Lamp in Star Basket-

Using everyday components in new ways is something I love to do.  Here is a simple tabletop idea for the holidays.  You can change it with the seasons, to make it work year round.  I used a holiday basket for this idea, but you could use a basket that is more versatile with the seasons, if you like.

Components-table lamp, star basket, holiday lights, pinecones, and pipe cleaners.

Step One-Place lamp inside basket and wire the base to the handle.

Step Two-Add string of lights inside and then pine cones.

Step Three-Add pine roping and ribbons.  Enjoy!

Everyone is busy, so sometimes holiday decorating seems more like a chore than a pleasure.

1. Choose your color theme and use it everywhere to create a polished look.  Be creative and use the colors that make you happy or continue the theme by using your interior decorating colors. Read our DIY article and make large bows to add to door wreaths, fence posts, and as a tree topper.

2. Bigger is better-In holiday decorating, as in every day decorating, scale and proportion is key.  Adding larger elements will also help you to get the job done more quickly.  For example, when decorating the tree, use your typical sized ornaments but mix them using the concept of small, medium and large elements to create a tree that is more appealing.

3. It starts at the Door-Anyone can hang a wreath on the door but think of ways to make your door unique.   Create an interesting wreath on double doors by cutting an oversize wreath in half, hang so it looks like one big circle, but when the door opens, it will split in half.  Or double the impact by hanging 2 or 3 wreaths on top of one another.

4. Decorate the Windows- Use holiday placemats and napkins to add some interest to kitchen windows. Fold the napkins into a V and clip to tension rod with placemats accordion pleated and hung onto the side to give length to the treatment. Pop into your windows for a fun way to bring the holiday feeling into a room.