As creatives, we appreciate design, order (sometimes disorder) and, at times, abstract thinking to express our creativity.
Enter holiday decor. A few do’s and don’ts for a successful decorating season…
Do Decorate. When it comes to decor, I love it, but don’t love doing it. Our first Christmas tree was a tropical style tree we got at Lowe’s, glittered and all. Pic below, in all its Charlie Brown Christmas Tree splendor.
It’s fun a fun little tree. We had a Lowe’s gift card and wanted a small tree. As Tim Gunn says “make it work!” We did. Ta da!
Don’t Apologize. “No matter what happens in the kitchen, never apologize.” Julia Child. Good advice applicable to creative works of any kind. Apologizing is often nothing more than a passive aggressive attempt for affirmation–and that’s just not the holiday spirit.
Do Enjoy Music Whilst Decorating. We picked this one up yesterday… and are enjoying Mr. Buble’s take on the classics very much.
Don’t Make Your Own Music. Unless you really know what you’re doing, this might end up happening…
Do (and Don’t) Ask for Input. All creativity, like it or not, is subject to critique. Some artists love it, some loathe it.
A good critique improves the work. Another set of eyes and ears is invaluable. Often we just have to suck it up, take the critique, and make a choice: fix it or leave it.
What about the festive decoration in the picture to the left? I recently saw this little wonder and it provoked a few questions in me…
“Who’s idea was this? Husband tired of decorating? Son/daughter who miss the tree that was recently cut down?”
“What were they going for? Gothic pillar? Pumpkin point? Spire of holiday spirit?”
A critique, in this instance, might’ve been helpful. Perhaps.
What are YOUR do’s and don’ts for holiday decorations?
Great post! I’d also suggest to: DO reuse. Be creative. Think outside the box. Shop for decorations at a thrift store IF you have to buy anything. Thanks!
I love the idea of an upside down tomato stand wrapped in lights! Just might have to do that one.
You’ve fed my inspiration!
As a graphic designer the phrase “Less is more,” comes to mind. Just because you have 17 miles of christmas lights and 4 inflatable holiday figures, doesn’t mean you need to put them all out in the front yard. I agree with thinking outside the box. One year we wrapped a lone Adirondack Chair in a couple strands of white mini lights (dubbed “the electric chair.”). It was one of the most effective displays we’ve come up with.