No Hassle Holidays: Deck the Halls Shortcuts

So in our last post we helped you get the outside of your home looking warm and inviting for the upcoming holidays in just a matter of minutes.  Now let's move inside with a few simple touches you can make your home all a sparkle with the Christmas spirit.

We start with the tree. 
  
Oh Christmas Tree   

                 

Yep pull out the tree.  If you plan to get a fresh tree, you can save this step until later, pick the spot where you want your Christmas tree.  If you do go fresh, prepare the spot where you want to place it and you can decorate around that spot.

                      

 1. Place the lights on so your tree will look evenly covered with twinkle.  Perhaps your tree is pre lit so you can skip this step.

2. Now add garland or wind fabric around the tree.  Start at the top and work your way down.  Fabric gives the tree such a delightful look.  Shape it with your hands and carefully tuck it in as you lay it on the branches of your tree.  Plaids, and checks, or lace, and tulle make a beautiful and simple presentation. 

(Just threw this tree in as it has such a simple and yet elegant design to it.)

 3. Now decide what color scheme you want your tree to be.  Will it be traditional red and green?  Neon pink and lime green?  What look do you want?  No right answer here, just consider what kind of a look you want.

4. Add the ornaments.  Those can be traditional or you can get creative and add pine cones, bows, several Christmas cards of the same design, etc...ornaments passed down through the year.  You get to choose!

Here are a few examples to inspire you:

Forest Frost on Pinterest

Got books...take a look at this!

 One Million Picture

Tiny Hands

See what a fun tree you can come up with!

Part 2 No Hassle Holiday: Christmas Decorating Shortcuts

Do you dread or look forward to the Christmas holiday?  Now that you have your house ready to go, well stocked and clutter gone as discussed in our recent posts let's talk shop, decorating.  Put on some Christmas music to get in the spirit of things.  Here are some fun shortcuts to inspire you to set the holiday mood in your home. 

 

                                     Photo and porch ideas from Celebrating Everyday Life Blog
Outside Decor:

Grab a notebook and a pen.  Let's start with the outside of your house.  You don't have to do a balancing act and get on the top of your house to hang Christmas lights.  Battery operated candles give your home an instant soft glow when placed in each window.  Electric candles do the same.  There is such a variety that you can choose skinny or chunky candles.  Either will provide you with the warm and welcoming look you want.  

           Photo courtesy of Plow and Hearth  

Next step is the front door.  A wreath hanging on the front door is both welcoming and decorative.  So many options here!  Do you want fresh, whimsical, or elaborate?  Once again the choice is up to you!  You can make your own or buy a wreath and put your own touches on it.

How about a Christmas rug?  You can find many at your local store.  This gives your porch or entry way a bit more of a festive touch in an instant. 

You can be done at this point or you can add a few more simple touches to make your home welcoming and warm for the holidays.

So far we've kept things pretty easy and you can decorate the outside of your home in a short time.  If you want a few more cute touches, here you go.

 

           Photo courtesy of inthefunlane.com

Decorate the path to your front door with lanterns, glass jars with sand or rice and a candle inside and top either with a festive or simple bow. In the Fun Lane shows you how.  At your local dollar store you can find tall glass containers for a reasonable price if you don't have jars.  From simple to wow!

 

 Photo courtesy of Plough Your Own Furrow

Fill a couple of terra cotta pots with pine boughs and pinecones.  Top with ornaments and you've got an instant show stopper.  So simple and so beautiful!

You can set up a Christmas tree on your porch just decorated in lights for a nice touch.  Add bows if you want to get a little more fancy.