New Weekly Article - Sparkle and Shine || Your Home and Lifestyle

Holiday cheer may be everywhere, but how do you inject your interiors with the same festive feel? When you spread the merriment around your home, you make a bigger impact than you get by adding a major focus to one room. Take it a step further by appealing to all the senses with your seasonal decor: Scented candles are a welcome addition to any room, and those that feature the aromas of your favorite holiday dishes lend a nostalgic feel to your surroundings. Visual displays can consist of little vignettes here and there. Include some music in the mix, whether it’s holiday-specific or just celebratory in tone. Tactile experiences come from plush fabrics, such as velvet pillows and cushy rugs.

Getting Started You don’t have to break the bank to ring in the season. The classics will last for years to come, so avoid falling for one too many trends when collecting holiday treasures. Seasonal items with staying power include decorative wreaths, pinecones, and other nature-inspired goods. Beaded fruit adds a touch of glitz at the table.

Use color as your guide to create a seamless transition from one room to the next. If your home already has a lot of color, tone it down with a winter-white theme. For a timeless look, turn to texture to get your message across. Wicker baskets can be filled with holiday gifts and festive fruits.

Get creative with what you have on hand. Make a holiday montage on your coffee table by adding a stack of winter-themed magazines alongside a bowl of faux snowballs. Then give your powder rooms a festive facelift. With a few simple changes, you’ll be well on your way. Seasonal flowers strike a cheerful note, while battery-operated candles cast a warm glow and guide the way for your guests.

Blast from the Past Collect vintage books that coordinate with your color scheme. Put them to good use as decorative risers to elevate your holiday decor. Don’t forget to get your gifts into the act. Wrap your packages in simple brown paper and twine for an old-fashioned look or turn to vintage fabrics for an unexpected twist.

Pieces with a past create instant holiday charm. Search flea markets for inspiration. Look for old sleds or vintage hats and gloves to adorn your interiors. Antique music stands can hold seasonal sheet music or display cookbooks that feature holiday recipes.