Cheers to the Freakin’ Holidays! Holidays are here and so is the spirit of giving. In that spirit, why not give the greatest Holidays bash to celebrate having survived another entire year! Here are some quick All-Purpose ideas for getting your home holiday-ready. These aren’t the complete, all-inclusive list but it’s at least what you’ll need to get started. Without any further ado, here are just the basics for any party scenario:
1. Entrance: Do up your entrance. The entrance to your home should be magnificent and welcoming. Line the driveway with as many floor lights as you want. Be sure to place them so they don’t get in the way, you don’t want any guests tripping before they even enter your home. How would a 911 call for a twisted ankle set a festive mood for anybody? The best thing to do is to tape down lights using gaffer tape. But first, clean up the clutter near your entrance. Just like when any guests come over, you want your place to be as spiffy as possible. You can decorate the entrance with more than just lights, of course, depending on the holiday. For fall, pumpkins and garland can be appropriate. Even scarecrows and Halloween decorations would work. Sleigh Bells and wreaths for a Christmas evening would suffice.
2. Lighting: Lighting sets the tone for the party. Christmas lights are always an option but if you want to DIY your own white lights into colorful lights without spending a dime, you could purchase a strip of regular white lights and cover each light bulb with multi-colored cellophane strips. Candles are more appropriate for a formal setting such as an elegant dinner party. Different size candles can really set the tone of an elegant dining room, without the harsh light of LED bulbs to create dim lighting. If using candles, pairing a short candle with a taller candle can add a more encompassing look than uniform candle looks.
3. Flowers: Flowers will never go out of style. Regardless of the season or holiday, flowers are always somehow involved. For Valentine’s Day, a red rose while for Saint Patrick’s Day, a four-leaf clover is warranted. Flowers add color and fragrance to your decor. Use garlands to decorate tall structures, for an earthy feel. Elaborate floral arrangements on mantels are the perfect centerpiece to any elegant dinner table. Floral vases can fill the corners and floating displays of your gathering.
4. Fabric and Linen: The color and texture of the fabric in the room, whether dressing the tables or as ribbons on chairs, should be decided according to the occasion, theme, season etc. Bright, colorful fabrics work in summer and spring, but not everything has to be based on the seasons. Rich brocades and Velvet go with a Victorian theme, if that’s your holiday feeling- it’s your prerogative. However, some holidays have their staple colors which are always appreciated. Christmas can use red, gold, white and even green fabrics. Halloween follows any fall colors from Orange to Black or Beige.
5. A Special Touch: You can always add a “Wow” factor to your decoration by completing an already-decorated room with a finishing touch. For instance, at a wedding reception, you can complete the appetizers table with an Ice Sculpture. Give the party people something to remember your event by. One item can make all the difference. A special occasion is the right time to show off your beautiful collection of dolls or your set of original oils by a famous artist. A set of rare books could be major attraction for the bibliophiles. Everything ranging from mini-aquariums, waterfalls, miniature indoor gardens or even better- a photo booth with printable souvenir photos can set your party apart. This “wow” factor will not only enhance your decor, but also give your guests an icebreaker topic to start a conversation.
