The holidays are here and there is so much to do. Let’s talk about some ways to make this

year’s decorations more memorable, easier and bring more joy! And if you don’t want to even

think about dragging out all the decorations.... call us and we can do it for you!

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Look to nature to help you make things festive and fragrant. Natural elements make your home

feel lived in and loved. Use linen and live garlands (can’t you smell the cedar and pine?). Use

cranberries and pine cones. Make a pomander tree with oranges studded with whole cloves.

The citrus and spice scent will make your home a welcoming oasis. Holly berries still on the

branch in simple glass vases are an easy and quick decor trick! And adding fresh fruits to the

garlands will not only add a punch of color but will fill your senses with wonder.\

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Go for YOUR traditions. If YOUR tradition is a tree trimmed with Star Trek ornaments, embrace

it! Your traditions are what makes the season memorable and special. Or take your decor that

you already own and update it. Add new ribbons to your wreaths, spray paint the ornaments

stored in the attic, only use one color and see what an impact it makes.

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What about a whole new color scheme? You don’t have to always use the expected red and

green. All shades of blue evoke feelings of winter; ice covered ponds, snow capped peaks,

frosty grey winter mornings. Or maybe try a European route...traditionally those colors are more

time-worn, like eggplant purples, dark crimson red, burnt orange... think antiqued hues. These

greyed out colors feel aged and magical.

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Designer Laura Hodges says, “Vintage and handed-down items help to make the holiday

decorating feel collected and treasured over time.” Did your grandmother have a silver

aluminum tree? What a great memory! Decor items that are retro can’t help but feel nostalgic

and bring joy. Break out that silver tree and revamp the color wheel and see how big your smile

gets.

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Christmas Stovetop Potpourri

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh cranberries

1 navel orange (sliced)

1/2 an apple (sliced)

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 cup cinnamon bark or 3 – 4 cinnamon sticks

2 tsp whole cloves

2 tsp vanilla extract

a few small pieces of evergreen tree

water

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Instructions:

1. Put all of the ingredients into a medium sized saucepan and top up with water.

2. Simmer on the lowest setting and enjoy!

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We love the holidays and we know you do too! Get in the holiday spirit and let your home bring

smiles to all who visit! Make memories that last!

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Stylishly yours,

The Chelsee Sowder Design Team

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