5 minute read

Decking the Halls with Elle

The holidays are just around the corner — and for Elle, this means decking the halls just in time for Christmas. We have asked Elle to give us a sneak peek inside one of the homes she is dressing for the holidays. From red-themed door wreaths to white-and-gold indoor Christmas decorations, let us take a look at some of the secrets of Christmas decoration that Elle shares with us.

Advertisement

What is Elle Working With This Season? This holiday, Elle is tasked with decorating a gorgeous 6000+ square foot home in an affluent gated community. The house is elegant and houses four Christmas trees inside. There are two 12-foot trees in the main living room, a red tree in the living room with the baby grand piano, and a white and gold tree in the kitchen. Here is what she did with the space: Red, White, and Gold. The designer in Elle believes that more is better. Nothing is off-limits to use as decorations. As you can see, Elle has used this philosophy to the maximum and has festooned the Christmas trees in the living rooms with as many baubles and buntings as she could find. The designer in Elle believes that more is better. Nothing is off-limits to use as decorations. As you can see, Elle has used this philosophy to the maximum and has festooned the Christmas trees in the living rooms with as many baubles and buntings as she could find. There are two predominant color themes for this home decoration. The Christmas tree in the living room with the baby grand piano is dressed in red to complement the warm and welcoming earthy tones of the room itself. Elle has chosen to dress this tree in shades of vermillion and scarlet. The tree is crowned with a bright red bow and is adorned with dozens of red silk flowers. To prevent the vibrant color from becoming too overwhelming, Elle has accented the tree with matte gold ribbons and baubles that match the golden-brown interior décor of the room and highlight the dark wood baby grand piano and fireplace, giving the living room a cozy and festive air.

The front door is also flanked with two smaller Christmas trees in the same festive red theme and has a wreath placed in the middle of it. Completely opposite to this vibe, the tree in the kitchen has been decked an icy white and gold, and pays tribute to the winter season. The Christmas tree has been decked head to toe in a curated mix of white flowers, gold ribbons, and white and gold baubles in several layers, making it appear extremely opulent, but matching the predominantly white and brown-gold décor of the room.

The room also consists of a white marble fireplace with a gilded mirror on top and Elle chose to decorate it with white and pale gold Christmas stockings. The shimmering metallic colors set off the icy white brilliantly and complement the room’s color scheme perfectly. The gold and white ornaments and other metallic decorations sparkle brilliantly, which makes the living room appear more luxurious. All in all, Elle’s decorations were the perfect complement to the light, laughter, and Christmas cheer that the holidays bring!

December Holiday Celebrations

By DeAndra Easter

At this time of year, there is so much worth celebrating! Here in the states, in mid-October, you will find Christmas decorations in the stores. But Christmas isn't the only celebration of the season. Here are three others holidays celebrated in December.

Hanukkah Kwanzaa

Also known as “Chanukah,” Hanukkah is an eight-day long Jewish holiday that begins at sunset on November 28. This “festival of lights” continues until nightfall on December 6. This is a time of rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem - celebrated with the nightly lighting of the Menorah, a candelabrum that holds nine flames; one of which is called the shamash (“attendant”). This flame is located in the center and used to light the other eight candles.

Blessings are recited, traditional songs are sung, menorahs are lit and toys (such as “dreidels”) are played with. These customs are accompanied by the giving of a Chanukah gelt, chocolate

coins or monetary gifts given to children for their devotion to Torah study, and as a reward for positive behavior. This provides the children with the opportunity to participate in giving tzedakah, or charity. Created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, Kwanza is a holiday that honors African heritage within African-American culture.

Observed from December 26 to January 1, the holiday is full of symbolism that is usually observed in the decorations. A mushumaa saba (candle) from the Kinara is lit each night of the celebration.. Other decorative symbols include: mazao (crops), mkeka (place mat), vibunzi (ear of corn), kikombe cha umoja (the unity cup), and zawadi (gifts).

The seven candles are lit in recognition and celebration of the Nguzo Suba (the seven core principles) - faith, unity, selfdetermination, collective work & responsibility, purpose, creativity, and cooperative economics.

Las Posadas

Las Posadas originated in Spain and is a time of reflection for the journey prior to Jesus’ birth. Lasting nine days, (representing the nine month Mary carried Jesus in her womb) parties featuring piñatas, prayers, music, food, and fireworks take place in the homes of different families. Processions, led by an “angel,” are held to be a symbolic act of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem on the night of Christ’s birth.

Wherever the procession halts, carols are sung and scripture is read. Mass is held after the procession. At the close of services, piñatas (usually starshaped) filled with money, candy, and toys are broken into on behalf of attending children. The star usually has seven points, symbolizing the seven deadly sins. Anything that falls from the piñata is to be deemed a reward from heaven.

MISSING CALENDER INFORMATION AND AD

This article is from: