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holiday decor

10-easy-ways-to-add-flowers-to-your-holiday-decor

Adding decor to your home for this holiday season is a great way to make you feel the holiday spirit daily. Flowers are an excellent choice for holiday decor, but figuring out how exactly and where you can add them to your holiday decor can be challenging, which is why we added some tips on adding flowers to your holiday decor in this article.

1. Create a simple centerpiece with peonies

If you have no experience pairing different flowers, you can have peonies as a centerpiece since they’re lovely and frilly. By incorporating peonies into your design, you can easily add a touch of elegance and charm to your holiday decor.

Start by selecting a vase or container that complements your holiday theme. Opt for something with a classic or rustic look, depending on the overall style you’re going for. If you want the peonies to get all the attention, then a minimalist or a classic vase style is acceptable.

Next, gather a few fresh peonies in colors that suit your holiday palette. Peonies come in shades like red, white, and pink, making them versatile options for any festive occasion.

Trim the stems of the peonies to fit the height of your chosen vase or container. Arrange them loosely and naturally, allowing their beauty to shine through effortlessly. You can add some greenery or other seasonal flowers like holly berries or pine cones for an extra festive touch.

Consider placing the centerpiece on your dining table as a stunning focal point during holiday gatherings. Alternatively, it can be placed on an entryway console table or coffee table to welcome guests into your home with warmth and style.

2. Fill a basket with loose peony stems

Another way to make peonies look cute in your home as holiday decor is by changing the vessel where you store them. Instead of just going with your usual vase, you can get a woven basket and fill it up loosely with some stems of peonies.

When it comes to creating holiday decor, the possibilities are endless. One unique and visually stunning idea is to fill a basket with loose peony stems. This simple yet effective technique can add a touch of elegance and natural beauty to any festive setting.

Unlike a vase, since baskets aren’t fragile, you can put them on the floor without fear of someone kicking them over and causing them to break. You can even hang them up if you get suitable baskets.

Also, woven baskets add a rustic appeal to peonies, so if you want to get the elegance of peonies while still making them look approachable, putting them in a basket is the way to go.

3. Make poinsettia ornaments for your holiday tree

Photo by Don Starkey on Unsplash

When you think of holiday flowers, poinsettias are a reliable go-to flower choice for many people. If you’re trying to incorporate poinsettias into your holiday decor, adding them to your holiday tree is a simple way.

You must insert the poinsettia flowers into the tree leaves by piercing them with the poinsettia’s stems. You can then add whatever else you want. For example, some people add glitter or hot glue beads onto the petals, which may be more feasible for artificial poinsettias.

Consider using different sizes of poinsettias and experimenting with those to see which ones are most attractive for you.

4. Spice up the mantle with seasonal greens

Adding some greeneries to your fireplace mantle can add that holiday feel to your home. Not only do they bring a touch of nature indoors, but they also add a festive and cozy atmosphere.

For some decor ideas, consider using different types of greenery. Pine branches, cedar sprigs, and eucalyptus leaves are all great options that provide texture and depth to your mantle display. Combining shades and shapes creates a visually appealing arrangement that captures the season’s essence.

As for flowers, pops of color with blooms like poinsettias or amaryllis can elevate the overall look.

Play with varying heights and sizes when arranging your greens, decor, and flowers to add visual interest. Place taller elements towards the back while keeping shorter pieces towards the front. 

5. A simple yet sweet bouquet

Photo by Libby Penner on Unsplash

You don’t need to go too complicated with the flowers to use them as holiday decor. One idea is to use flowers traditionally associated with the holiday season, such as red roses or white lilies. These classic blooms can be arranged in a simple vase with some evergreen foliage for an elegant and timeless look.

Consider incorporating seasonal elements like pinecones, berries, or even small ornaments into your bouquet for a whimsical approach. This bouquet choice adds an extra festive touch and makes your arrangement unique.

If you prefer a softer and more romantic vibe, opt for pastel-colored flowers like blush roses or lavender tulips. Pair them with delicate greenery like eucalyptus for an ethereal, dreamy bouquet that complements any holiday decor theme.

Remember, the key is to keep it simple yet sweet – let the natural beauty of the flowers shine through without overwhelming the arrangement. With these ideas, you can create stunning bouquets to enhance your holiday decor and bring joy to those who see them.

