Angela's Holiday Thrival Guide

Christmas is quickly approaching! The Holiday season can be an intimidating and stressful time for many, however that does not have to be the case. I like to embrace the Christmas season in ways that do not require a lot of effort. This Holiday Thrival Guide features some of my quick tips for getting holiday ready without feeling overwhelmed.

I covered this topic on Design Tea Live: Watch the Video.

1 - Make a splash in an unexpected place

This arrangement on my kitchen island is in a place where I typically don’t have decorative pieces. I love to create my own arrangements by placing ornaments and floral stems in a glass vase, creating a dramatic and decorative arrangement.

2 - Get the family involved

Don’t do all the decorating by yourself! Let your family take part in decorating the Christmas tree. If you have younger children, you can bake cookies or decorate gingerbread houses together.

3 - Make it Fun!

As you are decorating your home have festive music playing that indicates the beginning of Christmas season. Select a song that your family enjoys hearing during the holidays. Mine is Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas is You. When I hear that song, I can't help but get into the Christmas spirit!

4 - Plan for periods of rest

Don’t force yourself through the holiday season without the proper rest. Build in some quiet time for both yourself and your family.

5 - Find ways to magnify your efforts

I love it when my efforts are magnified! As I walk down the hall towards my bedroom the Christmas tree from my living room can be seen in the mirror. Place your holiday décor in areas that can be seen at multiple angles.

6 - Don't forget the corners

Christmas is the perfect time to decorate little corners that seem void or empty. I typically don’t decorate this corner, however during the holiday season I like to fill this area with holiday themed décor.

7 - Include a family and friends tree

I typically have at least two Christmas trees in my home, one for decoration and one for the family. Meaningful ornaments given to me from family and friends are usually placed on this tree.

8 – If you are using multiple trees make sure that they all have unique themes

You can modify the look of your Christmas trees by changing the ornament arrangement. If you have younger children you can incorporate a kids tree, which is usually smaller and can be decorated with safe toys, bright colors and candy.

9 – Personalize your décor by using items that are specific to family members

Use ornaments that reflect your family members' interests or professions. Providing personalized stockings with your family members initials can also make them feel special.

10 – Give a small gift that keeps on giving

One of our most popular gifts at the shop is the Porcelain Diffuser. This is the perfect gift for the person who seems to have everything. This diffuser is a gift that keeps on giving because when you run low there are refills available. Plus the fragrance lasts 8-10 months!

11 – Travel Light to Holiday parties

The Silver Medallion Mobile Bag is the perfect accessory when attending any holiday party. You can hold your phone, credit card, keys etc. This bag is a great way to travel light during the holiday season.

12 – Be intentional about what you hope to accomplish

Right now, some people are in the thick of decorating for the holidays. Be intentional about what kind of decorations you want to put up or what gifts you want to purchase. Create traditions with your family that you can actually sustain, and that excite you. Don't make the holidays a chore. It is a lot of work, but it could and should be fun, fresh and fulfilling.

Leave a comment below to share some of your Holiday Traditions.

With joy,

Angela Wilson Lee