How to Decorate a Christmas Tree: 20 Inspiring Ideas

Courtesy of Allie Holcomb King

Happy Holidays Friends,

While plenty of holiday enthusiasts have displayed perfectly decorated Christmas trees for weeks now, I’d like to believe there are also plenty of well-meaning holiday lovers who fall into my camp — that is the camp of slight procrastination. If you’re with me, I have just the thing to get you started: inspiration. Scroll through 20 of our best Christmas tree decorating ideas, and you won’t be able to put it off any longer.

COLOR PALETTES TO TRY:

Your tree’s color palette may be the most important decision you make, because it sets the tone for the design style and overall feel of the tree. Color combinations involving red, white, silver or gold typically feel more classic, while unexpected colors like teal or pink feel more contemporary. When selecting your color scheme, think about the decor that will surround the tree, and shoot for a cohesive look.

White & Silver

Rachel Whyte

Multicolor

Ghislaine Viñas Interior Design

Black & White


Teal Ombre


Black, White & Red


Pink, Red, Silver & Gold

Benjamin Lowy, HGTV/Scripps Networks

Earth Tones


Rich Browns, Crisp Whites & Warm Metallics


INTERESTING MATERIALS TO TRY:

Classic ball ornaments and standard tree skirts are lovely — but it’s also OK to think outside the box when dressing your tree. Fresh flowers create a feminine feel, and all-natural trimmings like orange slices will waft mouthwatering scents throughout your living space. Tinsel makes for major sparkle, and cutlery is adorable on a dining room tree. And why not secure your masterpiece in a vintage wagon so it can light up any room of your home on a moment’s notice?

Fresh Flowers


All-Natural Trimmings


Tons of Tinsel

Brian Patrick Flynn

Cutlery


Vintage Wagon


GARLANDS TO TRY:

A gift’s ribbons and bows are a Christmas tree’s garlands. Without them, the final product is a little less spectacular. Don’t worry, though — there are countless options for garland if you’re not a fan of classic ribbon. Think yarn, jingle bells, twigs or beads. If you’re feeling crafty, consider making the vintage garland advent calendar pictured below.

Vintage Garland Advent Calendar


Bunny Tail Yarn

Picasa, ten22 studio | Rennai Hoefer

Jingle Bell Rope

Flynnside Out Productions

Twigs


Beads


TOPPERS TO TRY:

While most designers agree a tree topper isn’t a must, most homeowners like one anyway. Consider a monogram or a cluster of stars to switch things up this year.

Monogram

Photography by David A. Land; styling by Matthew Gleason

Clustered Stars

Flynnside Out Productions

You can dress your Christmas tree to impress this year.

Happy decorating...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Create a Designer Christmas Tree

Courtesy of HGTV

Happy Holidays Friends,

Add panache to your holiday decor and give your tree an updated look with these designer Christmas tree ideas.

A coordinated color scheme, large topper and oversized ornaments are the secrets to designer Christmas trees. Try using ornaments and ribbons in shades of gold, silver and white or a combination of copper, tan and silver to add style and sophistication when decorating Christmas trees.

1. Light your tree using the instructions above. Next, create decorative sprays. For the front of a full standard tree we recommend no fewer than five clusters, and seven works the best. Bundle three stems of artificial flowers, fruits or leaves together and tie the stems with string or floral wire.
   
   Eye-catching ideas for decorating Christmas trees include:
   • silk poinsettias in pink, gold, purple or red
   • white magnolias
   • ivy, ferns or magnolia leaves
   • silk oak leaves dipped in copper, gold or silver
   • fruits and berries
   • cheery yellow star sprays.
2. Leave six or seven inches at the top of the tree for the topper. Tuck a floral spray in the upper left side of the front of the tree (below the topper area) by inserting the stem into the branches. Secure by wrapping twine or floral wire around the stem and branch.
   
   
3. Move to the right side of the tree and insert another cluster into the branches; secure and then return to the left - creating a tilted zigzag across the front of the tree as shown.
   
   
4. Next, drape garlands of ribbons, beads or pearls and connect the clusters. Don't be afraid to twist two or more ribbons together. Be bold and mix unexpected patterns and colors or twist plaid and check ribbons or gold and silver beads together. French-wire ribbon works best because you can bend and twist it into shape.
   
