Why not go with a different color palette this year?

The familiar traditions of decorated holiday trees, gift giving, and special celebrations with family and friends began in the Victorian Era. Tree decorations were much simpler then and included nuts and ribbons. The city of Williamsburg was where the Christmas tree officially entered this country. It took the form of a small fir tree placed on a tabletop and was decorated with candles, popcorn strings and paper ornaments. It wasn’t until around the middle of the 19th century we saw the emergence of the taller, floor-standing Christmas tree. Victorians would be delighted with the vast array of decorations available today.

While holidays are wonderful times for traditions, often people keep repeating the same decorations each year. Yet there is no reason you cannot introduce some new touches in your home. Here are a few ideas:

Consider forgoing red poinsettias, which can be so overused and limit your color palette. Instead consider using a different color palette such as lime green, blue and gold or silver, which could be very striking. One easy way to do this is by selecting glass bowls and filling them with blue and gold or silver balls. Then surround the base of this with holiday greenery into which you secure limes. Not only citrus, but other vegetables such as artichokes and zucchini add variety to any centerpiece or holiday display. On the underside of the citrus or vegetables insert a wooden pick which holds it in place and be out of view.

Your mantle is always a perfect place to decorate. Since fresh greenery garlands fade quickly, I have come up with a method to keep my greenery fresh throughout the season. It involves using 5 rectangular containers that are 10 inches long, 5 inches wide and 2 inches tall. Into each of these I place a block of oasis that has been well soaked in water and secure it in place with floral tape. They are now ready to be filled with a combination of greenery.

Make sure the oasis and container are covered by the greenery. Using several varieties of greenery such as boxwood, pine, arborvitae or holly make it the most interesting. Next add the finishing decorative touches such as your citrus, holiday balls and gold or silver spray painted dried hydrangea, pine cones or lotus pods. Add decorative cords as garlands running across it. Keep the container filled with water and your mantel will look fresh through the season.

I always make sure the packages I place under the Christmas tree make a statement. I do this by selecting solid color wrapping paper in one color such as silver, gold, pale green etc and then use a combination of 2 contrasting ribbons per package.

To change the appearance of your accent and dining chairs, cover with slipcovers in a metallic sheer fabric. Your sofas will benefit with the addition of holiday pillows done to compliment your color palette.

Teal Michel ASID, is a licensed full-service interior design firm specializing in residential interior design and renovation-remodeling design throughout the Carolinas. Teal has won awards from ASID for interior spaces and furniture design and from the Home Builder’s Association of Charlotte Excellence in Remodeling for remodel design and interior renovation. She has participated in HGTV’s “Designer’s Challenge” and her work has been featured in several books. www.tealmichelasid.com.