6. Make a tree out of flowers

If you want to do a small craft project for your holiday floral decor, consider making a small tree out of flowers. All you need is some floral foam. Form those foam blocks into a cone that looks like a Christmas tree.

After doing that, you can then add flowers into that floral block. Make sure to trim the stems so they don’t stick out of the floral foam block. Once that’s finished, add your usual decorative elements like tinsel and ribbons around the tree.

7. Fill a long vase with orchids

Photo by Kirk Cameron on Unsplash

For those who want a more elegant and minimalistic floral decor for the holidays, orchids will be an excellent choice for them. To encapsulate the beauty of the orchids, make sure you use a long vase with it. That way, you can showcase the orchids to their full beauty.

8. Dress up your wreath with flowers

Photo by Mel Poole on Unsplash

Having some wreaths to decorate your doors is a great way to add forest scents to your home. However, don’t just settle for some plain greens when you can elevate your wreaths with some flowers.

Magnolias with your wreaths are a great choice. White lilies and chrysanthemums are also a top choice to add to your wreaths.

9. Design a garland made of carnations

Garlands are great decor for your home’s curtain rods and other horizontal spaces. If you want to know which flowers are the best choice for garlands, then consider using carnations that are simple and cute but impactful and make your garlands look that much more beautiful.

10. Infuse floral accents to the candle holders

Candles and candle holders are decorative pieces you might have lying around the house for the holidays. Consider adding floral accents to your candle holders as well. Just be sure that your floral accents won’t reach the open flames if you do plan on adding them to your candle holders.

Conclusion

These floral decor ideas should help you create an inviting and festive environment for your home this coming holiday season. Don’t be afraid to play around and experiment, but with just the sheer presence of the flowers in your home, you already elevate the appearance and atmosphere of your home this holiday.

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the-3-best-tips-to-help-you-create-your-own-christmas-decorations

Making your own Christmas decorations is a wonderful way to add a personal touch to the holiday season. It’s a fun and creative activity that can bring joy to both the maker and those who see the decorations. Although it is much easier to go out and buy decorations, when you make your own, your house will stand out from the rest. 

When you make your own decorations and Christmas decor, you can customize them to reflect your personality and family values. They can be kept and passed down through the generations with more meaning than mass-produced decorations. In this article, we will give you the information you need to be able to create your own this holiday season. 

1 – Pick the materials

When it comes to making Christmas decorations, the first step is choosing the right materials. Traditional materials like paper, fabric, wood, and metal are popular choices. Paper is versatile and can be used in a variety of ways, from simple cut-outs to complex origami. Fabric offers a range of textures and colors, perfect for creating soft ornaments or festive garlands. 

Wood is always a good choice as it adds a rustic charm and warmth to the decor of the room. It’s natural and also neutral so it fits with just about any decoration style. 

The key is to look for material that will last a long time. Something like polyurethane resin for molds is a good choice since it lasts for decades. This material is a type of plastic that you can mold into different shapes. It’s perfect for creating custom ornaments or detailed decorations. 

2 – Get inspired

When it comes to Christmas-themed ornaments and decorations, there are endless possibilities for design and creativity. The key is to find inspiration so you can create decorations that reflect your personality and style. 

Classic designs are always a good start. You can put your own twist on traditional decorating elements. Think of wreaths, stars, and tree ornaments that can easily be customized. You can get creative with the materials and use things like horseshoes if you are passionate about horses, or quilts if you are into quilting. Use bright, unconventional colors, experiment with geometric shapes, or incorporate themes that are unique to your interests or culture.

3 – Displaying your creations

Once you’ve crafted your Christmas decorations, the next exciting step is displaying them. When it comes to decorating your space, think about balance and theme. For example, if your home has a rustic feel, wooden and fabric decorations can complement this style. In a more modern setting, metallic or brightly colored ornaments might stand out beautifully. 

Combining different types of decorations can also be effective. For instance, placing a homemade centerpiece on a table with store-bought candles can create an inviting atmosphere. Place your handmade ornaments on the Christmas tree alongside commercial ones for variety. Handcrafted wreaths can be hung on doors or walls, adding a personal touch.

