Guest Post: Keep It Simple: Easy Holiday Decorating

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The holidays are a warm, festive and glowing time, filled with family, good food and the sights and sounds of the season.

Getting your home decked out for the holidays may seem a bit overwhelming if you haven't yet accumulated a lot of seasonal items, but it doesn't have to be. Decorating your home by targeting a few specific areas can make a big impact, giving your living space a good dose of festivity for the holidays.

Where To Start?
Think of the places you and your family spend the most time, and focus on those. Most holiday gatherings center around meals, so sprucing up your table is one way to go.

Table decor doesn't have to be elaborate or expensive. You can check out holiday home clearance sales for Christmas table linens, festive serving platters and centerpiece decor. It's a good idea to start with a theme. Some theme ideas:

• Traditional green and red. Think holly, poinsettias and mistletoe.
  
• Go with an elegant theme. Think silver or gold and white. You can add accent colors like red or blue for a pop of color.
  
• You may prefer the rustic look. Think natural greenery and fabrics like burlap. Centerpiece accessories can include clove oranges, cranberries, cinnamon sticks and similar items.
  

Craft stores are a great resource for these types of decor. You can find containers, bowls and accessories that are perfect for creating a beautiful holiday centerpiece. Candles, silk flowers and greenery are all good choices that can be combined.

A festive table cloth or runner are easy ways to add a touch of Christmas to your table. Add some candles and you are done.

Light Up Your Living Space
Holiday string lights are a quick and easy way to bring the holidays into your home. Battery-operated light strands are great for using in wreaths, table arrangements and other decorative settings.

Another idea for these versatile lights is to place a strand of them in a glass vase or oversized mason jar. You can add any number of things to it such as Christmas ornaments, festive colored marbles or artificial greenery, pinecones etc. Add the lights and you have a lovely decoration for your mantle, table or any other spot that needs some holiday cheer.

Don't forget your fireplace mantle. This is prime decorating real estate. Lights across the mantle intertwined with garland and holiday decorations looks lovely. You can also use lights on indoor stairway railings.

Cozy up your living room with soft throws and pillows in holiday colors. Picture a roaring fire, a mug of hot cocoa and cheery throws in red or green.

Decor For The Bathroom
Easily one of the most used rooms in the house, the bathroom can be made festive for the holidays as well. Holiday guest soaps, themed towels and even fun shower curtains can create a holiday environment.

Incorporate all the senses into your holiday decor. Don't forget that the scents of fresh pine, cinnamon and gingerbread are as much a part of the holidays as the lights and the trees. Add some carols playing and your favorite holiday beverage and you are on your way!


+Jodi Call   Call took her years of experience in home design and décor and now offers an impressive collection of bed, kitchen, bath accessories and home furnishings at bedbathstore.com

Disclaimer: This is a Guest Post and the text, images and links were provided by the post author.