Design Hints

FOREVER GREEN. Cedar, pine or other faux foliage can remain on display, tucked into crocks or bowls, or placed on shelves or mantels. When the ground is blanketed in snow, these touches of green sprinkled throughout your rooms serve as a reminder that spring is coming.
AULD LANG SIGNS. Ring in the new year with bells and a Father Time figure, like the ones Vickie sets on her living room mantel through the end of January. If you don’t have a Father Time, substitute a primitive or woodland-themed Santa garbed in a muted suit of brown or blue.
PRETTY IN PINE. Don’t pack away all of your Christmas trees just yet—use a few small unadorned examples to round out a cabinet or countertop display or redecorate one with natural decor for everyday use. Vickie’s master bedroom tree, adorned with petite gourds, grapevine garland and birdhouses, brings a warm glow to the faux hearth area all year long.
LET IT SNOW. Whether or not it’s piling up outdoors, include seasonally appropriate artwork featuring snow, snowflakes or snowmen. Hang a large winter scene on the wall, as Vickie does in her master bedroom, or insert a small stitchery or folk-art snowman into a shelf or tabletop vignette.
KEEP SHINING. Continue to employ small fairy lights on garlands, in centerpieces or in other areas of your home that could benefit from a bit of brightness. Vickie keeps candle lamps in her windows throughout the year because she likes their welcoming ambience.