Christmas Decorating Ideas

We tend to get inspired to decorate our homes during the holidays, and Christmas is no exception, as it is the time of hope, joy and love for the whole family to share. But before you start decorating, here are some tips that we find handy.

Distribute the Christmas lights evenly – When decorating the holiday tree, starting your lights from the top spiraling down to the bottom, adding strands if necessary. Don't forget to test the lights before putting them on the tree.

Simple but dramatic lighting – Even the simplest of decorating can provide the most dramatic results. For instance, consider using colored floodlights directed towards the house or trees for subtle outdoor effects. These lamps are easy to install and require little maintenance.

Keep candles at a safe distance – Candles are a traditional must-have of the season. However, they are also a main source of house fires. To remedy this, keep your candles out of children and place them at a safe distance. For instance, never use these lighted candles on a tree or from other decorations made of paper.

Freeze candles before lighting – This actually prevents the wax from dripping.

Use safe decorations – Avoid any decorations that tend to break easily of have sharp edges. Also, keep the trimmings that have small or removable parts away from children's reach. These small pieces may be swallowed accidentally.

Use may use plastic ornaments – You can hang cheap plastic Christmas ornaments by a thin ribbon in a window that you want to decorate. Hang it with tape and at different heights.

Recycle Christmas cards – Use those old Christmas cards that you received years ago and convert them into gift tags. Cut the pictures in the cards and paste them in plain wrapping paper.

Use wrapping paper as gift cards – If you have run out of gift tags to use this season, consider using the remaining scrap wrapping paper. Use a piece of the paper, fold them in half (with the white side inward). Cut the edges with decorative scissors and label on the inside the “to and from” part. Once you're done, tape it to the gift.

Recycle broken ornaments into something else – If your tree ornaments have missing hooks or caps, put them together in a glass bowl and use it as a centerpiece.

Turn off the lights before sleeping – Do not ever leave the lights unattended, especially candles. Turning off the lights and extinguishing candle flames can prevent house fires.

Bring old crocheted ornaments to life – Perk up frayed crocheted ornaments with a few pumps of hairspray.

Dress up existing throw pillows – Use scrap fabrics on hand or purchase a yard of holiday-themed fabric that is either on sale or a remnant. Wrap each pillow with a fabric and secure them with safety pins. Then, wrap a strip of wired ribbon around the pillow and make into a nice bow. You could also dress up these small pillow with large bandannas in red, green, and gold.

Group small gifts - Pack several small gifts into a basket, ceramic bowl, or fabric stocking, while place children's gifts in a lunch box, plastic pail, or cardboard mailing tube.