   
5. Next, add solid color glass balls. Place medium and large ornaments (usually reserved for the middle) near the top of the tree. The trick is to nestle them into the tree so that they don't jut out and look awkward. If you have a live tree you can trim the branches to create a niche for the ornament. If it is artificial, bend the branches down or toward the back of the tree. Begin at the top of the tree and work your way to the bottom. Hang decorations within the branches, near the trunk of the tree to add dimension.
   
   
6. You can also add oversized decorations such as large angels or violins in gold or white. These can be as tall as 12 inches. Secure them to the limbs with floral wire. Hang ornaments on alternating branches so they aren't in straight rows across or down the tree. Finish decorating the tree.

Note: If you want to use additional decorations on your designer tree, use items that are similar in size and finish - for instance, 3-inch snowflakes and icicles made of cut glass, or French horns and stars of brass. Hang them near the ends of the branches and don't skimp on the quantity. More is better for a designer tree.

Toppers

Like the name implies, toppers sit atop a holiday tree in place of or in conjunction with a star or angel. They are large and sometimes outrageous. You can't go wrong creating a topper as long as you follow this rule: More is better! Toppers are accented with long feathers, stars on wire, glitter sticks or netting and ribbon.

Steps:

1. Once you've hung all the decorations, it's time to top your tree. Toppers look more complicated to create than they are. If you aren't an accomplished bow-maker, pay to have them made when you purchase the ribbon. Floral supply houses and Christmas specialty stores may have a minimal charge for this service. If your tree stands in a corner and you decorated only the front, you'll need only one bow. Use two bows if you decorated the entire tree, and three if you like the extravagant look of a huge topper. Secure the bows to the top of the tree with floral wire.
   
   
2. Around the bow or center of the treetop, insert and secure decorative glitter sticks and/or long feathers. There is no hard-and-fast rule about how many you should use, so stand back from the tree and continue adding until you get the look you want.

Get creative and use oversized ornaments to add volume and color to your tree.

Happy decorating...

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Live well,
Yvonne

How to Make Wine in an Instant Pot

Courtesy of Heather Baird
Photos By: Heather Baird, SprinkleBakes.com

Happy Holidays Friends,

Instant Vino! Yep, you read that right: a new day has dawned for wine enthusiasts and it's all thanks to food blogger, David Murphy, who figured out how to brew wine at home using everyone's new favorite kitchen gadget, the Instant Pot. We followed David's guide along with a little home-fermentation research of our own to whip up a batch of ruby-red liquid that, after aging a mere 15 days, already held complex notes of tart cranberry and cherry. Intrigued? Keep reading to learn how surprisingly easy it is to brew your very own vino without ever leaving the kitchen.

3 Simple Ingredients

You’ll need just a few ingredients to make a batch of Instant Pot wine, so choosing the best of each is important. This recipe begins with 100% concord grape juice with no sugar added, which you can find at nearly any grocery store. You’ll also need granulated sugar and some active dry wine yeast which can be purchased online or at a home-brewing supply store. Pro tip: check the expiration date to ensure freshness.

Shopping List:

• 64 oz. bottle of Concord grape juice with no added sugar, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1.5 tsp (1/2 packet) dry active red wine yeast

Combine Juice & Sugar

Pour the bottle of grape juice into the Instant Pot bowl, reserving the bottle for later use. Add the sugar and stir well until completely dissolved, about 5 minutes. Pro tip: make sure your Instant Pot bowl is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before adding ingredients.

Add Yeast

Sprinkle the yeast into the pot and stir until dissolved. The yeast might foam a little.

Start Cooking

Place the bowl inside the Instant Pot carriage and close the lid. Press the 'Yogurt’ button and then adjust the temperature function to 'Less’ heat. Your Instant Pot may have a 'Less’ button or you may need to press the yogurt button again until 'Less’ appears on the digital readout. The 'Adjust’ button also gives you the ability to lower the heat. Using the regular 'Yogurt’ function could kill the yeast, so it’s important to lower the temperature at this stage.

Set Timer

Turn the vent knob to 'open or 'venting,' and set the cook time to 24 hours. Close the vent after 8 hours of cooking and alternate opening and closing the vent every 8 hours until the timer sounds.

