Deck the halls with boughs of holly, but why not try trimming a wreath with dozens of festive ribbons instead.
HERE’S HOW Hang a plain wreath on the door. Using scraps of ribbon in different colors and widths, tie a bunch of bows and randomly glue-gun them close together on the wreath.
This year put your green (and red and pink) thumb to the simple task of cultivating a multicolored topiary forest that you’ll never have to water.
HERE’S HOW
Cut tissue paper into 2-inch squares and gently crumple. Starting at the top of a Styrofoam topiary form, attach each piece with Styrofoam glue. Working around the form, affix the pieces close together, mixing up the colors
as you go. Place your topiaries in ceramic flowerpots. Use a circle of cardstock, crimped at the edge, as a lid.
Some evergreen clippings and a few choice ornaments—it’s a quick and simple centerpiece that makes any meal jolly, even takeout.
HERE’S HOW
If you’re trimming low-hanging branches from the bottom of your tree, save them and arrange around a pretty bowl. Alternatively, ask for evergreen extras wherever Christmas trees are sold. Add in some sprigs of holly and a few ornaments.
There’s no rule saying ornaments can decorate only trees, so think outside the fir and hang a few glass
and homemade orbs in a window for extra sparkle.
HERE’S HOW
Attach lengths of nylon filament to the window frame with a pushpin, and suspend the ornaments. To make the glittery d.i.y. snowballs, cover a styrofoam sphere with styrofoam glue and shredded mylar and let dry before hanging.
The Victorians decorated their homes in bold wallpaper, ornate furnishings, lace, and richly-colored draperies, and this love for decorating carried right over into the way they decorated for the holidays, as well. Although many of the Victorians had very little money to spend on extravagant decorations, they were enthusiastic in their celebration of the Christmas season. They turned to nature for inspiration and found fresh, rich greenery, flowers, pinecones, berries, and fruit which were all used to create colorful displays. Early in December the Victorian household began to decorate, covering every available inch of the house with greenery. Spruce, balsam, laurel, cedar, ivy, mistletoe, and holly graced tables, banniesters, chandeliers, archways, columns, and woodwork. Mistletoe dangled from the ceiling of the entry hall. Even picture frames and mirrors were wrapped with evergreen rope. Wreaths could be found hung on doors or behind windowpanes.
The Victorian parlor played an important role for the holiday season. The parlor was transformed into an enchanted winter wonderland filled with decorations such as garlands of cranberries and popcorn, tinsel and paper chains, paper and lace ornaments, tissue-paper snowflakes, glittering glass balls, angels, fairies and Santas. The candles on a glittering tree adorned with an angel or star on the treetop became the centerpiece of the room. Under the Christmas tree sat the tempting gifts, wrapped in colorful paper and tied with taffeta ribbons. Some were lavishly garnished with the addition of fine flowers and greenery. Colored glass lamps and candles throughout the room cast a festive glow. The fire blazed merrily, and stockings dangled from the fireplace filled to bulging with gifts and treats. An army of toy soldiers marched on the mantel above. The fragrance of cedar boughs drifted throughout the house, and arrangements of holly and ivy brought the peace of the winter woods indoors.
Country & Victorian Times 