HOLIDAY DECORATING

I went to the flower market today to pick up some greens to start some of my holiday decorating next week. As the years go by, I am finding I like the simplest decorations - mostly all naturals and neutrals adding colors with fruits like oranges, pomegranates, kumquats, cranberries, and golden pears. Last year, I purchased a lot of pheasant feathers and they are beautiful and fun to add as well.

I hate to admit it, but I must have about eight large plastic crates in my basement storing all my holiday decorations. There was a time when I was into Department 56 houses, paper mache Santas, English antique fairy lights amongst other "stuff". Two crates are filled with decorations for the tree, and while I know our girls like to see the same ornaments every year, I want to do something different. Our girls are older now, so I feel that it's ok to be creative this year without feeling too guilty.

Well, to be truthful, the other great benefit of using greens and fruits is that you don't have to spend all that time dragging the crates upstairs and unwrapping everything - only to re wrap everything six weeks later to store back in the basement for 11 months. The greens can be recycled and the fruits and nuts can be eaten - how easy and simple.

Its funny how some collections seem to come to life by just adding a few greens. Take for example, this shelf displaying some of my antique pepper mill collection. The greens seem to add an extra touch and dimension that makes it much more appealing.

In the next few weeks, I will post some of my favorite holiday decorating ideas from magazine clippings that I have saved throughout the years.  I love traditions and will share some of mine.  Please comment and share your traditions.