Decorating - Easing back . . .

Q:  I have not been able to decorate for Christmas for many, many years.  What's a good way to "ease" back into decorating?     Flo in NJ

A:  This is a good question not only for those who are trying to get back into decorating buy also for those who are just starting out. 

My advice is to start slowly - throughout the season or over several years.  Start with your main room and just do key elements, tree, greens, etc.  and get it the way you want it.  If you are just starting out - don't go gung ho and buy all kinds of things and hope it will fit in, instead first just put up the main elements in the room and live with it for a season and TAKE NOTES as to the areas you would like to see decorations in for next year.  Once you know what type of things you want look for those at after Christmas sales to stretch your budget.

If you want to go all out and jump back in with both feet my advice is to theme your rooms.  Divide your decorations into your themes and decorate - but you can still do it slowly by just adding a few theme items in key spots in each room and then begin building on the theme each year. 

Remember to make notes of what you do this year, do the same next year and add a little more.  After a couple of years you will be in full decorating mode all over your house.

Merry Christmas,

the Christmas Coach