Add Sparkle To Your Home Decor

Crystal and shiny texture is everywhere, especially this time of the year. To add bling to your home, don't only think of chandeliers and wall sconces.  The glamour of crystal can be brought into every room of your home.  Here's a few ideas to get your creative spirit started:

 - Add a stainless, bar-size sink in a stone top to the powder room
 - Group large and small size mirrors in frames on an entire wall
 - Install a crystal chandelier over the master bedroom bed
 - Think of replacing your doorknobs with classic crystal knobs
 - Update a bathroom vanity with glass door and drawer pulls
 - Place crystal lamps on bedside tables
 - Use shiny silver artifacts as book ends
 - Panel an entire wall in your entry with floor to ceiling mirrors
 - Mirror the backsplash of your kitchen to expand the view
 - Place a collection of silver, glass and crystal accessories on fireplace mantle

Holiday Decorating Beyond A Christmas Tree

Maybe this year you have re-scaled your living space and don't want to move furniture to fit in a holiday tree.  There are many ideas to put a twist on the traditional Christmas tree. 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 around 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---and place them on a side table or a 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 into 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 choosing 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 bells.
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 and fasten in place with floral wire and wrap with extra-wide ribbon.
And keep in mind that these ideas can also be fashioned for any holiday, birthday, anniversary or special celebration.