I just realized the word “twelfth” has the word “elf” in it, how fun!  Maybe we should be decorating with elves on the twelfth day, but instead, I chose candles (you can put an elf by the candle).  Candles are the final touch that pulls everything together.  Their warm glow, their colors, their soft light adds a special touch to the room and the season.  There are great artificial candles this year that are worry free but there’s nothing like the glow and feel of a real candle.  Candles warm the heart and welcome in the spirit of Christmas.

I hope you’ve found inspiration in the twelve days of decorating.  Most of all the season is about love and giving but it doesn’t hurt to spread a little tinsel around along the way.  Happy holidays and to all a good night!

Stars have significance in many religions and there is an incredible beauty in the symbolism of a star.  Star cookies are great and a star as a tree topper is special.  They are a universal way of decorating that works for almost everyone.  I have antique ceiling tins that have been cut out in the shape of a star and sometimes that’s all the decoration I have above a mantle of greenery.  Look outside tonight and look up at the stars, make your wish and bring it into your home for the holidays.

Mistletoe is magic.  It symbolizes the hope of romance, love and possibilities.  A sprig of mistletoe tucked in a doorway or used in a wreath or arrangement on a table is a great reminder that the season is about love and giving and letting others know you care.  Mistletoe is a subtle reminder of what’s important during the season.  The gift of love is completely free. 

Christmas is about nostalgia.  Retailers recognize it too and there are lots of color palettes and patterns that hearken (you don’t get to use that word often, but ‘tis the season) to the mid-century era.  I have vintage Christmas ornaments that I mix in with current ones.  I also have old Christmas light boxes that go around a vintage tree.  Vintage for you may be a silver tinsel tree or simply tinsel.  Whatever your nostalgic memory is, bring it into your home this year.

We were all kids once, and we all have a little kid hiding inside of us.  That kid peeks out at Christmas and what better way to treat the kid inside of you (and your own children) than with toys used as decorations throughout the house.  There are old trains, stuffed animals, games new and old, puzzles, collectable toys and other options to soften the Scroogiest of Scrooges at the holiday time of year.