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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1987-12-02, Page 65POW) 20 Ways to decorate for the festive season The fragrance of pine needles and oranges Christmas Tree - studded with cloves, the sound of bells and The Focal Point carols, the sight of twinkling lights, the ar- Of course the focal point of any Christmas rival of the first greeting cards — these are home decor is the Christmas tree. Accor - a few of the many traditions Canadians ding to Huard, many Canadian families to - associate with Christmas. Surely no other day set up a traditional tree in the family holiday appeals to the senses in such a com- room, complete with an eclectic assortment plete way or calls up memories of the past of storebought and handmade decorations, with such vividness. A glance at a toy store and a second miniature tree in the living window evokes memories of Christmas past room, perhaps set in a window and coon and a longing to relive the excitement of dinated with a specific theme. Here's sone childhood. tips for Christmas trees: "As our lives become more hectic, the • Begin by making sure your tree is desire to recreate that warm, old fashioned upright and completely secure. Be sure Christmas for our own iamilies has become stand is full of water if you have a realtree more important," says Barbara Huard, and fill it each day. Senior product Manager for Carlton Cards, • Whether a real or an artificial tree is us - who has some simple tips for creating a ed, it's a good idea to match it's decor to the nostalgic Christmas theme. theme chosen for the rest of the house. Looking at the way some of the pioneers Nothing achieves a more old fashioned look decorated for the season is a good source of than lots of colorful, traditional decorations inspiration. Records of Christmas and bright ribbon or bows. decorating customs in 19th century Canada • Add garlands of fresh carnberries and are rare, but Catharine Parr Traill provides popcorn by using asmall needle and heavy one of the earliest in her book The Canadian thread. Alternate berries and kernels or Settler's Guide (1855). She tells of going out make separate ropes of each. to collect red -berried wintergreen to hang • Use only Canadian Standards Associa- over the mantlepiece and picture frames, and later adding high bush cranberries and her daughter's coral beads for color. To recreate some of this early Canadian feeling, Huard suggests combining fresh greens with favorite decorations from the past, a few homemade ones which the children will enjoy creating, and perhaps some new ones chosen to complement the theme. Huard recommends carrying the theme right through the house with a few of the following suggestions: • Let the tree establish the theme, then co- ordinate the door wreath, dining room cen- trepeice and mantel or sideboard decorations. • Soften kitchen window frames with green garlands intertwined with pinecones and red ribbon bows. • Set up a tablesized tree on a side table and trim with antique beads, gingerbread men and decorations such as a set of tiny brass musical instruments. You could even use a real pine tree, ready to plant in the garden next spring. Personalize Displays And Wreaths • A coffee table or mantel display of pinecones, dried flowers, greens and other natural materials tied together with a rib- bon bow always looks lovely. • A decorated straw broom on a family room wall lends a country air. Attach real or artificial holly sprigs, a bright ribbon bow and perhaps a couple of tree decorations. • Holiday wreaths are easily created with dried grapevines. Make a grapevine wreath by either starting with a readymade base from a craft shop sf farmers' market, or, make your own by soaking vines in (42. COU ' TDDWN For y ur Christmas Shopping Convenience Clinton stores will be OPEN TILL 9 PM STARTING MONDAY DEC. 14 TO WEDNESDAY DEC. 23 (Closing at regular time on Saturday December 19 and Christmas Eve December 24) tion approved lights and look for the CSA label. Put lights on first, draping them right around the tree, working from top to bot- tom. Check that they are working properly before using and don't bury them under other decorations in case they overheat. • Add remaining decorations with care, distributing evenly over the whole tree. Put heavier items on first making sure they are positioned on the stronger branches. Leave branch tips for ribbon or paper ornaments such as hanging lanterns and tiny fans made from color -coordinating wrap. Burgundy, ivory and green, are colors incorporated in- to Carlton Cards Olde Fashioned line this year. Set A Spectacular Christmas Table "A beautiful table setting takes time to prepare," says Huard, "so make a start the night before and aim to complete it on Christmas morning. Guests will be en- chanted by the sight of it as they arrive — starched linen, gleaming glasses, silver and all." Here are some table setting suggestions for creating that magical look: • What more traditional setting could there be than a snow white damask cloth set with silver and crystal, a centrepiece of hol- ly and red candles with green and red crackers at each place? A single tree decoration tied with ribbon around each napkin can be stunning; decorations can double as table favors. • Use a sideboard or sturdy supplemen- tary table to cope with extra serving dishes. Cover both it and the dining table with mat- ching cloths and they'll look like a pair, especially if linked with similar table decorations. lukewarm water until supple. Bend into • Candles create a nostalgic mood, wreath form and secure with florists' wire. ; whether slender scarlet tapers in a silver Weave bright red or burgundy ribbon candelabra or a cluster of nightlights through vines. Wire on a couple of pinecones gatherd in the centre of the table. Surround and whimsical tree ornaments — rocking - candles with a selection of Pomander horses, little Santas, toy drums — to create (oranges studded with cloves) and an old fashioned yet personal look. evergreens or small gifts and ribbon. Kissing Bali • A charming tablecentre can be made us - An old fashioned kissing ball made from ing an old fashioned sleigh ornament or a tiny cones and nuts, or Christmas cards, special bowl containing a small gift for each makes a lovely family room or hallway con- diner. The presents could be as simple as a versation piece. comb or mirror, or a specially chosen To:nake a unique card kissing ball from Christmas tree ornament. Each gift is at - Christmas cards, cut 12 cards into three- Cached to a slender ribbon which leads out of inch circles. Fold each circle in from four the bowl to the recipient's place at the table. sides to create a square. Glue each folded • Another lovely idea to tie a setting edge to the folded edge of another circle un- together is to use a white lace cloth and til you have a three-dimensional ball shape. weave plaid ribbon around the edges like a Attach ribbon with a piece of holly or wave. A plaid scarf may be used as a runner mistletoe on one end, up through the ball . on a sideboard. Matching plaid napkins and and make a loop at the top for handing. even plaid plates for a large group or buffet Sprinkle glitter along glued -edges if desired. finishes off the motif.