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best-neutral-christmas-home-decor

Christmas time is in full swing … but you say you don’t like colourful Christmas home decor. Well you are in luck, Christmas decor comes in all styles and ‘colours’ – let me show you some of the Best Neutral Christmas Home Decor …

Neutral Christmas Decor – white, gold and beige

Maybe not your typical colour scheme but this is just so elegant and chic.  Gold and white are a classic combination and by adding the beige and taupe tones – this room looks so rich! The white lights add some beautiful shine and the rustic touches like the deer head on the tree top add a woodland look which is very popular right now.

Photo credit: Kirklands

Neutral Christmas Decor – Silver, Green and White

I love Christmas decor that can really extend through the long winter months and when you opt for a neutral palette you definitely have that ability to keep up a lot of your decor through the winter.  This combination has a cool, outdoorsy vibe think evergreens, snow and ice….This beautiful staircase with evergreens and baubles is so seasonal and fresh looking!

Photo credit: Lowe’s

 

Neutral Christmas Decor – Brown and Gold

This combination of brown and gold is so rich and elegant. This tree has a traditional feel and the colours of brown and gold add drama and depth. Al of the the sparkle that contrasts with the more rugged textures like the burlap makes this tree make this tree one of a kind.

 

Photo credit: TrendyTree

 

Neutral Christmas Decor – Black, White and Wood

This combination is not your typical Christmas combination but it also has a great modern meets outdoors feel.  The mix of the Buffalo Check and the wood log chargers gives this Christmas table setting a relaxed and casual feel but still says Christmas.

Photo credit: HobbyCraft

Neutral Christmas Decor – Navy and Metallics

Navy Blue is a great way to add some depth and drama yet still keeping it classic with a winter feel and you can easily mix in some metallic tones like silver or gold (maybe even both).  Navy blue and white are also a great neutral combination for the season – a little unexpected but it works!

Photo credit: lushome

 

Neutral Christmas Decor – All White

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow…..make your home a winter wonderland with layers of white on white Christmas decor. With these colour scheme you can remove the tree and keep other decorative touches up because the white decor is more seasonal and less holiday focused.

Photo credit: skimbacolifestyle

Remember, neutral decor is never boring mix it up with pattern and texture for everyday and for the holidays,


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we-answer-wednesday-selling-and-staging

“We are selling our home and our agents wants to book our photos.  Should we have them done before or after we decorate for Christmas? Our house looks so beautiful with the tree up and the stocking hung on the mantle. We love it and we think others will too!”

Christmas is right around the corner and it is such a wonderful time of year!  Decorating is one of our favourite parts of the season, too – it’s festive and fun! But when it comes to selling your home, holiday decor presents more negatives than positives….and there are definitely buyers out there looking for their new home during the Christmas season, so you don’t want to turn them off!

We love the welcoming exterior – it’s seasonal but not over done.  But be sure not to leave it up too long….or put it up too early….

What are the negatives of  seasonal decorating (for any holiday) while selling your home:

1. Distracting.

Yes, Christmas and other holiday decor is beautiful but it can really distract buyers from seeing the beauty and features of your home as they will be focused on the tree, wreath, lights, stockings and more…..and not the windows, layout …

A few festive Christmas mantle but this would be distracting for buyers. I would remove the banner and gifts. You could keep the garland and stockings for the Christmas season – but decorate after your photos!

2. Clutter.

Although we never really view or consider holiday decor pieces to be clutter when they are out on display they do take up room and can make a space look and feel cluttered and over stuffed.  Think about how much smaller a room looks with a 7 – 8 ft tree in it – it takes up space!

 
3. Dating.

Holiday decor can really date your online photos and make your home look like it has been sitting on the market a lot longer than it has.  Let’s say you have your photography done in early Dec with all of your decorating done.  By mid January these photos will already look dated and it will send the message to buyers (and their agent) that your home has been sitting even though it has only been 30-40 days.

4. Personal.

When you decorate for Christmas or really any holiday, it can be a very personalized touch to the space especially if you have family heirlooms, religious items and handmade ornaments and other crafts made by your children or grandchildren.  It personalizes the space and that can make buyers feel uncomfortable (or like they are just visiting) as they are trying to picture their lives and building memories of their own in this house.

