Holiday Thoughts
 |
It hardly seems possible that the year is nearly over and the holidays are upon us once again. The glorious colors of autumn have faded and cold, snowy/rainy weather has taken their place. The bare branches of trees stand in stark relief against a grey sky. A chill seems to invade not only our bodies, but our very souls. Stress mounts as we hurry to prepare ourselves and our homes for the festivities ahead.
Whatever your customs, your home is, perhaps, the most time consuming part of your preparation. House cleaning, preparing meals, re-arranging the furniture to accomodate ornamentation and holiday guests, all of these take careful planning and physical stamina. Where to start is the question.
 |
Now is the time for a change of interior "scenery". If your taste leans toward rustic, traditional, or country, this season calls for deep, warm colors and cozy materials. Flannel bed coverings, velvet or linen draperies, fun fur toss pillows, and warm woven throws all help to ward off the cold. Hunter green, wine red, navy blue, and rich gold are the colors of winter for you. If, however, you prefer a sleek and sophisticated contemporary look, glitz is the name of the game. Ice blue, silver and gold metallics, crystals and prisms are the perfect choices. Silver or gold silk draperies bring glamour to the windows. Ice blue and white satin pillows and bed dressings lend a cool winter look to the bedroom. Crystal pendants radiate a prism of color when attached to track lighting or a minimalist chandalier. While ivory and shades of pink are typical Victorian colors, for winter, choose the deeper shades of pink, like mauve or burgundy. A lace tablecloth overlayed with a burgandy velvet table runner complete with gold tassles is the perfect holiday addition to the dining room. Top with an elaborate floral arrangement of ivory hydrangea or cabbage roses adorned with lace, mauve ribbons and glass balls in gold and mauve to complete the look. Hand-tatted doilies with coordinating, narrow ribbon woven through the fretwork add holiday charm to side tables and can be used as festive arm covers for chairs and settees. Heavy burgundy velvet drapes with rich gold fringe and tie-backs are perfect for the Victorian window. Attach sprigs of holly and glass balls to the tie-backs to add that holiday touch.
 |
Whatever your style, lighting is the most important element of your holiday decorating. Wrap mini lights around the base of a floor lamp for a bit of drama. String lights among a grouping of indoor plants to add a festive glow. An evergreen garland entwined with lights is the perfect adornment for a mantel or stair rail. Candles nestled within a wooden or stone "box" can be used to simulate a fireplace. Candles are also the perfect compliment to a table centerpiece. Scented candles delight the senses. Evergreen, apple, cinnamon, and spice are the scents usually associated with this time of year. These scents awaken memories of holidays past and fill us with a feeling of contentment. If lighted candles pose a hazard because of small children and/or pets, battery-operated or electric candles are the answer. These new products come in many sizes from tea-light to pillar, and many "flicker" just like the real thing.
 |
Don't forget to add "welcome" to your entry. A wreath or swag hung on the front door implies hospitality within. While most people think of evergreen wreaths (real or artificial) at this time of the year, the choices are actually unlimited. Artificial "ice" stems can be grouped together with silver bells and tied with narrow ribbons of blue and silver for a spectacular contemporary twist. Use pine cones tipped with gold paint or glitter and attached to wide, green velvet ribbon for rustic warmth. Flanking your entry with lighted topiaries decorated with crystal encrusted fruit and placed in tall urns is the epitomy of traditional elegance. A swag of magnolia leaves, pink orchids and shimmering mauve satin ribbon add Victorian charm.
By planning and preparing early, we can truly enjoy the beauty of the holiday season. Our home is aglow with bright lights and color. We gather around tables filled with good food and animated conversation. The laughter of children rings through the air. As we enjoy the festive atmosphere, we are again reminded of the real meaning of this happy and holy time of the year:
That true happiness exists in the love and fellowship of family and friends
That who we are, not what we have, is the only measure of our worth
That the fellowship of man encompasses all people, everywhere
All of us here at the Forge wish you and yours the happiest of times during the upcoming holidays and all the best in the New Year.
View our beautiful selection of
Wrought Iron Clocks
