Let Your Home Reflect the Glow of the Season
Dec 23rd, 2009 by Hazel
As I pore over books and magazines, looking for holiday decorating ideas, all I see, naturally, are the picture-perfect houses and rooms that everyone wants, but few of us have. I’m sure you get the same feelings from these photographs; it’s just like the one you get when you see clothing models. You think, “Wow! That’s such a great outfit! But will it look that way on me? Heck, no!” Aahhh!!!! Why must they torture us like that?
(A-hem!) Anyway, one advantage that we have now is that holiday decorations can cover up many imperfections. Oh, and remember, as is the case with our personal appearances, we’re likely to be the worst critics of how our homes look (it’s those durned magazines that make us think that way!).
So, what’s the trick to making your home look spectacular when your guests come a-callin’? Well, it’s a lot like pulling off a fantastic illusion by using smoke and mirrors, except that you’ll be using candles and mirrors; and, of course, Christmas lights, ornaments, and other glistening decorations. Word to the wise, they’re your best allies, to dazzle, disguise, and distract the eyes.
Along with the strings of lights that you’re sure to have decorating your rooms and your tree, use candles, placed on mirrors, to create a veritable festival of lights in your home. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, because you can use plain mirrors that you already have hanging around the house, mirrored vanity trays with gilded edges, or even polished silver platters. Set them on end tables, accent tables, cedar chests, buffets, bars, and other wood furniture.
Dim the main lamps, and the overheads, and let the reflective glow conjure a festive, old-fashioned, and very merry, atmosphere. Oil lamps with colored-glass bases, and vases filled with shiny ornaments or clear, multi-colored, decorative stones, will also help to make everything sparkle.
Whether your home is already magazine-worthy, or has that comfortable, lived-in look, these few, inexpensive touches will make it absolutely radiant, and instantly brighten everyone’s spirits.
By the way, another bonus that you’ll get from this will be the undying appreciation of your guests. After all, the candlelight can hide many of their flaws, too.
Yours Outdoors,
Kathy
