CHRISTMAS DECOR: JINGLE JINGLE JINGLE

Running around for the wedding is hard when there are so many distractions.  I'm also decorating some clients homes for the season, and so I've been eyeing the Christmas decor.  I was pleasantly surprised at Pier 1 - some well priced and cute items. 

SPARKLY ORNAMENTS,  CUTE FELT STOCKINGS

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GREAT GLASS CANDY CANES!

GREAT PAINTED SIGNS

On the disappointing side was JoAnn's and Tall Mouse - both severly lacking the fabulous picks and faux Christmas greens they had last year. 

Tai Pan had so many cute Christmas items it was a challenge NOT to bring things home for myself - and so I did.  Help, I need to have a garage sale...
As I left I crossed the street for a bite to eat and peeked inside Ross - and found a vintage Santa  about 2 feet tall and fabulous - for $12.00. 

I planned on decorating my own home early this year.  With the Dallas wedding at the end of the year, I decided it was logical to decorate in November.  However, tradition dictates we wait until James is home before we pick out the tree - so I will probably still be decorating on Christmas Eve!

With holiday decorating in mind, here are a few holiday tips:

Deck your tree with a MINIMUM of 100 lights per foot.  7 foot tree = 700 lights, etc.  Don't connect more than 3 strands together - for safety's sake.  I use a multi-outlet power strip to plug them into.  When putting lights on your tree, place them inside the tree, clear up to the trunk, as well as on the outside branches.  This will make your tree glow from within and look amazing.

If you use ribbon garland, this goes on next - I weave it in and out of the branches, and inside and outside of the tree as well, letting it disappear into the greenery and reappear at strategic points.  A nice wide ribbon will also hide some of those holes if you are using a fresh tree.

Place your largest ornaments first, distributing them evenly around the tree.  Fill in with medium and small ornaments, and any garland goes on last.  When placing ornaments, hang some deeper into the tree and not only on the branch ends.  This gives your decorations depth and allows you to add sparkle and shine inside and out.

I like to elevate my tree and put it up on a chest or table - depending on tree size.  Elevating the tree makes it more dramatic and allows  room for gifts beneath. 

Changing the color of ribbon you use can change your whole look without changing your ornaments. 

Tree toppers - what to put at the top of the tree?    Angels and stars can look a little lonely on the top of a Christmas tree with nothing around them.  Try adding branches of glittered twigs, frosted florals, silver stems or fabulous ribbon.  Whatever goes with the rest of your decorations will look great at the top of your tree.  A little green wire will secure that wobbly angel or star and the branches as well.

What do you put at the top of your tree?  Leave a comment and let us know!

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season. 

Claudine