'Tis the Season for Decorating

The holidays are officially here. With Christmas coming up in just a few weeks, it's a perfect time to get those decorations out and put up the tree. I like to start on Black Friday so it's all done and the house looks festive. It's always good to get a head start on things.  

One thing to remember when decorating for the holidays is to brace yourself. Stand back and take a look around. You want to make sure the style of your home doesn't get buried beneath the winter decor. There is such a thing as too much.

Ideally, your holiday decorations should accent the everyday design of your home.  This will allow the space to look festive without compromising a modern and fresh feel. Here are a few tips that will help your home look well designed and balanced.

1. A successful cohesive look starts with the color palette. Take notice of the colors of your home and use decorations that fit within that scheme.  For example, I have a lot of cool blues and whites in my space so I choose Christmas decor that has the same colors. This way it all blends together nicely.

Look for some unique holiday decor at the on Railroad Avenue or on Main Street.  Sometimes showcasing vintage elements can add a remarkable touch of cheer.

2. Placement means everything. Rest small ornamental objects where people can see but make sure they blend in with other elements around them. 

Try checking out the holiday selection at your local drug stores. Walgreens, Rite Aid and CVS are all on Main Street.  Sometimes you can be surprised about what they have and their prices are usually really good.

3. Space out your holiday decor so it surrounds you a little at a time.  Sometimes when you group things it can be too much. Scatter the whimsy and spread the joy.

4. Take advantage of home accents. If you have banisters or rails use them to your advantage. Wrap some simple white lights around them and pave the way for Christmas cheer. This is an easy way to bring a modern touch to your festive decor.

5.  Don't forget about hallways and corners. You want that festive feel spread throughout the house so adding little touches here and there on the stairwell or a forgotten corner will help you achieve that goal.

6.  Decorating the tree should be fun. There are many ways people go about this but there is one rule you should always follow - keep it natural and neat! Don't just throw on ornaments and tinsel; place them in a way that makes sense.  

I use white lights and then follow with blue and silver ornamental balls. Then I accent the tree with unique wood ornaments my Mom and I made when I was little as well as some my boyfriend and I received as gifts. Traditional elements always add that extra love a tree needs. So try to mix it up with different textures and shapes to give depth to the design.

See what you can find at the Attias Flea Market on Sunrise Highway.  True Value on Foster Avenue might carry some lights and ornaments as well.

7. Using natural elements like flowers and plants are a sure way to bring the holidays into your home. Some red and white roses or lilies will add that delightful touch while poinsettias guarantee a traditional feel.

You can purchase a great array of flowers at Sayville Flowers on Railroad Avenue or the Rambling Rose Florist on West Main Street.

I hope these tips can help you all get through another holiday season with ease.  Decorating should be fun!  If it helps, get everyone involved and make a night out of it.  With a little music and some snacks, your home will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland in no time.