Sensible Decorating for the Seasons

The hustle and bustle of the holidays is over. The decorations are stored for another year and the tree has been recycled. It's time to re-work the rooms back to their pre-holiday arrangements and it's always nice to freshen them up too.

I don't know about you, but throughout the year my time and my budget seldom allow for monthly indulgences. (I have a daughter in college, for goodness sake!) However, I do like to make the house feel pretty. So, I take it a season at a time and come up with a few inexpensive, classic things that will add a fresh touch throughout the months.

In October I bought a selection of white Ghost pumpkins in various sizes including Jack-be-Littles. Gathered together, they masqueraded their way up the steps and onto the front porch. Come November, thankful for their bounty, I scooped them up, added a few pretty leaves and placed them on the dining table for a simple, Thanksgiving display. Once December arrived, I put them atop varying height pedestals and cake stands, added a bit of vintage silver garland and a light dusting of fake snow. Instantly, sparkly nests were readied for my glittery silver birds to rest. This week, I packed away the silver accents, kept the snow and put a few smallish pumpkins under glass cloches. I piled the Jack-be-Littles into an ironstone bowl and lightly sprinkled it with the snow. I love how they look - all nestled in for a long winter's nap.

Early in December I purchased one bunch of Ilex branches and a dozen paper white bulbs. The  branches can be expensive however their bright red berries pack a big punch of color so you don't need many. I placed them in a vintage white enamel pitcher and put them in the front hall. They made a lovely holiday greeting. Instead of tossing them as their berries began to fall, I cleaned the berries from each branch, (do this over a garbage can), keeping a few for color. I split them up and use them as supports for my paper whites. Once the bulbs have given their all, I'll stick the branches in the kindling bin by the fireplace, enjoy their wintery starkness, then place them into a fire on a cold evening.

My point is: If you think ahead and get creative, you don't need to spend lots of time or money to add a seasonal touch. By reworking, rethinking and recycling, October through January, I created a festive look with a few, simple and inexpensive items.

BTW, To accompany this post I wanted to shoot you a picture of the pumpkins and Paper Whites. However, (remember I live in the Pacific Northwest)! there is absolutely NO natural light today. I'll attempt it another day.

Have a great weekend!

For more tips, ideas and information, contact me at tips@beiteversohumble.com or by phone: 425 765-2490.