When decorating your home for the holidays, choose a color scheme and style that best fits your home. Then apply the rule of repetition for the whole house. Deciding how formal you like your house will help keep you focused as you shop.

Something as simple as choosing between a quilted tree skirt or a velvet one will set the tone for your decorating and also complement your theme.

When purchasing holiday items, stick to your color scheme in ribbons and accessories for the whole house.

Continually repeat themes or decorating elements.

Try to have a focal point in each room that reflects this design.

If you're creating a candy-cane theme on the tree, then candy canes should appear in the stairway garland and on the wreath for your front door.

Continue your color theme with an outside decoration and lights that are in keeping with your holiday look.

If you started a collection like such as Santas, then build on it and continue the theme throughout the house.

Use bows everywhere for a festive look that really sets the mood.

Fill a glass bowl with antique ornaments to add a little sparkle.

Set up a lighted Christmas village with miniatures the kids will take time to enjoy. Add natural textures by filling a glass vase with colored beads and gold-sprayed twigs.

Let the children decorate pinecones or wrap cinnamon sticks in your favorite holiday ribbon.
When you're done, take a moment to light a candle and savor the magic that the holidays bring.