Antique and flea markets are the best place to start your treasure hunt. Don’t begin your voyage in search of perfection or you’re sure to be disappointed. And don’t feel pressed to buy a truckload of items to complete your look the first season. Take the time to browse around and see what’s out there. Pay attention to the colors, the handcrafted elements, and more importantly the charm and personality. You’ll soon find yourself being drawn in to the magic and can begin collecting the items that strike a personal chord.
I’m fond of the vintage Christmas “elf on the shelf”, small foil Christmas trees and retro Coca Cola stuffed Santa dolls. My best find to date is a 1950’s sign that blinks “Merry Christmas” in colored Christmas lights and marks the entry to my living room holiday experience. So much of my holiday joy is in sharing the delight I see on my friends’ faces when they unexpectedly encounter that decorative element that elicits their own treasured childhood memory.
While we all love the traditional symbols of the season, there is no reason to limit your color scheme to red bows, green garland and gold ornaments. The holidays are a celebration and a time to express yourself. I still love my big fir Christmas tree but I add sparkle in unexpected places by sprinkling small brightly colored foil trees throughout the house. A tabletop silver foil tree with brightly colored ornaments is a wonderful unexpected twist and a fuchsia or aqua bow on your traditional wreath will have the neighbors talking.
Fabric makes the most dramatic tree skirt and can show your unique personality and style. I love texture so fake fir fabrics in mink or leopard prints are a great way to add something lush and sophisticated. Tulle fabric is another elegant alternative and can be found in an array of wonderful colors to express your “glam” side.
Turning your dining room into a holiday celebration is easily accomplished by using things you have around the house year-round. I like to start by bringing out my antique linen tablecloth and draping it across the dining room table as an elegant canvas. Create a centerpiece by arranging a collection of wine decanters or silver pitchers and set place settings using charger plates in bright metallic or high gloss colors. Dust off your favorite wine or martini glasses and polish a few pieces of your grandmother’s silverware for a little sparkle. A colorful glass ornament on each plate and your dining room table is transformed into a festive holiday setting.
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