Sometimes when you don’t feel your best, the idea of a big decorating production can be overwhelming! But you still want some “ho-ho,” so what to do?

Think small! Look for ways to get a lot of enjoyment out of very little effort (and expense!). That is what I am trying to do this year in my own home. Here are a few of the ideas I am trying out! I hope some of them work for you!
A Little Sparkle For the Season
One thing I adore about the holidays is the excuse to SPARKLE! Here are a few inexpensive ways to surround yourself with easy, inexpensive holiday sparkle.
“Angel Sparkle”
Get yourself a tiny bottle of fine, pretty glitter. Call it “angel sparkle” and sprinkle anywhere you wish! You’ll have to dust and vacuum after the party anyway, so why not celebrate! While you’re at it, sprinkle a bit on your hair or shoulders or even hands – you’ll glow!
One Perfect Flower
While a large holiday floral arrangement may be too obtrusive or expensive, you can still enjoy the beauty and fragrance of a holiday bouquet! Pick up a single beautiful white carnation (I find they are the most fragrant, if fragrance is what you’re after – if not, go for the color you love). Ask the florist for one piece of cedar or pine. Arrange in a small vase or Mason jar tied around with a pretty ribbon. Sprinkle the carnation with a pinch of your glitter. For about $3 you will have the scent of a wonderful bouquet for a fraction of the cost. And carnations can last up to two weeks if you trim the stem and keep the water changed!
The Bowl Theory of Decorating
I personally believe that just about anything put into a pretty bowl is inherently decorative and “artsy looking!” You can do a different bowl arrangement each week of the holiday season, or just one for a special occasion. Try these combinations. I almost always use a clear glass or crystal bowl.
1) Water, floating candle, and a submerged sprig of pine or cedar clipped from a tree.
2) Water, a cinnamon stick, dried orange peels and apple slices.
3) Equal amounts of water, colored with food coloring and vegetable oil, with a layer of beautiful beads scattered on the bottom. It makes people wonder what you’re up to.
3) A holiday ornament(s), bits of leftover ribbon, a few pieces of tinsel arranged on a bed of cotton balls.
4) Two or three small balls of yarn in holiday colors, a pair of knitting needles or crochet hook and a pattern
5) Beanies or other tiny stuffed animals sitting in a grouping
6) If you sew – scraps of satin, velvet and/or organza fabric, (or ginghams in holiday colors); scraps of ribbon, lace, a thimble, a tape measure and a pretty pair of scissors.
Use your imagination – you will be amazed at what you can put together from scraps of things around the house. Happy holidays!
Written by: Sheila Talley © 2005, www.butyoudontlooksick.com