Decorating beyond the tree

November 20, 2012

By Erica Gelman

Baby, it’s cold outside!
The leaves are gone, the temperature has dropped and Jack Frost has begun nipping at your nose; the good news is that it can only mean one thing — Christmas, Chanukah, Christmaka and/or Kwanza are just around the corner. Regardless of which holiday you celebrate there’s one thing for certain; it’s time to start decorating.

Typically, when you think of decorating for the holidays it’s all about the tree but I say the tree is just the first step. It may even be your source of inspiration but it doesn’t have to end there. Think ornaments are just for hanging? Think again. With the dynamic colour and style options now available you can decorate every nook in your home, well, maybe not every single one. The assortment and price range varies dramatically from luxury pieces at Teatro Verde to budget-friendly options at HomeSense, Bouclair and even Home Depot featuring the Martha Stewart Collection, so this year there really is no excuse. It’s not where you put these ornaments, it’s how you place them. Be mindful of consistency and harmony. I love the idea of using multiple layers of colour and filling clear vases to spread across your table as décor.
The tables in your home are really the best place to start your decorating frenzy. We always like to draw inspiration from fabrics, so we recommend starting with your tablecloth. For a really unique setting I like to have our clients’ covers custom-made to order. Don’t let the word “custom” fool you. Depending on the size of your table, you probably won’t need more than two yards of fabric and a seamstress to sew the edges. You can invest in small unique items and give your space a real holiday presence.

If you’re one of the lucky ones who has a large mantle, do not forget to adorn that fireplace with colour, texture and elegance. Instead of the traditional evergreen, try a homemade wreath of feathers for a glamorous look or rustic branches in an urban setting. Start with a circular piece of florist’s foam, and then use wooden florist’s picks to secure large items and wrap the object around as much as desired. And there you have yourself an easy DIY project that will reinforce the look you are trying to achieve.
If you’re hosting an elegant soirée, dim the lights and illuminate the room with candles and allow the mood to develop through nightfall. It’s so simple to work with items you already own, it just takes a little creativity and perhaps a second opinion. Set the table with your favourite accessories and layer sections with different finishes for a look that suggests you’ve been collecting pieces over time. For an otherwise crisp and modern approach, my preferred table accessory is a serving tray. In lieu of a placemat or traditional charge plate the tray comes in small, large, matte and lacquered finishes — it will make your décor seem flawless.

For me, it’s always the details that truly elevate the décor. There are so many easy ways to embrace the holiday spirit and enhance the beauty in your home. From small, subtle design touches to large over-the-top custom pieces, the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the season and just remember — decorating your home for the holidays far exceeds dressing up just the traditional tree.

Filed under: EDITORS' NOTES,FROM THE EXPERTS

Tags: decor; decorating; holiday, details, elegant, Erica Gelman, lights