- Abundance---of guests, gifts and treats---suggests luxury.christmas presents under christmas tree image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
For many people, the Christmas season celebrates warmth, togetherness, abundance, giving, caring and love for one another. Decorations enhance the festivities and help a home reinforce the importance of the holiday. These decorating ideas summon a sumptuous, luxurious atmosphere. - Pick a unifying color for your decorations.christmas light on christmas ball image by Bart van der Putten from Fotolia.com
Get the biggest Christmas tree that will fit into your living room or parlor without looking silly. A huge tree crammed into a small room looks anything but luxurious. If your living room boasts cathedral ceilings (or at least tall ceilings), get a super-sized tree. Adorn it with tasteful, quality decorations. A tree dripping with colorful jewels is tacky, not fancy. Rather, luxury means understated elegance and quality. Instead of a bright red velour tree skirt, find one of burgundy velvet. Hang artisan candy canes from the tree's branches and handcrafted boiled-wool stockings from the fireplace mantel. - Refrain from using artificial garlands unless someone is allergic to the real thing.garland with lights image by Katrina Miller from Fotolia.com
To create a luxuriously cozy, inviting Christmas atmosphere, think warmth and tradition. Stack vintage holiday quilts on the arms of a sofa. Weave real garlands through the banisters. Dangle sprigs of mistletoe above doorways in the main living areas. Take down your usual artwork and replace it with wintery paintings and giclee prints. And remember---decorating appeals to all the senses, not just the eyes.
If an antique bearskin rug languishes in an upstairs closet somewhere, take it out and lay it in front of the fireplace. Keep a fire blazing whenever the house is occupied. Simmer fragrant herbs in water on the stove (turn the heat to low and check on it periodically) to infuse the house with a divine aroma. - High-end stationery is an affordable luxury.the envelope image by Kimberly Reinick from Fotolia.com
Display first editions of classic children's Christmas books, such as The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg and The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams. Whenever you host a gathering, inform your guests via handwritten notecards that a donation to charity has been made in each person's honor. Display and serve homemade and high-end Christmas treats, like peppermint bark, anise cookies and European-style dark drinking chocolate.
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