Check Your Progress

After 24 hours of cooking, open the lid to check the progress. The wine mixture should be fizzy and carbonated like soda.

Repeat

Replace the lid and press 'Yogurt’ again, making sure the 'Less’ option is still selected. Set the timer for 24 hours, and alternate opening and closing the vent every 8 hours.

Transfer to Bottle

After the second 24 hours of cooking is complete, transfer the wine to the empty juice bottle using a funnel.

Loosely Secure Lid

Loosely secure the lid on the bottle using painter’s tape (packing tape will also work). Leaving the cap slightly loose will allow carbon dioxide to escape as the wine ferments.

Let It Sit

Place the bottle in a dark place (like a kitchen cabinet or unused closet) at room temperature so the wine can develop and ferment. After 7 days, the carbon dioxide bubbles should dissipate. The wine is drinkable at this time, but the fermentation won’t be complete until 10-15 days. Aging it for 4 weeks or more is recommended and will result in a fully developed, better tasting wine with scant bubbles.

Bottle It Up

Dregs, which are dead yeast cells, will collect in the bottom of the plastic bottle over time. This sediment is normal and sometimes found in bottles of commercially-produced wine. They aren't a bad thing (some winemakers even leave them in the wine on purpose for flavor development) but can make for an unpleasant drinking experience. After aging the Instant Pot wine for 4 weeks, pour the wine into a clean glass container with a lid, leaving the sediment behind. More sediment may form in the new bottle, but there will be considerably less.

Age & Enjoy

For best results, we recommend aging the wine in its new bottle for 30 days before enjoying.

Cheers!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Where to Find the Best Black Friday Deals This Year

Courtesy of Caroline Alkire

Happy Holidays Friends,

It's that time of year again! Retailers are releasing their deals for November 23, and just in case you're feeling a little overwhelmed, Included are the best need-to-know discounts on everything from appliances to kitchen gadgets to smart devices for your home.

Home and Garden

Michael Khait

Amazon: Black Friday presale is live now, and new deals (up to 70-percent off select home products) are going up every 24 hours.

JCPenney: Online deals start Nov. 18 with official Black Friday deals beginning on Thanksgiving Day at 2 p.m. Early shoppers have a chance to receive coupons ranging from $10 to $500.

Kohl's: Opens at 5 p.m. Thanksgiving Day. Shop Kohl's online deals Nov. 19-23 and get 15-percent off with the code CHEERFUL.

Macy's: Open 5 p.m. Thanksgiving Day through 2 a.m. Friday morning. Open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m on Black Friday. Top home deals include up to 50-percent off select mattresses, up to 60-percent off chairs, and more.

Pier 1: Black Friday presale is live now through Nov. 19 ($20 off $100, $40 off $200, $100 off $400 with the code SAVEMORE). Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) on Black Friday. Throws, decorative baskets, select pieces of furniture, and Christmas decorations all up to 30-percent off. Deals last through Nov. 23, and include 10-percent off and free shipping for online purchases.

Rough Linen: 20-percent off Orkney Bedding Collection and free shipping on all orders worldwide on Black Friday.

Target: Free two-day shipping on all orders now through Dec. 22. Doors open on Thanksgiving Day at 5 p.m. (through 1 a.m. Friday morning). Doors re-open Black Friday at 7 a.m. Shop Black Friday deals online all day on Thanksgiving.

Walmart: Online sale starts Nov. 21 at 10 p.m. EST. Doors open at 6 p.m. (local time) on Thanksgiving Day or shop all day online. Home deals include $5 pillows, $5 towel sets, $100 vanity sets, and more.

World Market (Cost Plus): Pre-Black Friday sales begin online Thanksgiving Day and run through Nov. 25. Top home deals include 40-percent off all furniture (with code FURNDEAL), 20 to 30-percent off select cutlery, $50 off an Aerogarden, and more.

Electronics

Zensorium

Amazon: Black Friday presale is live now, and new deals (up to 70-percent off select electronics) are going up every 24 hours.

Best Buy: Doors open Thanksgiving Day at 5 p.m. (open through 1 a.m. Friday morning). Doors reopen on Black Friday at 8 a.m. Top deals include $200 off various televisions, $150 off iPad minis, $200 off select laptops, and more. Hundreds of sales are also available online leading up to Black Friday.

