BY SUSAN WELLS, THE DECORATING COACH
1 Arrange candles of various heights on a tray, and you have portable ambiance. Sprigs of evergreen and tiny red ornaments along the base will add sparkle and surprise.
2 Wrap velvet or organza ribbon around guest towels and tie in a fancy bow. Add instant glamour by weaving ribbon through a holiday ornament as well.
3 Elevate ordinary tealight candles by nestling them in fluted glasses that have been partially filled with bright red cranberries and small nuts.
4 Layer a piece of gold organza fabric over an old tablecloth to make it appear sparkling and new. Crisscross table runners on top and create an instant holiday table.
5 Add a few drops of red food coloring to water in a punch bowl. Grace with white floating candles, a few baubles, and your table will shine.
6 Attach holiday ornaments to fancy ribbons and sparkling cords of various heights. Hang them in windows to make them simply elegant.
7 Take the holiday spirit outside by filling an urn with evergreen boughs and bare branches that have been spray-painted red. For a holiday bird bath, layer the bird bath with branches topped with colorful ornaments.
8 Tie a large satin bow around the back of each dining room chair, and it will accentuate a glamorous table setting. Add interest with sprigs of evergreen or ornaments.
9 Give your hallway mirror a holiday makeover by hanging a wreath over it that has been strung with white twinkle lights. The mirror will reflect the twinkling lights, doubling their effect.
10 Customize an ordinary cake plate into a festive tiered centerpiece. Accentuate each tier with pinecones, votive candles, small ornaments, or whatever suit your fancy!
Décor specialist Susan Wells is a home stager, who has enthused and amused audiences with her message, “Taste can be acquired, style can be learned.” An author and popular speaker, Susan artfully blends inspiration and humor as she shares how to make both heart and home beautiful. Susan and her husband live in Vancouver, British Columbia, and have three children. Visit www.TheDecoratingCoach.com