There are Christmas trees offered for sale this year like the Toasted Champagne Gold Christmas Tree (think glam and glittery), the 100 % Orange Christmas tree (orange being autumns must-have color) and the Stephen J. Colbert National Treasure Tree in red, white and blue.
Realistically, most families probably will pass on these exotics and bring home the traditional Noble Fir, Colorado Blue Spruce or Scotch Pine tree. That’s not to say that decorating ideas need to be stale -- for the tree or the home. There are a number of great looks -- some new, some classic -- that have arrived for the season.
Silver and White Looks Hot For the Holidays
Whether on the tree or around the house, this look practically sings Winter Wonderland, and it tops the list of what’s hot for the holidays. Most designers agree that color simplicity is key to holiday decorating, from the tree to the fireplace mantle to the dining room table.
This combination proves a winner because it offers a limited color palette, easy to accessorize with blue or green accents. The new, glass-icicle ornaments offered this year feature this look with smatterings of silver and blue on the bulb. Complete the look with a dining table centerpiece of bare sticks, spray painted silver, surrounded by greens.
Imagine Green – as Fashion Influences Christmas
Women’s fashion this year featured all shades of green -- from wilderness to hunter to celadon. It was paired with black, white, pink or brown. Take that fashion image and use it to wrap gifts in green and accent with one of the above colors. Try a table centerpiece of green, crisp apples in a black or white bowl tied with a contrasting ribbon.
To add a new touch to the tree, consider an angel tree topper in a pretty, olive-green gown with copper accents. Green velvet stockings trimmed with the accent color you’ve chosen can add a new look to the mantle.
Don’t Count Out Gold
While gold may have faded this year as the color of the season, it’s certainly not finished. Too many people have boxes and boxes of metallic ornaments, stockings and candle holders.
Consider adding a new twist with glittery snowflake ornaments that combine the majestic look of cream and gold. Or try out the innovative musical instrument ornaments showing up this year, including gold trombones, clarinets and trumpets.
Classic Never Goes Out of Style
White amaryllis, narcissus and large poinsettias mixed with greens set the stage for a classic Christmas décor. The white blooms offer a backdrop that can accommodate red and green accents for the tree, mantle or dining room table.
Fabric ornaments lend a soft touch here; consider fabric-wrapped gift box ornaments, a fabric heart or stocking in cream or white. To make a statement, add big, artificial white poinsettia leaves to the tree.
Traditional Christmas Scenes Hold Sway Any Year
A home for the holidays theme trumps other holiday decorating ideas when there are college kids or twenty somethings coming home for Christmas. Now is not the time to mess with the type of tree, ornaments or Christmas breakfast casserole that’s been served for 20 years.
Consider upping the ante with a collection of the student’s artwork from grade school, displayed on the fridge, or hung above the mantle. Buy inexpensive, complementary red or silver frames and display old family Christmas photos, arranged on an entry or family room table. Dig out the collections of nutcrackers, Santa’s, angels, and nativities and make sure they’re prominently displayed.
Start a new tradition that feels like home with the nature or woodland look. Pieces include trees-shaped candles, wildlife and found treasures - leaves, sticks, pine cones - decorated with a touch of spray paint.
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