Jet: Deals start Nov. 21 at 10 p.m. Top electronic deals include $80 off Apple iPads, $50 off Fitbits, $150 the Viyager Electric Scooter, and more.

Kohl's: Opens at 5 p.m. Thanksgiving Day. Shop Kohl's online deals Nov. 19-23, and get 15-percent off with the code CHEERFUL. Top electronic deals include up to $170 off Fitbits, 50-percent off Google Home minis, 50-percent off outdoor security cameras, and more.

Macy's: Open 5 p.m. Thanksgiving Day through 2 a.m. Friday morning. Open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m on Black Friday. Top online deals (available now) include 40-percent off KitchenAids, over 50-percent off Dyson Vaccums, and more.

Target: Free two-day shipping on all orders now through Dec. 22. Doors are open on Thanksgiving day starting at 5 p.m. (through 1 a.m. on Black Friday). Doors re-open on Black Friday at 7 a.m. Shop Black Friday deals online all day on Thanksgiving.

Walmart: Online sale starts Nov. 21 at 10 p.m. EST. Doors open at 6 p.m. (local time) on Thanksgiving Day or shop all day online. Electronic deals include $400 65-inch Rokus, $99 40-inch televisions, $99 Google Home Hubs, and more. Not all deals are available online.

Hopefully, these best deals will help you get a jump-start on your holiday shopping...

Happy Shopping!

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Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello Friends,

All of us at Interior Design would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the timeless treasures of the season; the warmth of home, the love of family and the company of good friends.

Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

10 Tips for a Simply Chic Thanksgiving

Courtesy of HGTV

Happy Thanksgiving Friends,

Thanksgiving is all about focusing on what really matters: family, friends and the ultimate comfort food. Take a fuss-free approach with our tips for setting a seasonal table that incorporates rustic elements with a touch of sophistication. First, Stir It Up - The party starts as soon as guests arrive. Greet friends and family with a tray of piping-hot cider, garnished with fresh cinnamon stir sticks.

Set the Scene

Create a romantic centerpiece overflowing with flowers in shades of ivory, pumpkin and sage placed atop a salvaged wooden board. The Byrd Collective created these beautiful arrangements with roses, hydrangeas, dahlias and ranunculus, and used vibrant autumn leaves for the filler.

Celebrate the Season

To complement this table's muted color palette, fill the area around the centerpiece with pale gourds and squash. Incorporate beeswax taper candles and flickering gold votives to warm the mood.

Take a Seat

Add a natural touch to each place setting by weaving a sprig of dried wheat through a handwritten place card. The neutral, earthy colors of the wheat and card stock contrast beautifully against a boldly hued linen napkin.

Count Your Blessings

This Thanksgiving let everyone join in the fun of decorating the table while remembering to count their blessings. Craft our chain of thanks in advance then ask guests to write down what they're thankful for on the paper strips. Run the chain down the length of the table and take turns reading the sentiments aloud during the meal. For an extra dose of fun, leave the strips of paper anonymous, and let everyone guess the author of each one.

Help Yourselves

The best way to enjoy company is by keeping your own load light during the party. Simplify your hosting duties by setting up a buffet near the table and letting guests help themselves to their favorite Thanksgiving foods. Use fresh herbs and seasonal fruit to garnish each dish, and set out menu cards identifying the ingredients in each item.

The Perfect Bird

Score points with guests by preparing a perfectly cooked turkey then garnishing the bird with fresh apples and bunches of sage.

Gather 'Round the Table

When it comes down to it, the most important part of your Thanksgiving dinner is being surrounded by loved ones. Spend the days leading up focusing on prep work so you can relax and enjoy yourself on the big day.

Light It Up

Scatter votives and taper candles of different heights down the middle of the table to make the entire dining room glow. Purchase inexpensive raw wood holders from a craft store, then apply stain to turn them a rich mahogany. Use unscented candles so fragrances don't compete with the aromas of the food.

Thoughtful Favors

Though they might be stuffed to the brim by the end of the meal, guests will eventually come around to craving more of that Thanksgiving deliciousness. Send them home with a treat, Check our earlier post for some delious recipes or make one of your favorites.

Bon Appétit...

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Live well,
Yvonne