Holiday Stylin'

Decorating experts share spruce-up tips for the season 

By Penny Marshall

Looking for some new decorating ideas to make your home fa-la-la-la festive? Local experts share some great tips that are sure to welcome your guests and warm your nest throughout the holiday season. When it comes to choosing colors for your decorations, Jodi Fisher of Style@Home (www.styleathomeonline.com) suggests build on the colors you already have in your home rather than changing everything based on a particular holiday. However if your choice is to follow the latest trend, fun colors this year include pinks, turquoise, copper and orange-red. “Use decorations that you already have and then add a theme,” says Jodi. “For example I had a client that had a collection of snowmen. We created vignettes, added greens, ribbon and incorporated items the person already had.”

To pull it all together, Deb Lansdowne from Debra Lansdowne Designs (www.debsdesignonline.com) advises: “There should be one design element that creates a cohesive look throughout your home in holiday decorating. For example, if you’re using pinecones or red, glittering berries, use them in some form in every room.” 

Trends for Every Age Group Trends in holiday decorating themes include “nostalgia” ornaments and decorations from one’s childhood (quite popular with the 40-somethings). An elegant European look is also at the top of the list. This is a more traditional, dressy look that includes dark, deep colors such as olive green and currant berry hues (appealing to the 30-something age group). Those in their 20s are going for trendy color layering of whites, ivories, gold and silvers that is popular year round and creates a look of “winter wonderland.” “When decorating for the holidays, make a decision as to where you want to focus your energy,” Deb advises. “If you’re going to be entertaining, concentrate on public areas such as the living room, family room and kitchen.” Decorating every room over the top may be too overwhelming. Remember that the eye needs a place to rest.” g

Decorations on a Dime Birds. Polar bears and penguins are moving over as birds, such as partridges (in pear trees) and cardinals, gain in popularity.

Lights. Add warmth and mood with light. Now that battery powered options are available, nearly any area or item can be illuminated. Large, clear glass containers with lids. These are one of the most versatile purchases you can make. Fill them with candy, nuts, fruit, ornaments, candles even colored water. “But remember it looks best to have three (or an odd number) of them when displaying,” says Jodi.

Canning jars. “I put some greens on the bottom, fill them with small white lights and nestle them in some greens and trees,” says Jodi. “You can also fill the jars with holiday candy or candles. Vases are another option for filling with lights.”

Scents. “Don’t forget scents,” advises Deb. “If the bathroom vanity will accommodate, consider a candelabra adorned with greens or a holiday centerpiece. And for guests, perhaps a basket with a few greens, rolled up washcloths and soaps.”

Fabric. Fabric has a place in holiday decorating too. Deb has added swags of velvet or wool to existing window treatments to give a warmer look. “Add extra fabric to a space and it’s immediately yummy. There are so many great throws out there right now. And accent pillows too. You can even make pillows out of your old cashmere sweaters,” says Deb.

Jodi Fisher of Rochester and her sister-in-law Becky Olson of Rosemount own Style@Home. Style@Home specializes in room redesigns (using items that people already have to provide a new, fresh look), color consultation, home move-in services, shopping, detailed design proposals and staging to-do lists. Gift certificates are available.  Debra Lansdowne operates Debra Lansdowne Designs in Rochester. She specializes in interior design, redesign, holiday decorating and personal shopping or accessory arrangement.  Penny Marshall works for MayoClinic.com and is a freelance writer.