Subtle Makes a Statement

Just because it's the holiday season doesn't mean that you have to decorate your entire house with the traditional red and green hoopla. While you probably have fond childhood memories of a house decked out with giant red bows, mistletoe, garland, and lush green wreaths, you don't have to carry on the tradition. Why not make a holiday decorating scheme that suits you and your tastes? If subtle and elegant is more your style, tone it down a bit with some natural ornaments. Surprisingly, natural ornaments aren't always green.

The first step you should take is to look into LED pre lit artificial trees. Order one with all white lights; this will create a nice, neutral decorating base that will illuminate your decorations. Next, think in terms of yellows and oranges—nothing will fill a room with more sunshine than vivid citrus tones. Place oranges, tangerines, lemons, and clementines in pieces of sheer fabric. Next, secure the fruits within the fabric and hang then from the tree with ivory-colored bows (either tie them directly to the branches or create loops from which to hang them).

To finish off the display, place bowls of citrus fruits around the room. Not only will the entire room be decorated beautifully but it will smell great as well.