1. Ribbon. Lots of ribbon.
Add a festive ribbon to the door you use the most. It’s inexpensive, takes 3 minutes, and makes you just a tiny bit happier every time you see it. I keep my eyes open year-round for pretty ribbon at the thrift store. They often have loads of it!
2. Make a homemade wreath and put it where you will see it.
I made this wreath for my porch to look at while taking off my snowy boots. I twisted grape vines from my backyard into a circle, securing it with green floral wire. Then I scoured my yard for not-quite dead, still-colorful flora, coming up with green and brown hydrangea heads, some rose hips, and a few sedum flowers (they started out pink, then turned brown). I stuck these in at random, added a bird ornament that I didn’t want on my tree, and wrapped the whole things loosely using a 3-yard roll of Christmas ribbon. After Christmas is over I plan to save the ribbon for next year’s wreath and toss the rest.
3. Create a gift wrapping station
Store all your random bits of ribbon, tissue paper and wrapping paper in one place: in plain sight. Doesn’t that look festive and make you feel like wrapping presents? Store scissors and tape in that same basket!
4. Pull out your childhood toys.
Display some of those cute and pretty possessions that you don’t look at very often, such as decorative pillows or childhood companions. Make sure any stuffed animals are dressed for the winter weather. A scrap of trim left over from a sewing project made a handy scarf for this bunny. Doesn’t he look cozy?
5. Don’t neglect your windowsills.
Use branches trimmed from your tree to decorate your windows. I took two smallish pieces, twisted them together with a piece of floral wire and stuck a red bow on the front. The ornament is just hooked onto one of the branches. One caveat if you’re using real spruce branches: be very careful not to knock them off the window ledge after a few weeks – pine needles everywhere!
6. Decorate your lighting.
Spruce up your chandelier. I hung a whole bunch of vintage bulbs from the bottom, then decided the effect was too subtle and added 3 yards of ribbon to really make it stand out.
7. Pick a theme.
Try a themed Christmas tree. I’m a harp teacher, so I confess that I have a “themed” tree every year. Those harp ornaments just seem to multiply.
I hope these ideas and images inspired you!
Have a very merry Christmas.
Stephanie Claussen is a professional harpist from Minneapolis, Minnesota. She performs on her harp throughout Minnesota in various concerts, recitals, and collaborations with other musicians. Consider signing up for her e-mail newsletter to be notified directly of upcoming performances and important announcements.