For those whose decor features an abundance of lace, ribbon and old photographs, a Victorian-style holiday is the perfect way to celebrate the season. The projects below offer easy and practical ways to incorporate the beauty of the Victorian era into holiday decorations. - Accent a banister garland with miniature fans made from leftover wallapaper or border remnants. Globe artichokes, bay leaves, ornate decorative ornaments and framed antique Christmas cards and postcards also make great embellishments for garlands.
Tip: Use green pipecleaners to camouflage the "anchor points" of your garland. (Anchor points include the newel post, the point at the top of the stairs, and any intervals in between that create an attractive draped look along the length of the railing.) Mini Victorian Fans - Begin with a standard evergreen garland as shown in figure A.
- Choose several Victorian-style prints from a book of discontinued wallpaper / wall border samples (figure B). When removing the sample from the book, leave it attached to the page to give fan extra support.
Note: Some wallpaper retailers will give away old sample books for free, but if you're unable to aquire one, you can substitute standard-weight paper for the project. Simply apply a thin layer of glue or spray adhesive to the back of the sheet and affix to a sheet of cardstock. (Standard-weight decorative papers are readily available in craft centers and art supply stores.) - Cut the sample or paper to the desired height for the fan. (The sheet should be wide enough to produce four to six pleats when folded accordian-style.)
- Once folded, staple the fan at the bottom to secure the pleats, then tie a decorative ribbon around the stapled portion (figure C).
- Tuck the finished fan into the greenery, as shown in figure D. (The book page or cardstock backing will help hold it upright.)
Framed Nostalgia Silk flowers make a beautiful addition to a Victorian-style garland, but they look even better when paired with old-fashioned framed mementos (figure E). Framed items may include old postcards (figure F), old photos, Victorian-era reproduction prints, stickers, etc. - Once the selected item is placed in the frame, remove the backing and lay a length of wide decorative ribbon inside the opening (figure G).
- Replace the backing (figure H), then close the clasps on the two sides opposite the ribbon extensions.
- Loop the ribbon around the railing at the desired point and tie in a bow at the back.
- Adjust the picture on the front of the railing to the desired position (figure I).
Tip: Take photos of the swag placements to use when decorating the following year.
- To create an opulent tree rich in Victorian style, choose decorations that reflect the romance of this period: assorted pastel ornaments, cascading pearls and snowy greenery. For the tree topper, select a unique decorative item like the antique-style metal birdcage shown in figure J. To complete the look, wrap packages in tapestry- or floral-print papers and tie with coordinating ribbons in beautiful fabrics.
- In continuing the Victorian look for a fireplace mantel, elements like a crape myrtle centerpiece provide a perfect focal point, especially when flanked by elegant pedestal topiaries at the ends of the mantel (figure K). Finishing touches include softly-draped lengths of pale, rose-colored decorative cord, a few white or pastel votives and elegant candlesticks fitted with white tapers.
- In the dining room, Victorian style can be easily achieved with a little softness and creativity.
For an ornate yet slightly relaxed tablescape, begin with lace placemats beneath gold chargers at each place setting (figure L). Create charming placecards using miniature gilded frames fitted with cream-colored cardstock bearing the name of each guest in calligraphic or ornamental script (figure M). To celebrate the English ritual of afternoon tea, create guest favors with tea infusers and rock-candy stirrers wrapped in gold-trimmed pink ribbon and accented with a floral sprig. - To secure the items, first cut the ribbon to length and make a basic loop. Then use a pair of sharp craft scissors to carefully clip a small opening where the ribbons intersect (figure N).
- Secure the loop with a brass notebook brad (available in office supply stores). Simply insert the brad through the opening (figure O) and bend back the tabs to lie flat against the back of the ribbon.
- Slip the tea infuser and rock-candy stirrer through the loop, then insert the floral sprig in between (figure P). Place the favor in the center of the place setting.
For a gorgeous centerpiece that captures the grandeur of the Victorian era, create a dramatic statement with a pair of large pineapples atop pedetal vases filled with oranges, apples and greenery. - Begin with a matching pair of pedestal vases or compotes. Using a wooden dowel, anchor a large pineapple into a block of floral foam affixed to the bottom of each container, making sure it's centered.
- Insert more dowels into apples and oranges and secure into the floral foam, filling in around the edges (figure Q).
- Between small gaps in the fruit, insert ivy and/or other greenery, then add a final touch of color with a few small flowers (figure R).
A Final Suggestion... - To lend a Victorian touch to smaller areas of the home, consider decorating a miniature tree with a variety of tiny-size romantic accents (figure S), including some or all of the following:
- Small-scale iridescent bulbs
- Strands of pearls
- Miniature stockings made from decorative fabrics
- Tiny doilies filled with potpourri and tied with ribbon
- Standard-size tea cups -- either mismatched pieces or identical pieces from a set of fine china (make sure to secure these firmly and attach to the tree at points that will support the weight and not cause the tree to tip over)
RESOURCES :
The Spirit of Christmas: Creative Holiday Ideas
Model: 1574861964
Author: Editors of Leisure Arts
(2001)
Leisure Arts (Hot Off The Press, Inc.)
Website: www.craftpizazz.com
Christmas 101: Celebrate the Holiday Season-From Christmas to New Year's
Model: 0767903994
Author: Rick Rodgers
(October, 1999)
Broadway Books/Random House, Inc.
Website: www.randomhouse.com
Old Fashioned Holiday Stickers: 71 Full Color Pressure-Sensitive Designs
Model: 0486294420
Author: Carol Belanger Crafton
(1997)
To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.
Dover Publications Inc.
Website: www.doverpublications.com
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