After a weekend of volunteering for the Campagna Center’s Scottish Christmas festivities it got me in the mood to decorate for Christmas.

Normally Hubby and I get a real tree, but this year we are going sans tree because of how busy our schedule has turned out to be.  And the Momma who normally helps me decorate is away this week in Barbados.  So here is a simple guide for decorating a condo for Christmas.

If you get a tree, I really recommend a live tree.  They are a bit of a pain in the butt, but they look and smell so nice.  Try to get a fresh tree.  I prefer Douglas fir or Frasier firs.  Make sure when the tree is cut that you give it lots and lots of water until the sap seals the tree.  When putting the Christmas tree stand down.  First put a plastic bag or something to keep any water off your floor.  Next I like to place a little padding to keep the stand from scratching the floors, like a rag rug or old towel.  Then the stand goes down.  If you have a big tree I suggest securing it to the wall with fishing line or nylon line.  Let the tree fall for a good day or so before decorating.  I really recommend the new LED lights because they are so much less of a fire hazard and use a lot less energy.

It can be as much or as little as you like.  My Mom gets a table top tree from Whole Foods and they are really cute for a small place. And if you like color try finding a foil tree with a color wheel.

I have a wreath that I really liked a few years ago, but  now it is looking a bit shabby.  So I secured a new ribbon on it, and adorned it with gold stars.  You can always buy a plain wreath and glue or use wire to secure ornaments or adornments to make it special. Often you can spruce up old wreaths with new decorations or inserting some flowers.

Make a focal point in your main room.  For us it normally is the fireplace in the living room which is open to the dining area and kitchen.  We normally line it with boxwood or greenery from  Meadows Farms or Cox Farms, that we then wrap garland around.  Hang the stockings, put some Christmas items on the mantle, maybe some big poinsettas and voila.  Since our place is relatively small and cohesive, I try to continue the same theme of color throughout the house.  This year it is green, red and gold.

Make sure to put some holiday touches in each other room, I like putting poupouri that smells like Christmas trees around because I love that scent.  My nutcracker collection and other Christmas items get placed.  I like to hang wreaths in the windows with battery candles below.  My favorite wreaths are grapevine ones that you can add ornaments, parts of Christmas cards or other special memories.  Maybe a few poinsettias because I love fresh flowers in the house.

Then the table gets dressed.  If you are having people over, I recommend getting or making a nice Christmas flower arrangement for the table because it really sets the look off.  If you are buying one, make sure to go to a good independent florist and make sure it matches your design and theme.  I often specify the flowers and colors to be used.  If you want something minimal and elegant you might have to choose your florist carefully.  I really like Blue Iris on Capitol Hill.

But a nice hurricane or a large bowl, with ornaments or holly would go over nicely as a centerpiece too. I think fully dressed tables just look beautiful in a home if you are having people over for a meal.  If you need help with correct table setting here you go, but remember you can get creative.

Don’t be afraid to remove wall art temporarily for a switch to something festive.

Need more ideas?  Check out open houses at Florists or Garden centers nearby or take a hint from the Master- here is a link to the Martha Stewart Christmas Gallery.

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