• When decorating for the holidays, create intimate

spaces that make you want to stop for a closer look:

sheer and solid ribbons mixed on a Christmas tree,

for example, or a garland of clear crystal-like shapes

that come to life when the light hits them.

• Another idea is to select a theme, anything from an

unusual color combination (brown and gold

decorations give the tree on the opposite page an

Old World feel) to a salute to nature, with faux fruits

spilling from Father Christmas’ gift bag and

glitter-tipped pinecones on the tree and garland.

• A mix of textures and shapes will create a subtler

visual feast: velvety poinsettia ornaments and

glistening faux pearls, smooth and heavy magnolia

leaves and wispy feathers, spiky gold branches and

round glass balls.

• Christmas is a time to pull out all the stops, but to

do it in inventive ways. We grouped white pillar

candles on a console under an antiqued mirror,

mixing the type of holders and using different candle

lengths. On another table three glass-globe

candleholders (groups of three are visually interesting),

a glass candy dish topped with gossamer ribbon, and

Father Christmas dressed in pale green lend a

frosty feel.

• A final tip: ornaments aren’t just for trees. Our

crystal “Hope” ornament adds a dash of holiday

spirit to the lid of an otherwise plain glass dish.

Look around your home and be creative.