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How to Decorate Your Home This Holiday Season, Presented by Syzygy Events
By Taylor Jenkins, Event Designer | December 3, 2015 | Lifestyle


For the best holiday tricks to use around the home this season, we turned to Syzygy Events event designer, Taylor Jenkins. Below, Jenkins shares how-to's on last-minute Christmas tree decorating, wrapping gifts, and making your home feel welcoming.
“There [is] no such thing as too much plaid!”
No sweeter words were ever spoken than, “Who wants to decorate the tree?” It was always quite the production in my home—we had a 12-foot tree—so you can imagine the amount of Christmas carols we sang our way through.

“Close up of how we 'wow’d' our tree [with] a few large ornaments and a lot of specialty garlands!”
Growing up, we were never short on decorations for the tree. My mother had years to accumulate ornaments, a garland, an antique tree topper, and little glass birds, but not everyone has that same luxury. When Christmas approached quickly last year, I realized that I had nothing for my own tree. As a new homeowner, I had limited time (and money) to decorate. Here are a few tricks I used to create a stunning, low-budget Christmas tree:

• Bigger isn’t always better. Sometimes a 3-foot tree is just as cute as the 14-foot monster. Also, don't place it on the ground, but rather on a console table to add height before decorating.
• Garlands are a sweet little trick to make the tree look like you spent hours on it. Find one that is unique—whether that means an oversized traditional beaded garland or a faux snow-dusted one full of berries and pinecones—and weave it through your tree.
• I’m an old-fashioned, glass-ornament kind of girl. Not only do they look elegant, but they also have prettier designs and larger sizes. Try HomeGoods—they have great prices and you are always guaranteed to walk out with more than you bargained for.

“There’s no reason presents can’t be decorative too!”
As an event designer, I take great pride in the way my presents look, making sure that everyone can point mine out under the tree. A trick I use is to layer paper—solid colors and a fun print or two—then wrap the base with two bands of varying sizes, before finishing with a ribbon or bow. For the name tags, address the present directly, writing “to” and “from” on the package or writing their name in a fun decorative font.

“Spice up your sofa with a little glitz!”
A quick way to transform your home into a whimsical wonderland is to add little touches, so nothing is overwhelming:

• Add in some themed decorative pillows, a patterned throw, or furry blanket to your furniture.
• Incorporate sprigs of pine or evergreen to the table or mantle to bring in a natural scent, while simultaneously brightening up the space.
• Window candelabras are a must! Find the traditional faux versions that sit on the window sill to instantly bring in that warmth that we all crave during the holidays.

Tags: HOLIDAYS ENTERTAINING DECORATING _FEATURE SPONSORED POST
Categories: LIFESTYLE

PHOTOGRAPHY VIA RODNEY BAILEY. HAIR BY VERONICA MONTO OF VCM HAIR ARTISTRY. MAKEUP BY HEATHER REA OF HEATHER REA STYLE STUDIO
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