It's that time of year again – the time when the magic and energy of the holiday season comes alive and the countdown to Christmas has begun. If you're strapped for time but looking for fun, festive, space-saving and eco-friendly ways to decorate your suite, then look no further! Here are five great ways to bring the holiday spirit home.
LIVING TREE
Save the space and skip the large, bulky Christmas tree this year. You can carry the holiday spirit year-round by selecting an alternative option commonly referred to as the "living" tree. This miniature Christmas tree comes already potted and can be placed just about anywhere depending on its size – including on display atop the table or a dresser to save even more space!
Link to image: https://www.istockphoto.com/ca/photo/red-and-white-living-with-christmas-tree-gm821972588-132977517
GARLAND
Garland is a simple, yet great, way to bring the holiday spirit home. The best part? It takes up virtually no space! Drape it around your windows, chairs or even your mirror to transform your apartment into a winter wonderland. Need that extra splash of colour? Through in some festive florals, fake cranberries or white or rainbow lights to give it that extra holiday sparkle.
Link to image: https://www.istockphoto.com/ca/photo/traditional-christmas-tree-with-presents-in-warm-rustic-room-set-gm502214850-81776397
CENTERPIECES
Get creative this holiday season with DIY centerpieces. If you're running low on time (or cash for gifts), candles are a great option – and what's more festive than spicy scents like cinnamon? This simple idea only requires a few items: candles, cinnamon sticks, an elastic band, twine (or ribbon) and scissors. Use the elastic to hold the cinnamon sticks in place around the candle, placed tightly together to avoid any space between them. Once secured, wrap your twine (or use ribbon for extra colour) and tie it into a bow or knot. (Disclaimer: please use caution with an open flame).
Link to image: https://www.istockphoto.com/ca/photo/christmas-candle-wrapped-in-cinnamon-sticks-in-the-snow-gm462346737-31922394
Not a fan of candles? No problem! Fill a mason jar with seasonal items like pine cones, cranberries, seasonal flowers, candy canes or ornaments set them aglow with fairy lights. These beautiful centerpieces can also double as holiday gifts for guests! (For a kid-friendly version, fill a mason jar with all the fixings for a gourmet hot chocolate).
Link to image: https://www.istockphoto.com/ca/photo/christmas-card-with-glowing-garland-jar-and-candy-cane-gm870210542-145252321
OR: https://www.istockphoto.com/ca/photo/christmas-new-years-concept-gm878362386-244973770
WREATHS
Wreaths are an ancient holiday tradition and can be made from just about anything and be placed just about anywhere. Add some Christmas glamour to your apartment by hanging wreaths on your bedroom door, the end of a table (smaller ones can be placed on the table or countertops, with candles in the middle) or to the back of the chairs around your dining room.
Link to image: https://www.istockphoto.com/ca/photo/sofa-table-and-christmas-tree-with-gifts-at-home-gm494499276-77477529
LIGHTS
Last – but certainly not least – Christmas lights! These can come in all styles, shapes and colours making the creative ideas endless. Shapes can be hung in the window, soft white lights can fall from behind your curtains or add Christmas lights to your kids bedroom – this can even double as a nightlight!
Link to image: https://www.istockphoto.com/ca/photo/magical-time-of-the-year-gm1097885992-294844129
OR: https://www.istockphoto.com/ca/photo/soft-curtain-with-string-lights-gm1076131754-288164434
Now picture this: you're relaxing on your couch at the end of a long day, maybe even with a steaming cup of hot cocoa (or coffee!) or enjoying the company of your spouse/partner surrounded by sparkle of holiday lights – what could be more magical?
Link to image: https://www.istockphoto.com/ca/photo/winter-magic-gm496429810-78546227
Ready? On your mark, get set, decorate!