Reduce The Stress of Holiday Decorating - Keep It Simple

Since it's that time of year for decorating our homes for the season, I thought I would share some of my favorite past Christmas tips and ideas for decking the halls. Whenever possible I use what I have on hand to create holiday decor. Tree branches are a really easy resource for Christmas decorating. Whether you leave them natural or paint them is up to you. It's really easy to make them whatever color you want using spray paint. For Outside:You can use a blend of bare tree branches, greens and berries you collect from your yard, if you are lucky enough to have them available to you.  I find that a mix of natural bare tree branches and artificial Christmas tree branches works really well. I actually prefer the fake greens over natural because I can reuse them every year.The artificial Christmas tree branches work great in window boxes too! For Inside:You can use a blend of natural tree branches, painted or not, and artificial flowers for decorating inside your home.One of my favorites is this arrangement... I used bronze spray paint on the branches and then added artificial greens, berries and silk flowers.You can't tell from the pic, but the branches look really pretty metallic. Branches work well for a tablescape too.... Branches were left natural, but would be really pretty painted white, gold or burgundy.  You can also use paint to give a new look to old or inexpensive ornaments.... Old plastic balls were painted blue, and then dipped in Elmer's Glue and then dipped in Epsom salts for a fresh new look.Here's another way to refresh old ornaments with paint:New Life For Your Old Balls Ornaments are not just for the tree and garland.Filling a glass vase or bowl with ornaments is a simple way to create a festive look.  The tree isn't the only place to hang ornaments....Try hanging some ornaments in your windows.   The holiday season should be something to enjoy and bring you happiness! The key to reducing the stress of holiday decorating is to keep it simple.   If your home is on the market during the holidays...Keeping it simple is especially important.  It's best to decorate for the season, rather than the holiday. If you put up a Christmas tree it's best to remove it the first week in January, along with any other holiday specific decor. ______________________________________________________________________________      Creative & Unique Solutions... One Room at a Time WHAT IS HOME STAGING?               NEW HAMPSHIRE HOME STAGING FAQ Professional Home Staging in New Hampshire Portsmouth   Rye   North Hampton   Dover   Durham   Barrington   Rochester 603.661.8524