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Make Holiday Decorating Easy, Yet Elegant, Too!

     If you want a larger centerpiece, go for the larger fruit like pomegranates, pears, apples and lemons. Pick a stunning bowl, a little greenery and it truly will be a centerpiece like no other. Give it a try. Here's the easy recipe: Selected fresh fruit, two egg whites, pastry brush, and extra fine sugar. I find that the floral picks with the wire work best as you can use the little wire to attach around the grape stems/ or to ho;d the fruit while rotating. Brush your fruit with the egg white, and then sprinkle with sugar. The first round or two will dissolve so keep coating until your fruit starts to take on a white cast. Let dry at least 30 minutes.
     Another easy tip is to give everything around your house a bow or tassel during this time of year. Leave no pillow, chair, gift or towel untouched. Simple things like wrapping your couch pillows in ribbon and tied like presents, adding ribbon to your chairs, chandeliers, curtains, as well as on the tree. Hang festive tassels on your guest towels, doorknobs, and even as fancy napkin rings.
    When gift wrapping, go for the large wired ribbon that says WOW, what a beautiful package just for me!
    Ah yes, nothing says Christmas more than a few Nutcrackers to dress up your home for the holidays. A true favorite by many is the Steinbach Nutcracker (if you shop early enough you can find the perfect one for a wonderful collectable gift. They even come in mini ornament size with a variety from which to choose. It is a true joy to give and receive these as gifts.}
There is always one waiting under my tree, and each year I cannot wait to unveil my newest edition. Where will he go to stand tall? On a bookshelf, or on the cabinets, by the tree or any little nook that needs a little flair? Get a bag of mixed unshelled nuts and add them to the base of a nutcracker for your old fashion theme.
     Swags of garland, floral arrangements, topiaries, and trees. The holiday greenery is endless but what a statement it can make with a little sprucing up. Go outside and see what nature has to offer. It’s nice to try to use fresh during this season not only for the look but also for the fantastic aroma the pine, cedar, and spruces give off. Visit your local tree shops as they usually have leftover trimmings for free.
      If you suffer from allergies, however, don't allow fresh inside, but any of these ideas also will work with faux pine. Dress up your chairs, chandelier, or curtain tiebacks with a little greenery, pinecones and a floral pick in a seasonal color.
     Try running greenery down the length of your dining room table as a runner. Don't forget your front entry as that always gives a warm welcome to your friends and family. A festive wreath or two, topiary trees with lights, ribbons, and yes, more pinecones!
     With your homes decorated with these simple ideas, relax and enjoy the holiday season with your loved ones, take in a parade or two (land or sea), or any of the other local festivities. Have a happy and safe new year.

This article was published in the December 2011 Issue of Hobe Sound Currents. CLICK HERE!