Life after the Christmas Tree

    It is starting to be the time of year where the festive holiday decorations need to come down.  It always amazes me that a room that looked great before the holidays, some how in January, post Christmas, now looks drab.   I hear of people who keep there tree up till the first week in February. THIS IS NOT GOOD.  I say everything has a season.  Embrace the new year with some new things for the winter season.

    First, after the tree comes down and the containers of ornaments return to their primary residence, the attic, don't put everything back in the same place.  January is a time of new beginnings.  Move your furniture around.  This allows you to get a new "feel" without spending a dollar.  Also with the cold temps, add new heavy throws to your couches, chairs and beds.  It will not only keep you warmer.  It will allow you to add a splash of color during the dull drums on winter.

  Secondly, winter can have incredible beauty.  Don't fight it, embrace the beauty of winter.  Clear glass vessels or over sized wire mesh containers can be filled with scented pine cones.  This will add color and wonderful winter fragrance.  Starting indoor pots of herbs and/or ornamental grasses can also give us hope of the spring to come.  Use winter to clear the clutter and keep things simple.   White or cream large pillar candles in over sized  glass containers look great.  Elements of silver or mercury glass resemble ice and look great on a winter table scape.

  Thirdly, and probably most important.  JANUARY AND FEBRUARY ARE GREAT MONTHS TO PAINT.  Most contractors are very slow in the winter months and are often willing to work for less money.  Once the spring comes you may wait weeks for your painter or wall paperer to call you back. Also , when it comes to painting, you don't have to go crazy and disrupt your whole house.  Paint an accent wall, like your headboard wall in the bedroom or the fireplace wall in your family room.  Little changes are not expensive but can really change a room.

  Finally, Plan things.  It is very easy to become house bound in the winter months.  Have projects to keep you going.  This makes winter much more palatable.  Do a big pot of chili with all the toppings and invite a group of your friends over.  Even a casual dinner party forces you to finish projects and make your house look and smell great. Remember it's all what you put into it.  Positive energy is contagious. Entertain and fix up your home in the winter months and before you know it. The Spring bulbs will be popping out of the ground.