The Holiday season is here bringing sparkle and magic! Did it sneak up on you, too? Let’s lower your stress and raise your Holiday cheer with 3 easy tips!
The holidays are a magical time! I remember when my children were younger, I ran around trying to accomplish a million things trying to meet the requirements of Tradition. I also remember that exhaustion! Today, I focus on the things that make the Season magical for me, my family & friends, and share what I’ve done to keep the “Merry & Bright” in the Holidays.
Tip 1: Tie Your Holiday Décor into Your Home’s Existing Color Palette!
Use holiday colors that work with your existing décor. While red and green, or blue and silver are traditional, they may not be the colors of your home.
If your home is mostly neutral, choose sparkling cream-colored ornaments and flowing neutral trim to bring in the holiday spirit.
For predominantly blue and white homes, use variations of blues and white silver tones to add that frosty touch to embrace the season and that remains consistent with your home’s décor.
I love neutral colors and I know bright bold, traditional holiday colors don’t showcase my style. Breaking with tradition, I use subdued colors like golds, champagnes, and off-whites.
My goal is to always create spaces that feel elegant and sophisticated, even during the holidays!
Tip 2: Create a Space for a Holiday Vignette!
Bring in the Holidays with 3 Easy Tips!
The holidays are a magical time! When my children were younger, I ran around trying to accomplish a million things trying to meet the requirements of tradition. I remember that exhaustion! Now, I focus on the things that make the season magical for me: my family and friends. I concentrate on keeping the season “Merry and Bright.”
Entryways and fireplaces are traditional focuses for the holidays. Choose a different area of your home to create a festive vignette – a space where the eyes catch the sparkle and shimmer of holiday cheer:
A touch of evergreen – from a simple branch in a clear glass vase wrapped in a bow in the entryway…
A decorated basket – filled with holiday potpourri that wafts throughout your home from the hallway…
A bough of ribbon – dancing along a bookcase shelf or console attracting the eye to a special something…
These little touches can bring in that magical holiday spirit – a little or a lot! Use one element repetitively throughout your home or focus on one area in your home by creating a focal point or vignette.
Using a consistent color story, I create holiday vignettes using various themes. Whether the theme is reindeer, pinecones, stars or otherwise, I add outdoor elements like fresh greenery to bring the outdoors in and complement the theme.
Tip 3: Use Special Containers for Your Special Holiday Recipe!
Every holiday season, I bring out my engraved silver goblets gifted to me by my sister as a wedding gift. These goblets hold a special place in my heart bringing fond memories to the holidays!
Who doesn’t love a deliciously prepared holiday beverage in engraved silver?
Experiment with new recipes with family and friends or keep the tried-and-true. That elegant glass or new hor d’oeuvre will contribute to the special holiday memories you are making.
Below is a fun Irish Cream recipe we tried one year: ENJOY!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 14 oz/1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1-2/3rds cup Irish whiskey
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
- 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Preparation:
In a blender, combine heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, Irish whiskey, instant coffee, chocolate syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Blend on high for 20 to 30 seconds. Store in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. Shake well before serving over ice in that special Holiday glass!
Try adding your own special spice to this drink to make it your own – try a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg or allspice. This is definitely one of our holiday favorites!
Happy Holidays!
Anne Buresh Interior Design
