With one more weekend before Christmas and Hanukkah on Sunday, many of us may be looking for ways to get different looks for parties and get-togethers. So we go through our cupboards and closets, hoping to be wowed by those fabulous finds that we forgot we already had.
Same goes for clothes and that frisson you feel when you realize that behind the ski jacket from 1997 is that stunning brocade jacket or vintage purse that can be called into service once more as part of your glam holiday look.
If you need a quick decor update, just remember it's all about location. In other words, as floral expert Carol Caggiano points out: "We rend to be creatures of habit, but remember that your holiday decorations will take on a completely different personality, depending on where they are placed within your home. Just think a little bit about how you can reposition what you have."
For example, try moving that garland from the mantel and draping it down the staircase. Or remove the red bows from your tree and attach them to your wreath instead. It's a little change but you'll be surprised how different it looks in a different setting.
If you have permanent evergreens on display, fill in with some fresh greens right before the party. You'll still have the lovely fresh fragrance without spending a lot of extra time or money.
Try adding just one new element. For example, add some miniature birds perhaps, or maybe some butterflies or egg-shaped ornaments to the mix. Try attaching a few to a wreath with putty or wire or displaying several with some pinecones in a bowl or on a platter. test it out and if you like it, you're got yourself a brand-new theme for Christmas 09.
And if your main colors are red and green (imagine that!), could you add a tone of raspberry or chartreuse and make your place feel modern and new?
Ribbons as well are a fun, fast way to add interest to a tree, garland or wreath.
You'll be surprised how much you can do with a dozen red roses. Single blooms can brighten just about any place in your house.
And lastly: Bring on the sparkle! "A jar of glitter and glue doesn't cost much," says Carol, adding that you never have enough time, no matter how much you plan ahead.
OK, so it's not just me. ;)
Flower Fact of the Day: Don't put fresh flowers near ripening fruit. It releases tiny amounts of ethylene gas that can age blooms prematurely.
