There is a new trend in holiday decorating and I'm finding that it has less to do with Santa and his reindeer and even more to do with the actual season of winter.
Last week I was watching a daytime talk show, and it was the set designs, not the chatty host, that was holding my attention. The background looked so beautiful...so natural and wintry.
Of course they had the standard Christmas trees, which were lovely, but the real show stopper were the moss covered "hills" with paper-whites and amaryllis sprouting up. Branches sprinkled with snow, log tables, woven twig ornaments, textural baskets, burlap and greenery all worked in harmony.
The look, while definitely holiday with twinkling lights and Christmas trees, could simply become "winter" decorations after the tree and lights come down.
Some of the elements for this trend can be found right outside your back door. Clip and bunch evergreens, display dramatic branches, gather pine-cones and stack wood by the fireplace, all without spending a dime.
A trip to the produce department also provides plenty of materials for budget friendly winter decorating. Citrus fruits can be slice and dried to create garlands or just stacked in a bowl with greens and berries tucked in. Pineapples, artichokes, pomegranate and cranberries all look right at home in a wintry display as well.
In a way you can say we've come full circle. Back in the 50's we had "new age" design, with modern lines and modern materials being all the rage. Who amoung us hasn't watched "Charlie Brown's Christmas" and thought "what's with those crazy pink and metal trees?"
I am happy to see that finally, more then a half a century later we are now once again embracing the simplicity of the "rustic and natural." The best part is, in just four weeks you won't have to take it all down as these seasonal displays can be enjoyed well into the new year. Better still, all of these "naturals" are bio-degradable, which means one less tinsel tree in a landfill...a gift for us all!
Enjoy your holiday season and have a very happy New Year!
Brought to you by Jennifer Napolitano of JNdesign decorating.staging.redesign
www.jndesign.info
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