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Okay, so here’s the situation, we have a tree skirt under our artificial Christmas Tree. I think the only reason it is there is so it doesn’t look so naked with the lack of presents we have under the tree.
I’m not certain exactly when the tree skirt became part of the Christmas décor in its current form, but according to Wikipedia its original purpose was to catch the wax drippings from the candles on the tree. The skirt, however, didn’t disappear after electric lights were strung up on the tree replacing candles, but became more ornate and elaborate rather than utilitarian. I guess it is a way to dress up ass end of the tree before presents start getting piled under it. However, for our past few Christmases, it has been a prominent feature as there haven’t been many gifts.
This isn’t to say that I’m complaining about our tree skirt being such a prominent part of our décor because I like looking at it, but at times it seems a constant reminder that we’re poor. I mean, the only two present we have under the tree we got back in August or September for my nephew’s birthday we never got to give him because his birthday party was cancelled, so instead we’re giving one to him and the other to his brother.
Anyway, so while I’d love to have a full display of gifts to give to people under the Christmas tree, it just isn’t going to happen. Especially after taking in one of our cars to the shop to make sure it would be safe to drive to Idaho and then needing to have $1100 worth of repairs (brakes, tires and a mystery repair which we had to have it towed back to the shop because it apparently whirred really loud and died on the onramp to the highway) which wiped out our account. Of course, one way of looking at it is that we wouldn’t have that money if the bank hadn’t decided to foreclose on us meaning that we don’t have to pay them anymore. I guess we’ll just have to enjoy our Christmas tree skirt instead of presents. Perhaps I need to wrap some empty boxes again this year and put those under the tree? What? You’ve never done that?
Some people like to have the same décor all year round, except maybe a few holiday decorations during those periods. Why not make a few small changes with the seasons?
I must admit, I’m not really one to get all crazy about changing out every piece of decoration every few months, but I do find that having a rotation of a few select items will keep not only your home looking fresh, but also might even get you motivated to do those cleaning jobs you might otherwise put off. Like, say, dusting. For myself, I’ve found that making a quilt with coordinating seat covers is one way to bring a little color to an otherwise blah living room. Of course, the seat covers are really there to cover up the rips and tears in the sofa and act as a washable pet bed since that is where our dog, Lucy, sleeps most of the time. This may not be an option that works for you, but is one I’ve been well pleased with and can’t wait to get my autumn quilt and sofa seat covers started for the new season quickly approaching.
Artwork is another area where rotating can have a big impact. I know for us, we have a lot of prints from various artists… okay, mostly Van Gogh… and for a while had everything up at once. However, the look was a little cluttered so we kept a couple pieces out. Of course, the two we kept out are not only the best looking prints, but also our favorites of the ones we have and consequently we haven’t gotten bored with them. Framing children’s artwork is a great way to really personalize your walls or a side table, and you can simply put their latest work in front of the previous one in the frame… that is, until the frame fills up! Also included in the artwork section of home decorating are photographs. It’s easy to keep updating a family picture wall with new pictures and one of the most economical ways to add new interest often.
Some people have pillows on their sofas and chairs, and this is probably the easiest way to freshen up the look of a room with almost no effort at all. Simply swap out pillows that fit the season; bright, cheery colors for spring and summer, and deep, rich colors for fall and winter. This is most certainly not a rule that must be obeyed, but generally in the spring we play off the extra light and in the winter we play off the more cozy color wheel because of the extra darkness. Another way to save space, especially since most of us don’t have room to store pillows for every season, is to have base pillows, either just the form or a light pattern, and make or buy covers for them. When I was decorating our guest room I bought four matching solid pillows that went with the bedspread I made and for two of them made covers. I made one that zipped at the bottom and another that simply had an overlapping fold in the back center. It was a quick and inexpensive way to get a designer look on an off-the-rack budget.
Vases, candles, flowers and even knick-knacks can be changed out to create a new look without breaking your budget. While it might seem like a neat idea to display everything you have all at once, why not have a select few pieces out at a time. You’ll not only notice them more but appreciate them more as well, and your house won’t seem so cluttered too.
These are just a few options out there. If any of you out there have some advice on easy ways to freshen up your home’s décor, please leave a comment to share with others. Happy decorating!