So definitely have your photos take BEFORE you decorate.

When it comes to seasonal decorating before showings and open houses – really try to eliminate or at least limit the decor – for the same reasons listed above. But if you must decorate for Christmas while your home is on the resale market – keep these tips in mind…

 
1.  Do NOT decorate BEFORE your photos.

2. Do keep it simple and tasteful with a consistent theme (for example: mixed metallics or traditional green, white and red; or country or modern).  This year keep it simple by only bringing out some decor – the house shouldn’t look like Christmas town!

3. Do NOT keep the decorations up too long or too late. Or decorate too early either. Aim to have the decor packed up by Jan 4 (approx)

4. Do NOT hang up or display really personal decor such as family photos, religious items, handmade ornaments and crafts by children or grandchildren

5. Do keep it welcoming and inviting with a small vignette by the front entry and then some decor in main living areas (try to limit to a room to two, for example the family room as the main Christmas decorating space and maybe a few items in the dining room and/or formal living room – stay consistent with that theme)

Celebrate the season without going totally over board. Remember in your new home (the next one), you can decorate as early as you want and keep it up as long as you like and you can go all out!

Remember, when it comes to selling your home you really don’t want to drag out the process so follow the steps to get it sold quickly and next Christmas you can really make up for the lack of decor!

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christmas-decor-for-everyone

Yes – there is Christmas decor for everyone and every style! Well…it’s about 1 month away – Christmas day! Have you decorated yet?

If you love to decorate but feel like Christmas just doesn’t blend with your style we have some news for you – this year there is something for everyone!

 

In the past, Christmas decor was all about a traditional look and sticking with a white, green and red motif with a touch of silver or gold; or, it was very child like and full of animation.

 

For the person that loves bright colour and even neon hues –

This option is for you….try a white tree with lots of bright and bold colour decor items! You can even find bright colour trees like aqua or pink.  We love a fun punch of colour and colour is so festive so why not opt for colour and fun this holiday season? Try adding some different elements to your tree to make it really unique like bright bows that are oversized and full or print, bright colour feathers from a craft store, bold neon baubles, ribbons, pompoms and so much more!

 

For the person that loves glitz and glamour…

Why not dress up your home for this Christmas in metallics? The shiny and reflective surfaces look so chic and sophisticated (timeless too).  You can stick with one metallic like silver and keep it so cool and clean or blend them all.  Mix in some glitter and crystals for a total glam look.  We love to see metallics mixed with white twinkle lights.  Paired with a white tree gives the look a more modern feel but paired with a classic evergreen makes it a bit more elegant, it’s up to you!

 

 

For the person that likes a more rustic look…

You can incorporate your favourite woodland animals like owls, deer and moose along with wood textures like birch, mix in some plaid and knit textures for a cozy cabin Christmas vibe. Burlap garlands around the tree, grapevine accessories and pine cones are easy and simple additions to any evergreen tree and will give the look that rustic country feel.

 

For someone who likes a more modern look…

Try a minimalist and monotone look.  Grey is a hot neutral and why not incorporate it into your Christmas decor motif? Pair it with some silver decor and you do not have to fill the tree with decor – keep it clean and simple. If you have grey in your home currently and like a tone on tone look this is a great option for you.

 

For the sports fan why not find a another way to display your team colours? 

Try a sports themed tree celebrating Christmas and your team! You can find logo decorations for all of the professional teams and college team plus you can easily find lights, ribbon, baubles and more in your team colours.  Go Team! Go Christmas!!

 

 

For the person that likes something a bit different but you want to nod to tradition somewhat…

why not decorate with an unexpected colour combination? Black and white are not your traditional Christmas colours but they are a classic combination, they look great together even on a tree. Add a fun pop like yellow or even aqua (Tiffany Blue like the tree here) for something really unique and eye catching.  Make the Christmas a part of your decor scheme!

 

 

For the fashionista or aspiring fashion designer…

Show off your flare for fashion with this dress form tree.  Dress this tree up how ever you like! Add as much bling as you like and in any colour – you can really take this idea to the next level and completely customize it! This tree truly has a style of its own!

