And All That
Glitter...
By Gisele Dickson of the Consignment Gallery
…is the mood this holiday season. Be it gold, silver, tin or
tinsel. So, open up your cupboards and your imagination to endless possibilities.
Whether you are a holiday enthusiast or a novice, it is important to
remember to have lots of fun with your decorating. Be willing to think outside of the box
and you’ll be on your way. Start by checking out items you have stored away; you have
kept these things for a reason, so let’s use them!
For a more formal decor... a combination of gold and silver can make a
great foundation. Then choose your holiday colours. Today almost any colour can be used in
a festive manner. Traditional colours of red and green no longer restrict us, though they
still work for some. For your interior, pale blues, lime greens and even orange tones
might work better. In fact, now is the perfect time to experiment with different
combinations. The season is relatively short, so try something new. If you get bored of
the look, it’s not a loss; January is just around the corner.
That silver teapot… fill it with some holly sprigs or tie a bow
around the neck, letting the ribbon ends trail, and presto! you have an elegant
centerpiece. Fill the matching creamer and sugar bowl with treats, of course.
Too traditional for you? Try filling a crystal vase with foil balls.
Then wrap some foil around a large candle, light it, and place it next to the vase. Watch
how the light reflects.
Mirrors... work beautifully as a backdrop or for hanging ornaments and
displays. Try using one lying flat as a tray or instead of a table runner.
Tin, pewter, copper and brass work wonderfully into a country setting.
Unused copper or brass pots could hold special treats, guest towels, or floating candles.
Larger ones are ideal for holding evergreen twigs or kindling for the fireplace.
No fireplace… why not use your brass headboard as a backdrop for
your stockings. Simply detach it from your bed and place it against the wall next to your
tree. Ground it with a chair or a small side table and hang your stockings using large
ribbons and bows.
Trees... can sparkle and shine without the usual tinsel (which is
dangerous to pets). Using fishing line, hang a collection of everyday items that have a
shine of their own. Assorted teaspoons, keys and unused jewellery all work well. Add a
small bow on the top of these items for some colour or, in the case of a small item like
an earring, make a large bow and center it in the middle. A friend of mine decorates her
tree completely in seashells from her travels. It’s gorgeous.
No time for a tree… try filling a large container with some willow
branches and hang a few ornaments from it. Place the remaining ornaments into a crystal
bowl. This very minimalist look can be quite striking, as can hanging ornaments in a
window.
Advent calendars... with a new twist is a fun way of letting someone
know that you care. Purchase twenty-four unusual gifts for a dollar or two. Check out your
favourite stores; you’ll be amazed by what you’ll find. It can be a single
chocolate, bath beads, candles or fridge magnets. Wrap each item separately, perhaps in
gold or silver paper. Attach a tag to each parcel numbered 1 to 24, and place the parcels
in a bowl, hang from a swag, or pile them high, making sure that the higher numbered
parcels are on the bottom. This gift is equally fun to give as it is to receive. It is a
perfect gift for getting someone who is on their own into the festive mood.
Start decorating as soon as possible, then relax and enjoy the
holidays. After all, friends and family are the best treasures of all!
Gisele Dickson is part of the team at The Consignment
Gallery located at 533 58th Avenue SW. The Consignment Gallery carries a expansive variety
of consigned home furnishings, & decorating accents. They are chock full of some of
the best deals in Calgary! They are worth the visit. (403) 253-7880. |
