Have you ever walked into someone's perfectly manicured, designer decorated home during the holidays only to be greeted by multi-colored lights twinkling against red glass ball ornaments, silver tinsel and skimpy garland? Not to say that the traditional color scheme is bad, but don't get stuck in a Christmas rut! Over-the-top trees and swags may or may not be for you, but holiday decorating should be a reflection of your traditions, customs or heritage and most importantly your own taste.
No matter what, try a holiday color scheme that compliments your surroundings, instead of competing with them.
If you have neutral walls and décor, your holiday decorating options are pretty wide open.
You can go traditional red and green, but consider throwing in lime green.
It'll give you a retro feel without feeling old-fashioned.
Metallics are hot every season and add "bling" against a neutral backdrop without being gaudy.
Try mixing metallics with other earthy elements like feathers, stones and twigs.
Not only are you fashionable, you're recycling too! Jewel tones are a current favorite although be careful to avoid the "circus" look.
Choose three to four colors and mix them with artificial yet natural looking sprays to keep it authentically holiday.
Purple, red, green and fuchsia are a rich combination that is festive yet classy.
Of course the opposite could be true if you live in a house full of bold color or prints; reds, yellows, blues or bold wallpapers.
Try a monochromatic theme or a more neutral, earthly color scheme.
If you've got a red kitchen, your holiday decorating is half done, right? Maybe, but this doesn't mean you have to go with traditional holiday color scheme year after year.
Try a couple of contrasting but complimentary colors and strategically place them throughout the kitchen to balance the red.
Surprisingly enough, a nautical look is a popular new theme.
Use white and cream seashells or chunks of coral as your "pinecones", pearl garland, ornaments and sprays as your round ornaments and accents (as well as your metallic bling) and starfish as your "snowflakes".
Take a large starfish, decorate with ribbons and pearls, attach a small cone to the bottom and use as a beautiful tree topper.
Mix the treasures of the sea with some from land; a woven basket filled with silk paperwhites or a clay pot with white silk amaryllis, a traditional Christmas flower.
Believe it or not, there's a great Christmas story tucked inside every sand dollar; one part of the story says that the star that lead the shepherds to the baby Jesus is emblazoned on the front and the poinsettia is on the back side.
Would you have ever thought the nautical theme could tie into Christmas so well? No matter what your budget or taste, color plays an important role in creating a holiday atmosphere that your friends and family will remember for years to come.
Don't stress about it, but make it a fun and exciting part of decorating for the holidays each and every year.