IdeassaedI

Wow, is it almost Christmas again already? It always catches me by surprise. If – like me – you haven’t decorated yet then here are a few easy ideas for giving your home a Christmasy holiday feel.

Seasonal Foliage
Holly, berries and pine cones all give a seasonal feel – just make sure you have permission to pick them. For a jollier look you can use red or metallic indoor spray paint on them. Or you could just buy artificial holly instead.

Candles
One upon a time candles were for providing light. Now they’re items of decor in their own right. Not only can you buy candles that look cheerful and Christmasy, you can buy ones that smell Christmasy. Mulled wine is the one I like best. Always take all safety precautions when using candles.

Seasonal Appliques
I use the word “applique” rather than “sticker” because I’m talking about the sort you can remove easily. You can buy packs of Christmas themed stick ‘n’ peel appliques at very affordable prices and some can even be stored for use next year. Another advantage is that they’re simple enough for kids to use, letting them feel part of the holiday decorating. Just make sure you really do buy ones that will come off easily!

Ribbons and Bows
Almost anything can be made to look seasonal if it’s wrapped up like a gift! Get some Christmas ribbons and bows and wrap them around cushions, chair backs, towels, etc. Be careful not to place ribbons or bows on electrical equipment or anything else that could be a fire risk.

Mini Trees
Not everyone has the space – or the desire – for a full blown Xmas tree, natural or artificial. However a miniature Christmas tree or two placed on a strategic shelf or tabletop can be extremely effective addition to the decor.

Cards
There are many more ways to display your Christmas cards than simple putting them on shelves – there are a variety of greeting card holders available to buy. Or you could just string them together with twine. And why restrict yourself to the cards you’ve received this year? If you get a particularly attractive card you can keep it for next year. Don’t forget about the cards you’ve bought yourself and got leftover after sending ones to all your friends.

The gothic themed bedroom has always been popular – and not just with goths. There’s something both romantic and edgy about the gothic style. A gothic bedroom design can vary from a few carefully chosen accents or a complete theme; from aristocratic class to peasant grunge. Here are a few ideas for turning your bedroom into a gothic crib:

Colour
Think more than just black! Red accents are a great way to suggest blood, lips and passion – perfect if you’re a vampire fan. And if black is just too hot or claustrophobic for your bedroom walls, consider grey. It suggests stone – and hence castles, dungeons and crypts.

Light
Even the most gothic of bedrooms needs some light, even if only for applying your goth makeup! Using down and uplighters with their pools of light in the darkness can be very atmospheric. And, of course, you can buy a wide variety of gothic lights and lamps.

Skulls and Bones
Where would a goth be without someone well bleached bones? Skulls are especially popular and as well as just using them for decoration you can buy them as anything from trinket and jewelry boxes to lamps. You can also buy skull and bone themed accessories such as mirrors and other furniture.

Bedding
A combination of red and black bedding in plain designs works well for gothic bedding. However if you’re not too much of a purist you can buy more interesting gothic themed bedding.

Posters, Prints and Wall Hangings
These are perhaps the most affordable way of adding a gothic touch to an existing bedroom without having to completely redecorate. Gothic posters and prints are easy to put up – and easy to take down when you want a change!

Toys
Kids’ toys have a great emotional impact, especially when found in an incongruous setting like a gothic bedroom. That’s especially true if the toys themselves are somehow “wrong” – a gothic doll or an evil clown perhaps.