Decorating your home for the holidays can be even more fun, many say, if you put less effort into it. That is, keep things simple."For example, take last year's dried-flower wreath off the closet shelf. Give it a light dusting of silver or gold spray paint, lace it with an iridescent ribbon, and you have a whole new wreath for the holiday," suggests Joan Serena, vice president of consumer and retail marketing for Department 56, a leading maker of holiday collectibles and giftware. "This idea takes very little time, is affordable and will work almost anywhere in the house," she adds.
Here are a few more hints that may inspire you:
* Before the decorating begins take the time to plan. Start with favorite gathering places such as the dining, living and family rooms. "Look beyond the obvious tree and stockings for unexpected places to decorate, such as the top of cabinets, window sills and even empty corners," Serena says.
* Once you decide where to decorate, consider holiday theme products such as lighted villages of porcelain and ceramic. The ones from Department 56 come in seven different themes, including Dickens, the North Pole, Christmas in the City and New England. There's one to fit just about any decor and all you have to do is set them up, sit back and enjoy the charming scene. You can start with one or two pieces or get a "Start A Tradition" set of two lighted houses, accessories, trees, snow and a cobblestone road. They make great centerpieces or can be set up under the tree.
* Rather than just hanging the stockings with care, hang them with creativity, too. Turn the mantel into something extra special. "Make simple garlands using braided gold cord, then clip the stockings to the cord with gold-sprayed clothes pins," Serena suggests. "Finish decorating the mantel by lining the shelf with fresh greens, add a few lighted village pieces, some gilded fruit and candles. The look will be simple and elegant and it takes only about 20 minutes to create." (NAPSI)
