It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays everywhere we go, including home. Once we get past Halloween some people instantly bust out the tree and stockings, and most of the rest of the pack follows in a sprint after Thanksgiving.
But it doesn’t have to be an abrupt makeover — it’s easier and more fun to do it gradually, building up the anticipation as the season unfolds.
Hold onto your gourds
Any pumpkins and other gourds you have left over from Halloween and Thanksgiving don’t have to go directly to the trash or compost bin.
Spray-painting them silver or gold or with the red-and-white stripes of a candy cane for the holidays extends their decorative life and can be a fun family festivity just before or after Thanksgiving.
Use more natural materials
Our yearning for earthy materials at home should be appeased any time of year.
Baskets are an increasingly popular way to bring natural textures into the home sphere and wreaths, pebbles, branches, feathers, grasses, leaves and flowers are timeless touches, some of which can also be painted gold or silver to complement the Season of Light.
Add layers
Look for super-chunky woven blankets of wool, shimmery sheaths of cashmere and dependable quality cottons to layer onto furniture in your living room and bedrooms. The texture these layers add creates even more interest in your space, and the coziness draws family and visitors closer together.
Set the table at Thanksgiving
This clearly needs to be done for the meal, but you can also set the stage for holiday decorating without letting it overwhelm the meal.
Put up your Christmas tree, with or without the lights, and set out cloches or baskets of ornaments throughout the dining area and living room, especially the sparkly and glittery ones.
You can let a few touches of fall adornment linger until you’re ready to begin decorating the tree and your home in earnest.