 

 

For the person that loves the beach…

Try a coastal Christmas tree! Shells, starfish and silver dollars look amazing on a tree paired with soft pastel tones.  If you love Christmas and you love the beach this is perfect for you or if you live on the coast and want to compliment the surroundings this is a great look, too!  The beach themed items pair so nicely with the green tree and the silver tones and glass baubles.

 

 

For the person who loves the traditional colours but want to make a statement…

Make your tree a total designer showpiece and go over the top with oversized decor items all over your tree! To get this sculptural look you will need time, patience plus lots of floral wire but you can definitely achieve this fabulous look and it gives a fresh take on the traditional colours.

 

 

For the person that loves the snow….

A snow flocked tree is for you!  Take the look of nature, those stunning snow covered evergreens and bring it indoors – this is a great look with any colour scheme or style.  It works beautifully with bold and bright neon hues, the rustic look and even the more elegant and traditional looks. You can even transform your current artificial tree to a snow covered one with a little DIY

 

 

Remember when you are decorating for the holidays, keep the theme consistent – that will give your home that designer holiday look no matter which style you prefer.  Make sure that no matter your style – have fun!

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“I am always looking at magazines for ideas for my centerpieces, but they all look so expensive and hard to put together. How can I get that look for my home?”

So many people are entertaining from home these days. This is a fad that many thought wouldn’t stick around but entertaining at home is typically more budget friendly and a great way to show off your beautiful home! There are a lot of different ways to throw a dinner party from a formal party to a backyard BBQ, but regardless of your type of party, 9 times out of 10, there will be a centerpiece on the dinner table.

Here are some suggestions on what to use as a centerpiece for your dinner parties.

Floral centerpieces

– are a classic and traditional option. There are so many different types of floral arrangements that can be present on your table. So how does one decide?
 

Incorporate a colour scheme

Part of hosting is making things look nice for your guests. Plan your floral arrangement based on a predetermined colour scheme. For example, if you have all white dishes and serve ware, incorporating another colour will enhance the table setting. Maybe you love purple and don’t own any purple dinner accessories. A centerpiece is a fabulous place to incorporate it. A white and purple floral arrangement would be a beautiful way to spice up your traditional white dishes.

There are so many sizes and shapes and styles of centerpieces to create. Depending on the size of your table, you may have the space to have multiple arrangements on the table. A series of small vases instead of one large arrangement gives your table a fresh look. It doesn’t have to be flowers either! As you can see in this photo, beautiful and bold lilacs in these oversized teal vases with glass bottles mixing in for fun make a big impact but the arrangement is so simple, paired with robin’s egg blue dinner plates and glasses set on the rough textured, reclaimed wood harvest table looks absolutely incredible for a spring dinner or wedding

 

Candles

Candles are another classic option for a center piece. These can be arranged in many different ways using various colours, sizes and textures. Candle centerpieces have so much DIY potential, and with sites like Pinterest and Houzz, the options are truly endless for what you can do! There’s no reason to go crazy expensive either… Simple is beautiful too. If you’re looking for a wow-factor, be creative with your arrangement, it will look great!!

Holiday Themed Centerpieces are so much fun.

For Christmas, try adding ornaments into a large dish. Throw in a little sparkle if you can! A little glitter by candle light will make your table shine.

When it comes to ‘dressing up’ your table think about these important points…

  1. Time of year, seasonal decor is easy to find so it won’t be a stressful endeavor to under take

  1. Type of gathering.  Is it formal? Casual? Family-friendly? Inside or Outside?  This will be vital when decide what to put on that table
  1. How crafty are you? There are tons of great ideas with glue guns, glitter and so much more but if you aren’t a crafty soul you could get stressed out, keep it simple, sometimes the simplest decor makes the most impact.
  1. Waste.  If you worry about waste think about edible centerpieces like fruit, candy, nuts or even beautiful artisan bread laid and displayed in a chic way.  If you opt for florals, think about how you could re-purpose the arrangements in your own home or give them away as a ‘prize’ like you often see at Weddings.

 

 

You can do so much with basics like ribbon, mason jars, flowers, paint, glitter, flowers, twigs, burlap, leaves, pumpkins, nuts, fruit, coffee beans, candles and other basics from around the home, the possibilities are really endless…

 

We love the look of a simple and seasonal centerpiece – celebrate the beauty that surrounds you everyday and embrace it!

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