by Tamatha Hetrick

Created on: October 20, 2008   Last Updated: October 28, 2008

Quick Christmas Decorating...

It's nothing new, it happens every year! It sneaks right up on you without provocation. Yep, it's Christmas! Not just Christmas, but Christmas decorating too. We are going to help you make Christmas decorating quick, simple, elegant and stress free, from your front door to your back door.

The first thing you need to do is decide on two or three colors that you will decorate with. Take a look at the Christmas ornaments you have and go with the colors you have the most of. These may be colors that are Christmas by trend or they may match your current decor. It's up to you. Some nice combinations are silver/blue, red/gold and red/green.

Decide if you want lights out in your yard or not. Remember to keep it simple and less is more. For a elegant look use clear lights around some shrubs or greenery. Keep in mind that using multi-colored lights are fine but tend to look like you are having Christmas in Disneyland.

Your front door is usually the first thing your neighbors, guests and passersby see. So, make this a focal point. Cover the door with your basic color IE. blue. You can do this with gift wrap or any other solid sheet. Then add a medium size greenery wreath. Make sure it has shiny ornaments on it of your basic color. Attach a large bow in your contrast color IE. silver. Hang on your door. Simple enough and has understated elegance.

When you step inside you want Christmas to be stated not screamed at you. You want to have 1 or 2 focal points in each room. The living room will most likely have your Christmas tree. That is 1 focal point. If you have a large hanging picture behind a sofa, gift wrap it. Again be sure to use your color scheme. Add a nice handmade bow. Rehang the picture. That makes the 2nd focal point. Be sure to add a few knick knacks. Just a few. Not too many as it tends to clutter things, again less is more. Use subtle details such as a pillows, bows, or change your candle colors.

Your dining room can really speak volumes by doing very little. Something as simple as silver or gold chargers along with a coordinating centerpiece can really say "Holiday Cheer". If your kitchen flows into the dining room you will want to continue your colors and styles. You can also use chargers on a decorated bar or kitchen island. Have a cookbook on a stand and opened to your favorite Christmas cookie recipe. This will warm and invite guests as will some simmering potpourri. If you don't have a potpourri burner you can use a simple pot with a small amount of water on low/simmering heat. A bowl holding some ornaments and greenery can be sat in kitchen crevices. All this will show understated elegance.

Don't forget your bathrooms. Pine scented candles and some Christmas finger towels will welcome guests. Try to avoid any colored toilet tissue as the color tends to run, not flattering.

The back door should be decorated as well. It doesn't have to be much. A small wreath or flower arrangement is fine. Just enough for anyone to know it's Christmas all around the house.

So, this Christmas season, remember you don't have to stress. You can decorate with elegance and style but don't have to go overboard. Happy Holidays.

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