14 ways to have a fresh and festive holiday

I am not normally the sentimental type, but around the holidays I turn into mush at every commercial, every light filled neighborhood, and love surrounding myself with holiday cheer. This is why I like to keep things fresh and festive in our home. There are so many ways that you can keep you decor fresh and inviting during the holiday season, and in this post I intend to share some ideas with you:

1. Centerpiece ideas - take plastic fruit and spray paint it gold or silver. Arrange in a deep bowl, and you have a classy centerpiece
2. Candle Arrangements - take a glass vase and fill it with coffee beans. In the center of coffee beans place a large round candle for a fun and delicious smelling decoration
3. Aroma - try reed diffusers or wax melting tools to release wonderful aromas into your home
4. Beverage - dump a carton of cider into a large pot on the stove. Turn on low until heated. Add a bag of frozen raspberries for a delicious beverage! Easy and festive
5. Wreath - Go classic (leaves and berries) or go modern (fruits and pine cones with hints of razzle dazzle). I know places like AC Moore will make a wreath for you, if you pick out what you want on it. . . we did, and love our festive wreath
6. Bake - try new recipes. One of my favories are pumpkin muffins. You simply take any boxed cake mix, add a can of pumpkin and pop the cupcakes/muffins in the oven and you have a tasty treat!
7. Cards- Make your own holiday cards. It adds the extra personal touch, and shows that thought and care went into this.
8. Photos - Place new photo around your home prior to having company over. Not only does it add personality, but they can also be conversation starters.
9. Runners - One way to add a festive touch is with seasonal table runners. I personally love fall leaf themed runners, but anything would work.
10. Dishes - If you have seasonal dishes bring them out. If not, there are plenty of cute and affordable paper products that are fit for a holiday get-together. I'm not one for doing a ton of dishes, so this is the easy way out, but also the festive way out.
11. Artwork - some people change their artwork with each season. If you have the time and ability to do this, it's a fun idea. It keeps the variety in your life.
12. Magazines/books - When you have company over, try to have issues of Real Simple or Better Homes and gardens magazine sitting on the table for guests to browse. Coffee Table books are also a good idea. I love books that feature artists local to that area who happen to have a "Fall" book full of beautiful Fall foliage photos.
13. Dress Up Pets - Yes, I am one of those parents that enjoys embarrasing her pets by dressing them up for the holidays. Try a cute collar, or even a little festive sweater. Your guests are sure to get a kick out of it, even if your pets don't
14. Go Organic - One way to keep things fresh is to use fresh vegetables and fruits in cooking. We go to Produce Junction to get farm raised produce, and it tastes fantastic. I will never go backed to canned vegetables.
15. Towels - Change out your kitchen and bathroom hand towels with festive ones. I love going to places like Walmart, Kohls, Target or Kmart to find some affordable and festive holiday towels. It adds color without hurting the budget.

Please feel free to leave comments with your ideas. I would love to hear them.

Happe Holidays!

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