It’s hard for me to believe that in ten short days Christmas will be upon us. By now, you’re probably done decorating, but if you’re like me, you just keep decorating until the holidays are over – and they’re not over for me until New Year’s Day. So if you’re really done (is that even possible?), then I hope this post inspires next year’s decor. However, if you’re hosting a holiday shindig, or feel like you’re lacking a little sparkle and intrigue, read on for tips on how to bring a little extra bling to your Christmas or New Year’s surroundings.
One of the easiest ways to elevate your holiday home is by using crystal. I’m not talking about traditional crystal containers or vases, although those are certainly elegant and look amazing paired with silver and gold. I’m talking about small cut crystals artfully hung from gathered branches, piled in small white bowls or dangling from garland above doorways. There is something magical about the glint of light off crystal that makes it perfect for Wintery themed decorating. For a beautiful entry “arrangement” use random chandelier crystals strung on thin satin ribbon and hung at different lengths on a single sculptural branch. When guests leave they can take a crystal “ornament” with them.
Glitter is hands-down the easiest way to add shine to any situation. I’m known to get a little sparkle-tastic this time of year. You know that branch we were just talking about hanging crystals from? You could use it as a perch for blingy little birds if you’re not inclined to hang crystals from it. Heck, do both! How pretty would that be?!
Glitter birds also make a perfect addition to any ready-made holiday wreath. I love to wrap gifts for friends and include a bird clipped to the bow.
You know me, I’m all about foraging for beautiful, natural objects and incorporating them into the home somehow. Pine cones are absolutely perfect vehicles for glitter! Whether dusted in silver micro glitter or generously swathed in German glass glitter, they definitely say “Wintry Wonderland”. If you don’t have a ready supply of pine cones waiting for you to gather them, head to the craft store and buy a bag. The cinnamon ones can be overpowering but the ones painted white are lovely when rolled in glue and dipped in glitter. They make perfect name-card holders at the table or add a dash of rustic beauty when heaped in vintage compotes and placed on the mantel, on the dining table, or in the powder room as an added special touch.
Feathers! Yes indeed feathers do say holiday in an unexpected, romantic, Bohemian kind of way. I use micro glitter to do feathers as it adheres more easily. Just rub a tiny bit of glue onto your finger, gently wipe it on the feather and then either dip into the glitter or scatter on. Once dried, you can pop a bunch of them into bud vases, crystal toothpick holders, or even sterling salt and pepper shakers (lid off) and place here and there throughout the house. I love them grouped together on tables mixed in with other decor. You can also tie a thin strand of silver ribbon to the end and hang them from the Christmas tree.
I may have a different view of what constitutes “holiday decor” but to me, sparkle and shine evoke snow, Winter, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and elegance. So if it means putting glitter on feathers and silvering my sea shells, so be it! There are a couple ways to silver shells and it’s really just a personal taste thing. I like to apply silver leaf in sheets because it doesn’t go on evenly and gives the shells a luxe weathered look. You can also hand paint them with silver acrylic or spray them with a chrome spray paint like Krylon. I like them placed individually amongst other holiday decorations but they also look beautiful in crystal compotes, in vintage silver bowls or even displayed on antique china saucers.
Pretty sure you knew I was going to talk about vintage glass ornaments. What would any Winter holiday be without vintage ornaments? I’ve been mental for pink, silver and watery green for a couple years now. They remind me of happy champagne bubbles or gum drops. I even use the pink ones in glass apothecary jars for Valentine’s decor. Tarnished vintage silver is perfect for displaying glass ornaments. Mass together same-color pieces in different sizes for the most impact. A bowl of ornaments anywhere in the house says “holiday” and brings a smile. My favorite place to find quality vintage ornaments is at estate sales. Head down to the basement or into the garage where holiday stuff is usually stored and you’ll often be surprised at the exciting things you can find!
Last, but certainly not least, this is the perfect time of year to break out the vintage silver. If you don’t already own vintage silver, go get yourself some! You can find great pieces at local charity shops, garage sales or shops like mine. I always recommend shopping small and local for your special treasures. The photo shown above used vintage Indian salt cellars and spice bowls filled with wicks and wax to make stunning votives for the mantelpiece. I have used vintage silver goblets to make candles in the past and it wasn’t for the faint of heart. Not only did I burn the bejeebers out of myself, I made a hellish mess and found wax drops in my kitchen for months afterward. Vintage silver platters and bowls are the best ever things to display your holiday treasures on and in. The glitter birds, pine cones, silver shells, ornaments…it all looks perfect in slightly tarnished silver.
I hope to see your smiling faces before the year comes to an end but if I don’t, know that I sincerely wish you and yours a peaceful end of the season, a hopeful and promising New Year and far more days than you can handle filled with love, laughter and happiness!
Melisa
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