Holiday Decorating

Design advice for creating holiday warmth and magical memories.

by Lee Mink, ASID

The Holidays are upon us prompting millions of Americans to pull boxes from the attic, run to craft stores, and generally load-up on all things shiny.  Why?  We're trying to create a feeling of warmth, of magic, of childhood memories.

• TAKE INVENTORY.   Get out those boxes and see what is still in good repair.  Angels with one wing missing, tangled tinsel, and lights that don't work anymore ought to move out and not come back.  You probably do have certain special items that truly are nostalgic treasures.  They may need some repair or sprucing-up, but make those judgments with a very critical eye.  Once you see what you have to work with, does any theme or collection seem to be developing?  If so, start there with your list of where to fill-in, replace, or add on.

• WHICH AREAS OF YOUR HOME WILL YOU ADORN?   Most of us can't embellish every corner so we need to plan where we will work our magic.  The front door or entry area needs to say  " Welcome!  Come in and enjoy!"   Many people think of wreaths.  But you can choose anything that is representative of whichever festival your family celebrates.  Bright pots of cyclamens, poinsettias, and sweet smelling paper whites by your door or just inside give a natural & fragrant welcome. Once inside, space may need to be made for your Christmas tree, a dining table center piece,  and something over or around a fireplace.  The idea is to adorn, not overwhelm. Remember, when you're filling your home with holiday décor, you must make sure to leave room for people.  Most of us have extra guests during this time of year.  Allow space for them to sit and to enjoy your home.  Make sure also to leave room for trays of food and punch bowls.

• PICK A THEME, AND DEVELOP IT.   A good example of a fabulous tree done in a seaside theme can be seen here in this tree professionally decorated by Roberta Martin, Allied ASID. She hung shells instead of the usual globes, and created  "coral" by painting dry manzanita twigs in bright coral red and sprinkling with silver dust.  Another charming theme that I encountered at a mountain retreat was a tree jammed with toy moose & bears tied on with plaid bows.  Over the years, I personally have been collecting birds of all sorts which cover my family’s 10 ft. tree from top to bottom.  Another friend, an elementary school teacher, likes her decor to be childlike and hand-made.  This playful theme is delightful for her students, children and grandchildren. Use this special time of the year to visually share who you are and your interests with your holiday guests.

• IS IT TIME TO WINTERIZE YOUR FURNITURE?   Maybe your home is not a color palette or pattern which is conducive to winter decor.  This might be a good time to think of slip-covers on floral sofas or white felt or linen table cloths over your skirted corner tables.  Then when you add your special holiday décor  you can appreciate the right color backdrop.   Maybe you want to develop your holiday decor to suit your color preferences.   Who says that Hanukah has to be blue and white?  Or that Christmas decor should be the traditional red & green? If you can't or don't want to recover furniture backgrounds, why not create a theme in the color range that is already established in your home?   Just have some sensitivity that the bright red poinsettias need to enhance your home, not clash with it. 

Think of ways to express welcome, with your theme & color scheme.  Then be ready to let friends and family enjoy as you share yourself and create new memories this holiday season.

------------------ 

Lee Mink, ASID, heads Lee Mink & Associates Interiors, Pasadena, California, which provides residential and commercial design, space planning, and custom designed furnishings services. She can be reached at (626) 796-3900 or email: lee@leeminkinteriors.com

Return to Articles