Planning session: Simple and beautiful holiday decorating

Every holiday season I think about Colonial Williamsburg.  It is in that area where I grew up, that Christmas meant white candles in every window, huge wreaths made of native plants and fruits, bonfires and beautifully decorated taverns and shops. If you closed your eyes, you were back in the 18th century.  It was and still is a magical Christmas place.

When I moved to Florida in December many years ago it was a startling change!  Exactly where was Christmas?  Sun, beaches, 80 degree weather, air conditioning, sunscreen!!  

If you are like most of my clients, this is the weekend to plan your holiday decorating.   

Before you head out to fill the car with holiday "stuff" to turn your home into a Christmas wonderland, take a moment to relax, breathe and come up with a plan before you walk out the door.  A plan is the key to reducing the decorating stress.  Think about what you want to do in each part of your home and write it down.  This is the exercise that I use with my clients to keep it all in perspective:

How much time will you be spending at home?
Will you have help or are you on your own with decorating?
What colors do you want to use? How much natural decorating do you like?  Real tree?  Real poinsettias?  Real garland?  What is your budget? Will you be entertaining?  Having house guests?   How much work do you want to do when the holiday is over?
 
Today, my decorating is much different. Although I still think about the holiday magic of Colonial Williamsburg and I always put a white candle in my window, my holiday decorating has embraced the Florida lifestyle. It is much simpler and I have come to really believe that less is more.  Quality instead of quantity.  Most of my clients are so busy that they can hardly get a tree up, much less decorate it. 

So, put your plan together and our next blog will offer decorating tips that are affordable, beautiful and stress-free!