Seems like most of the holiday decorating has been finished by now, right? Well, if you are either a) straggling this year or b) dissatisfied with the decor job you did do, 4Homes recently put together a few handy (and seemingly unconventional) tips on how to decorate your home for the holidays.
Choose an Unexpected Color Scheme.
Pink Christmas trees were rather popular a few years back, and we have to admit that we're not entirely ready to give up on this girly option yet--especially if it's done as beautifully as this one. Bubblegum pink tree accented with gold a variety of pink hued ornaments is giving us major Betsey Johnson vibes.
Complement Your Existing Color Scheme
If your home already has a strong color palette, why not work with it? 4Homes offers this bit of advice: "In other words, if your scheme is white or cream, you'll need some colour; if it's monotone, add some glitz and glamour; if it's colourful, look for something more toned down."
Kitschy and Cute...and Handmade
Perhaps some of the most beloved ornaments on a tree are the ones that were made by hand--like a knitted rabbit, a Santa made of felt, or a wonky styrofoam snowman made during art class. Details like these gives the tree a really wonderful sense of personality and history that is entirely unique to your home.
Think Outside of the Traditional Red and Green
Take a step out of the box and skip the red and green pairing this year. The energetic colors used here reinforces an "anything goes" mentality of decorating. Particularly love the idea of using a bookshelf instead of a fireplace to hang stockings, too!
Oh, What A Feeling When We've...Got a Tree On the Ceiling
Upside down tree? Apparently it's quite a popular thing to do this year--Hammacher Schlemmer's pre-lit version that retailed for $600 is completely sold out. The pros of hanging a tree is that it takes up less floor space; the cons is...well, we live in an area known for earthquakes, so perhaps it's not the most brilliant idea for us (although some models do come with a weighted base).
Keep It Simple, Stupid
No need to go all out on decorating the tree--simple decorating in modest numbers keeps the cluttered look at bay. If your budget is rather limited, opt for a prettier tree and keep the baubles to a minimum. The bright white of this Christmas tree may actually save you from hassling with tinsel or massive amounts of lights.
The Christmas Tree, Fully Loaded
If you've got loads of ornaments from years and years of collecting, might as well put it on display with pride. The experts at 4Homes cheerfully say, "It might look like a dog's dinner, but it will look bright and Christmassy - simply throw everything you have (not literally) at the tree. For best effect, ensure the baubles and tinsel are evenly spaced."
Want even more Christmas tree decor ideas? Hop on over to 4Homes and read the rest of their tips and ideas here.
(Images: 4Homes)
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I think I'm a christmas tree nazi, I just can't stand them in not to be green! Decos can be whatever colour you like (within reason) but trees are green!
Mine's the fully loaded one, and I'm proud of it.
i love my white tree and i am loving the colors of this white tree!
@EclecticLife, thanks for the tips! I do ornaments the way you suggest but oh, how I hate doing lights. Maybe I should see if I can pay someone to do them for me.
I never did get the whole upside-down tree thing. It just looks stupid.
All those trees featured are kinda tacky. I tend to go with the less is more handmade decor on the tree.
I'm more or less a tradionalist with a green tree, but over the years I've collected so many ornaments they won't all fit on the tree. So I bought several artificial table top trees and put themed trees around the house: Trees decorated with Santas, Angels, Snowmen and Pets are what I put up this year.
I have to say that I am a "more is more" kind of person when it comes to Christmas trees. I feel that they should be dripping with lights and sparkly glass ornaments. I also can't stand color coordinated trees. They look too impersonal and department store-ish to me. The tree should be a collection of ornaments from over the years, not something that was bought new to match your sofa.
I think trees should be a visual history of you, your family and your life. I try to buy something on every trip that could be used on the tree--either a real ornament or a handcraft or some little object (I haven't had to resort to a keychain, yet, but there's always the first time.) When I was young and broke, I made chains out of construction paper. Now, I cherish the things my kids made in grade school.
I like lots of lights, family ornaments, and sparkle. But I like memories most of all.
pink is my favourite colour but it is simply hideous on a christmas tree
@Casey Leigh - that is a good idea!
All of our ornaments have been given to us over the years, so I have never had the luxury of "choosing" a tree theme as it is kind of a hodge podge of Christmas of other peoples' tastes. I like having them because I remember who gave them to us, but I have always struggled with making the tree look stylish.
What about the mini Christmas tree and options such as using present ribbon as garlands? We used a Norfolk Island Pine for a few years (my Christmas tradition was to buy a pine, and tell myself "And THIS will be the year that it lives!"); other years we've had a small cut tree. They are all so small that we've used mini ornaments and present ribbons such as the bead-strung ribbons or wire edged ribbon.