DOs
don’ts
“I love a look curated from nature that doesn’t cost a thing – pine cones displayed in bowls or used as placecard holders. Nandina branches or holly branches with their abundant red berries this time of year are a fast floral display and great alternative to buying poinsettias.
“Pomegranates and clementines and other seasonal fruit looks festive this time of year piled high in a basket on a countertop. A full layer of cranberries on a shallow plate with tea lights tucked in amongst the berries makes a lovely centerpiece.”
On paper chains: “Instead of using construction paper, I love chains fashioned from repurposed newspapers or old books that can no longer be used. Old book pages can also be used to make origami or pinwheel -like ornaments and hanging paper garlands; rolled pages can be glued en masse on top of a wreath form. You can use other elements like twine to hang the ornaments to tie into the natural theme.”
Inflatable outdoor Christmas decorations.
~ Carole Marcotte, Owner of Form & Function
DOs
Hinge, owner of Revival Antiques in Raleigh, Jodie says she decorates her store by first organizing items by theme or color. It’s a great way to light a fire under your imagination.
“By choosing themes for the store that most
people can recreate at home such as traditional red and green, silver and crystal and a rustic theme incorporating burlap textures and birds, we not only give people varied design inspiration, but we make it easy to add new holiday elements that will mix in with existing décor,” says Hinge.
Ribbon and fresh greens help unify looks.
don’ts
You don’t have to use everything you have. “Avoid a scattered or clut-
tered look. Don’t be afraid to edit your holiday décor; not every item has to be used each year. By resisting the urge to decorate every surface, what you put effort into will be highlighted even more,” says Hinge.
~ Jodie Hinge, Owner of Revival Antiques
86 | midtownmag.com