Interior Matters Inc - Sherwood Park

Tis the season! Many of us are starting to think about the decorations, the parties, where to put the tree, and are maybe looking for some new ides to have our homes look great for the Christmas season. Christmas envelops the spirit of beauty – your home should reflect this beauty – inside and out.

Start with outdoor lights. Plan a color scheme before you begin stringing the lights. All of the colors look great, but do have a plan. Maybe you want the vibrancy of multi-colored lights or you prefer the simplicity of an all-white show. You can also have both – consider the colored bulbs framing the house and then add all white bulbs to the trees and shrubs on your property.

At the front door, consider a classic black urn - or two - filled with towering branches complemented with rich red berry twigs and some fresh cedar or pine boughs. The door could maybe use a wreath that is complementary to your door color.

Inside – have a plan as well. If you have gathered a bevy of holiday decorations over the year – and you still love them – consider displaying them in new and unexpected ways. For example, if you have some treasured tree ornaments, think about displaying them in a glass hurricane vase as a centerpiece for your table. Try rearranging the location of holiday items to add some interest.

However, there is comfort in the expected. My kids always watch for the Santa print to be added to our décor. This symbolizes the beginning, for them, of all of the surprises, the excitement, the visitors, the magic of the season. I do not want to overlook this tradition. In other areas, though, I can try to make each Christmas season a little different than the last.

Each season, I try to create a theme - a theme that runs throughout my home in all areas of decoration. Here are a couple ideas for you to consider:

• Keeping It Natural – add fresh greens, pine cones, real mistletoe, branches, seed pods and similar items to your mantle, tablescapes and other areas needing decoration. Spark the rustic nature up with rich colored ribbons and or brightly colored glass tree ornaments.

• Adding a Color Twist – we all know that the traditional colors of Christmas are red and green, but there is no rule that you cannot make your own sparkle this season with a new color combination. Consider a decorative Christmas stage set with a blue and silver combination or even chartreuse and royal purple union. The stores are filled with amazing choices to deck your halls. Be traditional or be a little more edgy.

Christmas need not be a cut-and-paste decorating affair. With a little imagination, old can be new again and just new can be added into the mix. The season beckons a creation of a wonderful place for you and your family and friends to gather. Apart from the backdrop, however simple or intricate your Christmas trimming ends up, take the time to celebrate. Wishing the best – yes – even in November – that all your Christmas wishes come true.