Easy Christmas Decorating

TRY A TABLE-TOP TREE

To save floor space, try a small table-top tree. Increase the visibility of ornaments, making it look spectacular from all angles. It will also be out of reach for small pets and toddlers.

Dress up the tree by wrapping the base in festive decorative fabrics. Choose from rich velvets, brocades or tapestry-style fabrics. Save money by using excess fabric from drapes, store samples and such. This is an economical way to add glamour to your tree skirt.

Instead of a pricier Frazier Fur tree, consider a Japanes spruce. It has small, strong and sturdy branches.

PERSONALIZE YOUR ORNAMENTS

Use a variety of ornaments and personalize your tree, rather than sticking to one theme or trend. Let your tree "tell a story" and not look too "finished". Remember, ornaments can be attractive no matter what the price. Choose cheerful ornaments. This can be done fairly inexpensively.

Use different sizes of lights and types. Choose from miniature white rice lights to large old-fashioned colored bulbs. Variety is the spice of life. The more heavy European tinsel will hang straight and looks very clean.

CALIFORNIA EVERGREEN - THE PERFECT CHOICE

For great alternatives to pine in your holiday wreaths and garlands, try bay and eucalyptus. Their fragrance is fresh and clean. They do not drop their leaves and last a long time.

You can get the bay or eucalyptus garlands by the length from your florist. Use them on banisters, doorways, mantles and around centerpieces. You can get boxwood, eucalyptus, seeded eucalyptus and bay.

DECORATING WITH AMARYLLIS

For those in a milder climate, consider red and white amaryllis as an alternative to holly. These plants grow tall and provide an elegant look. Do know that the flowers take about six weeks to bloom, but they last about 3 weeks. Place several together in a basket and cover the base with dried moss.

NEED A CENTERPIECE?

Gather your extra ornaments and place in a large glass bowl. Use this as a special decorative accent. Add more bay or eucalyptus around the base and place on a table runner for a special table display.