New Holiday Decorating Ideas

It's time to decorate your home for the holidays. Maybe this year you don't have room for a holiday tree, you're in a larger space and need additional decoration or you're just in a creative spirit. There are many ideas to put a twist on the traditional Christmas tree décor. Try a few of these inspired holiday decorations.
 - Place vintage ornaments on a cake stand nested with leaves for a stunningly simple centerpiece.
 - Are you serving holiday dinner buffet style? Wrap each dish in a sheet of parchment paper and tie with a length of ribbon before stacking it. Guests will be rewarded with a pretty presentation.
 - Lush greenery draped around the house, especially doorways, creates an inviting atmosphere and a woodsy aroma.
 - Use a string of pinecones to make an easy swag. Tie a big bow in the middle so you can center it perfectly over a doorway, then tack it up with nails.
 - Decorate a small, artificial white tree with objects that share a color scheme--such as candy canes, peppermints and red bows--then place them on a side table or coffee table.
 - A grouping of old-fashioned ornaments hung from the ceiling makes a whimsical chandelier effect.
 - Tie big silver bells to the front doorknob with festive ribbon. Visitors will jingle all the way in to your home.
 - For an elegant look, trim the mantle with a row of white votives and dramatic white amaryllises.
 - Use leftover ribbon to tie around the stems of your Champagne flutes or wine glasses for an extra bit of festivity. A bonus: choose a different color for every glass will help guests keep track of their drinks.
 - A five-second centerpiece. Mix clementines or oranges and peppermint balls in a single glass compote or a grouping of three.
 - Add a little sparkling style to your dining room table by filling a snifter to the brim with an array of shiny silver balls.
 - Wreath filled with wishes. Hang an unadorned twig wreath in a spot where guests can't miss it. Set out red Magic Markers and small plain cards on a table next to it. Post a little sign asking visitors to scribble a greeting or a wish for the upcoming New Year, along with their names, and have them slip the notes into the wreath.
 - Decorative photo collage. Up on the mantle, collect your family's holiday picture cards from previous years and clothespin them to a long, slim stick suspended between two vases. Put them in chronological order and you can date the pins.
 - A staircase looks lovely with a garland of greenery. Easier than looping it around and around, lay evergreen on top of the banister, fasten in place with floral wire and wrap with extra-wide ribbon.
Have a happy holiday season!