Holiday Decorating Ideas from Toni Chavis

Toni Chavis, President and CEO and of TTC Enterprises and Opulent Designs, in Yorktown, offers
interior design tips to prep your home for the holidays.

Start with the entry way. Arrange ornaments that were made for indoors or outdoors, for your porch or entryway to invite your guest in. Invite your guests in with arrangements to grace your stairs or foyer with Christmas greenery. You can use live evergreens or old Christmas tree stems, place them in a stylish pot and insert decorations on stems for Christmas mini-displays.

Create a treat table inside the foyer to sidetrack your guests on the way in.

Use simple glass jars on pedestals or a variety of crystal jars that can be found at local secondhand stores in various shapes, heights, and sizes. It’s a perfect way to display your Christmas cookies, fudges, and favorite sweet treats for your guests to take on the way out. Line decorative gift boxes with wax paper for them fill with the treats on the way out.

Create the perfect holiday table with the dishes you already have. Don’t fret over mismatched glasses. Beautiful crystal glasses can be amazing in any combination. Bring in your favorite colors, add ornaments and holiday sprays with ribbons, candles and just like magic you can create a sparkling table that is sure to please.

Over the years we often collect ornaments that become family favorites and memories we cherish. Use your existing vases, bowls and candle holders and turn them into Christmas décor by adding Christmas sprays, silk flowers and Christmas ornaments to carry your holiday theme throughout the house. Bring the family in on the task and turn it into a fun event with cookies and cider by the fire. If the task seems overwhelming, call your local designer for help.