Easy Holiday Decorating Tips From Sabrina Soto

By Sabrina Soto, Target Style Expert for Home and HGTV Designer

Bring the outdoors in during the holiday by mixing traditional elements with nature throughout the home.
Separate decorations for each fall and winter holiday can not only take up a lot of storage space, but really burn a whole in your pocket.

Try choosing elements that will easily transition from one occasion to another.  You’ll find it a cinch to keep up by creating a neutral base of décor consisting of twigs, pine cones and berries; then weave in a few more season specific elements to fill décor arrangements out.

With the right containers items from nature can make the perfect elements to fit any style from country to traditional to modern. For traditional or country style homes use woven baskets or wooden bowls, for contemporary or modern homes try glass or metallic containers.

For instance try filling a tall, round glass vase about half way up with loose dried berries, then arrange cat tails, pheasant feathers or twigs for a natural, but sophisticated table or mantel decoration.

Skip the traditional door wreath this year and try tying some found branches together with a satin ribbon and hang them upright on your door, mix in some berries to add a splash of color.
Hallow out small gourds and place votive candles inside

Dressing the holiday table
Don’t build your table decorations up too high, keep things simple and be sure everyone can see one another from across the table.  This will encourage more conversation throughout the night.

Spray the tips of quilter’s pins gold so you can pin name tags to fresh fruits like pears or seasonal gourds.
Use a copper or gold paint pen to write names on fall leaves for place cards.

Copper pipe fittings from local hardware store make for great napkin holders.  Simply slip your napkin into the fitting along with a small stalk of wheat for a clever, festive look.

Your decorations will stand the test of seasons with just a few, simple changes.  Switch out acorns and gourds for ornaments and candy canes to give your home a whole new look without having to start from scratch!