Guest Author - Donna Coogan
In the spirit of the season and inspired by the popular Christmas carol, The 12 Days of Christmas, here are some Christmas decorating ideas to inspire you this year. You may already utilize these decorating ideas in your own home, but nevertheless, they are meant to encourage you to add something festive to your home every day. They are relatively easy to do and not very expensive either, especially if you already have holiday items in your inventory.
On the first day of Christmas, display a wreath on your front door. A wreath is always a welcoming sign to friends, family and other guests. I love large green wreaths decorated with ribbons and ornaments, but there are so many choices you are sure to find one you love. You can always make your own wreath, too. Visit craft stores like Michaels or Hobby Lobby for inspiration.
On the second day of Christmas, run lights along your roof. Blinking, musical, multi-colored or monotone, Christmas lights add to the spirit of the holidays. My family loves to drive around our neighborhood and ooh and ahh over all the lights in other people’s yards.
On the third day of Christmas, decorate your yard with holiday displays. Whether you like angels, snowmen, Santas or a peaceful nativity, a front yard display can be a fun and meaningful addition to your decorating.
On the fourth day of Christmas, place candles in your windows. I love seeing the glow of candles in the window. There are electric and battery operated choices, however the electric ones tend to shine brighter and I’ve found them to be cheaper in the long run.
On the fifth day of Christmas, string garlands throughout your home. Garlands are a common sight during the holiday season. They are very versatile in the home and can be used along ceilings, around columns, across mantels and stair railings.
On the sixth day of Christmas, set up your Christmas tree. Make it a festive occasion with family and friends and get to work decorating your tree. There are so many ways to decorate a tree and it’s a great way to showcase your love for color, texture and special ornaments.
On the seventh day of Christmas, hang stockings on the mantel. Stockings are a delightful addition to your holiday decorating and when you include the names of family members, they add a personal touch, too.
On the eighth day of Christmas, fill your home with red and white poinsettias. The poinsettia is probably the most common Christmas plant. It provides an easy way to instantly add holiday cheer to the home. Shop for them in bulk at home and garden centers and display them throughout your home.
On the ninth day of Christmas, create a gingerbread house. A gingerbread house adds a nostalgic feeling to the holiday season. Make your own from scratch or buy a kit. I’ve seen many styles for less than $10. Buy a few extra candies and have fun creating your own one-of-a-kind house and then display it on a table as a centerpiece or part of a vignette.
On the tenth day of Christmas, wrap gifts in pretty papers, ribbons and bows. I try to buy my Christmas paper when it’s marked down during the after-Christmas sales and stock up for the following year. Go for a multitude of patterns or choose all one color or all one theme like snowflake designs or nutcrackers. Be sure to add ribbons and bows for that extra special touch.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, set the table in holiday array. When the dining table is set with beautiful dishes, glassware, stemware and centerpiece, it creates a wonderful invitation to sit down and linger with your guests over a delicious holiday meal.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, hang the mistletoe. Mistletoe is playful touch that is a must for every home during the Christmas season. Hang one in a hallway or wherever you like to catch friends and family unawares or tuck pieces into your holiday arrangements.
Embrace your decorating this Christmas season by adding those special touches each day that are significant to you and your loved ones.
