Spark up your table.
Because the holiday focus is usually on the big meal, I consider any time thinking about and dressing my dining table time well spent. This year try a new color scheme: rich rose red and dusky purple; white and maroon; or rustic neutrals highlighted with gold. A decorative runner in shimmering organza or beaded silk is striking, especially on a wood table.
Create a shimmery focus.
For an easy but striking centerpiece, pile a dish high with frosted fruits (brushed with lightly beaten egg whites, then dredged with sugar and left to dry). Shiny red apples, crab apples, rosehips and berries from shrubs such as snowberry look spectacular with evergreens. Or try an
unusual vase like an oil cruet or beaded purse.
Pump up the glow.
Nothing reflects the spirit of the holidays more than candles. Mass a handful of tapers in varying heights and thicknesses to create a dramatic effect. Place before a reflective surface such as a mirror, glass wall or window to enhance the effect. Surrounding the candles with large chalky white pebbles adds textural interest.
Perfume the air.
Glade® Scented Oil Candles not only cast a holiday glow, but the wax melts into a large pool of scented oil so that more fresh fragrance is released into the air. As the whole room fills with a refreshing scent, you can relax and enjoy the shimmering candlelight for the holidays. I love the 3-in-1 starter kit that features Dewberry Dream, Spiced Rose & Vanill and Orchid Oasis.
Ring around a napkin.
It's not hard to create your own napkin rings. Start with a white napkin and wrap sprigs of berries and a red ribbon around it. Or try substituting a small bunch of red grapes (plastic ones work) or even rose buds for the berries.
Mingle the spices.
The scent of citrus blended with the spicy aroma of cloves is a not-to-be-missed holiday smell. Orange pomanders are easy to make, and they work great as gifts. Make extras and send guests home with samples. (Tip: orange peel can be tough to pierce so prick your design first with a small skewer and then push the cloves into the holes.) For another combination, glue cinnamon sticks (bought from florists or at your local supermarket) around a candle holder. They will exude their aroma as the candle burns.
Think out of the box.
If wrapping presents drives you crazy, here's a solution: a simple white box can look elegant with just the addition of an extra special bow. Tissue paper is easier to use than traditional wrapping paper (especially good for encasing around potted plants and wine bottles). And a
tissue paper flower can serve as a terrific bow. (One year a friend loved the paper flower bow better than the gift I gave her and kept it all year! Sad, but true.)
Tag it differently.
For an edible gift tag, bake gingerbread stars or hearts (make a hole in each before baking), then ice names or initials on them and thread a ribbon through. You could also copy photographs of holiday scenes or pictures of your own house and garden to tag presents with a personal touch.
Wreathe and breathe.
I love to wreathe my front door with fragrant leaves that give my guests an aromatic welcome. Try a generous bunch of freeze-dried hops tied with a ribbon for a citrus-pine aroma. A
eucalyptus wreath is also a very invigorating reminder of the season. I continue the aroma inside by using various
Glade® holiday fragrances such as
Glade® PlugIns® Scented Gel refill in Apple Cinnamon in the guest bedroom,
Glade® Room Spray in French Vanilla in the bathroom and
Glade® Scented Oil Candles in Fresh Berries in the living room.
Perk up your kitchen.
Because you'll be spending a lot of time in the kitchen, make it beautiful—for you and your guests! Perk up a bland area with an earthy arrangement. Freshly picked berries with leaves intact look refreshing in a porcelain pitcher. (Now is the time to use all those decorative pitchers you own!)
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Christmas Details © Ryland Peters & Small, 2000, 2006