Indoor Touches Add Merriment

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Large and small swags are available.

Deck the halls, window sills and more to create holiday ambiance.

We have learned that many of us believe it's unnecessary to remove all living and family room furniture in order to make room for Christmas décor and holiday decorating. Many of us who garden want to use what we have, blended in with flowers, greenery, fruits, nuts, pinecones, grasses, candles and decorations that have special meaning to us to create ambiance in our homes.

Fireplace mantels, tables and of course the Christmas tree act as Christmas focal points. Christmas tree aside, mantels, sideboards, bay windows and tables provide many options for combining the new and old, live and silk plants, greenery,tabletop trees, lighting and various textured items such as feathers, moss, twigs and pinecones.

Gardeners share their imagination on combinations and decorating techniques they have used in their homes. Some items are taken from their own gardens; others can be purchased at craft stores.

1.Swags come in various sizes and provide a way in which greenery, pinecones, ribbons, and other decorations can spruce up small windows, doors and porch posts.

2.Wreaths remain a favorite holiday decorating staple. They too can be elaborate or simple and can be personalized to add your favorite colored ribbon, glitter covered leaves, flowers, berries and much more.

3.Small bird nests lying within a length of garland with pheasant feathers, small apples, shafts of dried wheat and small battery-powered candle votives combine many textures to decorate the fireplace mante.

4.Spray painting dead oak or maple branches white, gold, silver and red add drama to outdoor urns. Also using red branches in a white vase to add height and contrast to greenery.

5.Fill bowls and clear vases with mixed mediums and colors such as whole nuts, plaster eggs, chartreuse hedge apples, dried fruit, holly leaves, dried flower pods and shiny or matte finish Christmas ornaments to add color to tables throughout the home.

6.The new higher watt battery-powered candles provide wind resistant and safe outdoor luminaries.

Vist marthastewart.com and search holiday decorating and winter baskets for additional ideas.