V-for-Veronica

When decorating for the holidays, it’s best to begin with some idea of what you want your home and tree to look like. If you are new to your home or this will be your first Christmas out on your own, I have a few tips that may help you get started, especially if you are feeling a bit overwhelmed.

1. It’s okay to copy. The best thing you can do before buying your Christmas decorations is to take a drive around and see what others are doing. You will find that some things you see, you like, while others make you cringe and drive away quickly. Take note of these things and you will be well on your way.
2. Follow a color scheme. There are plenty to choose from: red and white, blue and white, green and red and white, multi colors, and even just plane white. As you probably already know, white lights are a staple and go with anything. You should avoid having mostly two colors and throwing in a random multi color bush, for example.
3. Map it out. Draw a simple picture of your yard and use crayons to kind of flesh out your ideas. This will save you time and money, not to mention frustration. Also, having a map will let you easily show anyone helping you what goes where, so you don’t have to micro-manage.

I’d also like to leave you with a list of tools/tricks I’ve picked up from experience–the painful kind… So please take note:

1. Wear long sleeves and gloves- not just because it may be cold, but because when wrapping trees and bushes, you tend to get lots of scratches and cuts that leave you itchy afterward.
2. When wrapping your lights into a ball, either to use or store for next year, be sure that the male plug is not on the inside of the ball. This has many benefits that I will get to later.
3. Avoid the plastic stakes. They break much too easily. Go with the metal ones because they will last you many years to come and are also useful for pushing loose extension cords into the ground.
4. Don’t buy all your decorations at once. Save money by getting a few things each year and taking advantage of the after Christmas clearance sales. I always get new lights, garland and Christmas cards around December 27th -29th. These are usually over stocked and easy to get the days after, but sometimes you may get lucky and grab yourself a beautiful tree-topper, wreath, ornaments or other special things.

I will write more soon (Christmas tree decorating, how to wrap bushes and trees, etc.)! Merry Christmas and happy decorating!