For homeowners whose taste in decor runs along contemporary lines, traditional holiday embellishments don't quite fit the bill when it comes time to trim the tree or set a festive table. But not to worry! Contemporary holiday style can be every bit as fetching as the traditional approach. To get started, just explore the great projects outlined below. Fabulous Fireplace Accents To create a stunning garland for a fireplace in a contemporary-style room (figure A), attach small bunches of magnolia leaves to a length of wide, wired ribbon using a stapler. Note: Since contemporary styles should feature more texture than color, the glossy front and matte back of the magnolia leaves make them a perfect choice for this garland. - First, cut the ribbon to length. It should be long enough that its center can be secured at a point 6 to 12 inches above the center of the mantel, with each end draped slightly over the mantel's front and secured at the outer corners; the "tails" of the garland should extend down the sides of the fireplace surround and reach just above the floor.
- Once the ribbon is cut, arrange five or six leaves in a fan-shaped group, turning some leaves face-down to reveal the matte, lighter-colored back surface.
- Beginning at one end of the ribbon, hold the leaves in their fan-shaped arrangement so that the ends of the leaves fan out over the ribbon's end. Carefully staple the base of the leaves to the ribbon (figure B), using multiple staples if necessary to secure each leaf.
- Duplicate with a second group of leaves on the back of the ribbon.
- Continue the process on the front and back with more groups of leaves until the entire ribbon is covered.
Important Note: As each group is stapled in place, make sure to lay the wide ends of the leaves over the base of the previous group to conceal the staple(s). - With the ribbon now entirely covered, weave a string of white lights through the garland for extra beauty. Use extra leaves to hide the wire where necessary; attach these with the stapler or simply tuck in place.
- Finally, drape shimmery metallic ribbon in shades of silver and / or gold through the length of the garland for a perfect finishing touch (figure C).
Note: While magnolia leaves work especially well for this project, other types of thick evergreen leaves would make good substitutes. With the garland now complete, it's time to add some visual interest to the hearth below. - To continue the simple yet striking contemporary style of the garland, place three or four rows of ivory or white candles directly in front of the fireplace ( figure D), and a row or two inside the fireplace as well if desired.
Tip: Using magnolia-scented candles will provide an especially nice enhancement to the garland. - Elevate some of the candles with clay holders the same color as the candles themselves (figure E). Matching the holders to the candles keeps the simple, stylish look in tact, while the various heights add visual impact.
- Spread white gravel around the base of each candle so that it fills all spaces in between and extends an inch or so outside the arrangement. Used frequently in landscaping, this type of gravel can be found in the garden section of home improvement centers as well as in garden supply stores.
- Complete the look with a few ivory or white votives in glass holders placed in between the larger candles of the front row.
On top of the mantel, within the two sections of draped garland, add simple accents such as white candles in silver candleholders (figure F), one or two elegant Christmas figures like a white or silver reindeer (figure G) and a few extra votives. Contemporary-Style Accents and Tree Decor With the fireplace now boasting a stylish holiday look, it's time to dress up staircases, doors and trees with the same flair. - For staircase banisters, create a simple garland using a base of evergreen greenery accented with gilded grape ornaments, magnolia leaves and sheer gold ribbon (figure H).
- In creating a contemporary-style tree, proportion is important: as a general rule, choose a tree with as much height as the room will allow. If possible, further enhance the tree's height with an elevated base, such as a silver pedestal urn (figure I).
- Keep ornaments simple, using minimal color: combinations of silver and gold ( figure J), silver and white or gold and ivory are all great choices.
- For French doors that would be overwhelmed by two separate wreaths, try this easy trick for a single wreath that allows the doors to remain functional (figures K and L):
- Purchase a polystyrene wreath form and cut it exactly in half (figure M). (If it's white, spray paint it green to help it blend better with the decorations you'll add).
- Cover the forms with magnolia leaves, attaching them with a hot glue gun. (Paint some of the leaves silver and turn others face-down for added texture and interest.)
- Finally, accent the leaves with gilded fruit spaced at various intervals and attached with the hot glue gun (figure N).
- Use two door hangers to hang the wreath -- one for each half -- so that when the door is closed the two halves form a complete circle (figure O). If necessary, secure the wreath halves with tape at the bottom to help hold them in place.
Note: This wreath also looks great on full-sized doors: simply skip the step of cutting the form in half and use a single door hanger! Hanukkah Tablescape Creating a brilliant, contemporary table setting adds a great element to the holiday celebrations and it's so easy to do. For an elegant Hanukkah theme, begin with a streamlined plan that involves few linens and no floral arrangements. (Although this look can be successfully used with a variety of table styles, it's especially suitable for glass-top tables.) - First, create place settings with silver chargers (in lieu of placemats) and cobalt-blue plates (figure P). In the center of each plate, add a white, silver-trimmed napkin tucked into a simple silver napkin ring.
For an extra touch of style, slip a single silver-painted magnolia leaf into each ring so that it lays flat on top of the gathered napkin (figure Q). - Instead of placecard holders, paint small dreidels the same shade of cobalt blue as the plates, then paint the name of each guest on the dreidels in silver or white (figure R).
- For the centerpiece, gift-wrap several boxes in silver paper to create a base that will add height to the feature element. For this piece, selecting a dramatic item such as a contemporary-style menorah crafted of cobalt-blue glass (figure S) not only adds dimension and beauty to the tablescape, but also ties together the other elements made of the same material.
- Gelt bags, another Jewish tradition, can be fashioned from standard silver mesh (the same kind used for window screens) and tied with a simple bow of gold mesh ribbon (figure T). (Rolls of screening are available in home improvement centers and quite cost-effective, since you'll have plenty of extra material to work with.)
- For another great accent, add votives in glass holders embellished with more screening.
- Simply cut a square about four times larger than the diameter of the votive holder and fold it in fourths to form a smaller square (figure U).
- Then, use a pair of heavy-duty scissors to cut a one-inch slit inward from the folded corner that will create a center opening when the square is unfolded. (Be careful not to cut the opening too large or it won't stay in place on the votive holder.)
- Insert the votive holder into the opening and pull the screening up near the top edge of the holder. Pinch the corners to shape.
Note: In addition to adding shape and texture to the table, this self-supporting material will also reflect candlelight, providing a touch of extra sparkle. - To complete the look, add a simple yet distinctive touch to a buffet or credenza with a traditional menorah fitted with cobalt-blue candles, as shown in figure V.
Tip: Candles will burn longer when chilled in the refrigerator prior to burning. Display the menorah on an antimacassar, another traditional Jewish element, or a basic doily to protect the surface of the buffet. Final Tip: Terrific Tree Alternative... For areas that would benefit from decorations but don't seem suitable for a tree, consider using a small grouping of "mini-trees," such as dwarf evergreens and topiaries (figure W). Display in detailed pedestal urns accented with ornaments and decorative cord in a coordinating color arranged around the base.
RESOURCES :
Holiday Decorating
Model: 1586632272
Author: Megan Fulweiler
(September, 2001)
Metro Books
Jewish Holiday Style: A Beautiful Guide to Celebrating the Jewish Rituals in Style
Model: 0684849593
Author: Rita Milos, et al
Create a Celebration: Ideas and Resources for Theme Parties, Holidays and Special Occasions ...
Model: 1555919499
Author: Ellen M .Pals
(September, 1996)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Fulcrum Publishing
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