jackson called “Let it be Christmas” and the lyrics poetically reminded me that the spirit of the season is in our hearts. Our homes, after all, are where that which brings joy to the heart, is represented for all our senses.
I stood back and took in the “pretty” of all the spaces we decorated. My heart was delighted as it will be each day we work and school from home in the coming weeks. So, dear community, I’m eager to share some amazing tips and tricks from one of my favorite home decorating experts, Amy Grenz, owner of Sweet Charm Staging & Design.
First up… color! Touring the holiday aisles of Hobby Lobby, At Home or Home Goods, it’s easy to see that choices in traditional reds and greens now have company in shades of blue, maroon, gold, even purples! In the realm of decorating a particular room, however, it’s not the time to “have it all.” Amy recommends choosing colors that best compliment the colors that fill your space year round.
“My own home is very neutral,” she explains, “so, my Christmas pallet is traditional reds and greens with country whites and tans. If my couch were navy or gray, however, I may tend to decorate for the holidays with more silver and blue.”
Speaking of the sofa, I wanted to know how one takes the living room hallmark and makes it ready for the holiday Hallmark movies. Storing a whole collection of throw pillows that are on display for about 8% of the year seems impractical. Amy’s trick… slide holiday covers over her everyday pillows! I was sweetly surprised at how amazingly affordable this is! Check out these finds: Buffalo Plaid Christmas Pillow Covers Snowflake Pillow Covers Blue Snowflake Christmas from Amazon, WalMart and Etsy.
Of course, throws not only add to your decor, but are a TV watching cuddle up favorite in our home. Our local Dollar General had a super soft red throw with pom pom edging for just $10! Chunky knit blanket options seem endless on Etsy.
Using trays to create a table display has been trending for the past few seasons. Amy helped me amp up my table groupings as well as some of my everyday displays by adding Christmas floral sprigs. “It’s fast and easy to dress up your kitchen canisters, hurricane lamps or candlesticks for the holidays by simply adding a small pine cone pick and red berry pick or tiny poinsettia arrangement.”
I also found that these little arrangements added a Pinterest worthy look to my traditional Santas and snowmen that sit about during the holidays. And, to elevate, quite literally, that look, I’ve placed “slices” of cedar beneath some of the items to add a warm rustic feel to the display. (If your look is more modern, consider using acrylic risers like these on Amazon.)
Amy had more great ideas for dressing fireplace mantles, decorating your Christmas tree and even adding merry to the laundry room! Subscribe below to have our next Venture727 blog post delivered to your inbox!
Venture 727 Real Estate is always aiming to exceed your expectations. This blog features home and lifestyle tips, tricks and stories to inspire, motivate and entertain. We love helping our clients buy and sell property whenever you may be so inclined but our desire to be of value extends long before and long after contracts and closings!
Amy Grenz, Sweet Charm Staging & Design, is an amazing resource available to help you decorate your spaces any time of year! Reach out for a conversation at 303-619-7969 or agrenz@sweet-charm.com.