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Entertaining family and friends for the holidays? You don’t need to be a professional designer to transform your space into a festive gathering spot. Here’s how to make your home feel warm, bright and welcoming all season long.
Layer on the Lights
The right lighting can soften the mood and create a feeling of coziness. Weave string lights around your fireplace mantel, around banisters and even over archways to add lovely ambiance to any room. Scatter scented candles throughout to bring glowing warmth and pleasant holiday smells like cinnamon, pine, spiced apple or clove.
Bring the Outdoors in
Fill glass bowls or vases with pinecones and create winter floral arrangements to make your space inviting. Faux foliage works, too – hang pretty evergreen wreaths on doors and drape garlands under windowsills and along staircases and frame your doorways with holly.
Get Crafty
Have the kids to make popcorn strings or paper chains to add some homemade cheer and decorate your houseplants with candy canes, mini-ornaments and twinkle lights. Display your holiday cards on a wall or string them along your fireplace mantel to share your loved ones’ wishes with guests.
Add Texture and Interest with Textiles
Soft, shaggy rugs underfoot will help keep the heat in on cold evenings, while heavy lined drapery add drama and depth. Add fluffy throw pillows throughout, which can double as extra seating, and be sure to keep plenty of cozy throws near your sofa that guests can snuggle up in when it’s time to watch a movie or play board games.
Don’t Overlook Nooks and Crannies
Make sure otherwise empty areas have some holiday cheers as well. Liven up corners by displaying mini holiday houses with votive candles inside or add a grouping of bottle brush trees. Drape a holiday-themed throw over an armchair and fill a bucket near your entryway with fallen branches and greenery wrapped in fairy lights.
Set up a Party-ready Beverage Cart
Gather all the fixings for cocktails and load up a rolling cart with glasses and garnishes so guests can help themselves. Drape some tinsel or string lights around it for some festive flair. Create a hot chocolate bar, too, with fixings like marshmallows, whipped cream and cinnamon.
Create the Ultimate Holiday Table
Dress your dining table with your best dishes, flatware and crystal. Add some festive sparkle with seasonal serving platters, placemats and table linens. The finishing touch? A colourful centrepiece made up of poinsettias, amaryllis, Christmas lilies and plenty of evergreen accents.
Pile on the festive cheer this season to wrap all your friends and family in a warm holiday hug.
Photo Credits: Sotheby’s International Realty Quebec, Ryan McVay / Getty Images, Sotheby’s International Realty Quebec, Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, Sotheby’s International Realty Quebec, Sotheby’s International Realty Canada
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