I've missed everyone! Between the SNOW in Atlanta - we haven't had that much snow since 1993 - a scholarship deadline at the end of last week (shout-out to me folks in higher education), and feeling under the weather, I've been too quiet and am now going stir crazy! I am so excited to be back to sharing my affordable holiday ideas with you and will be releasing in batches so you can fit them all in before December 25th, if you so choose.
Add a Touch of Sophistication by Decorating with Books
One day, I will work up enough gumption to show you just how many books Cliff and I (mostly Cliff) have in our home. Between grad school, jobs in politics, and just a passion for the written word, we have enough books to last through the next decade of our lives, at least. We dream of having a dedicated library in our home one day - after we have made our $$ and can afford a home with a library. Stay tuned for that... 😉
The holiday season evokes a wide array of emotions, styles, and memories that we either want to wrap around us like a warm blanket, or block from our minds. When we decorate our homes, we make a conscious effort (sometimes, a subconscious one), to create an environment that envelops us with the warm memories...the happy moments. I love incorporating touches of older décor, with new pieces that Cliff and I will accrue as we start our lives together. The thought of generations who preceded us, and the concept that the traditions are what tie us all together are best expressed with that mix of old and new.
One tip to incorporate older elements into your decorations for the holidays is to decorate with a book whose cover matches your favorite color of the season. I thought the green was a classic twist this year (its all about neutrals right now, anyway) and the book just elevates the otherwise-normal decorations that surround it. Books just add a touch of sophistication, too!
If you can select a book that encompasses a holiday theme, that will add a nice touch. I didn't worry about the theme this time - unless the title is quite large, most people won't notice.
Other ideas to incorporate when decorating with books:
- If you have a book you are willing to keep open, flip to the center page so the text is visible and prop open with a heavy ornament.
- Stack a few books to add height where you would like to increase attention in the room. Alternate between red or maroon covers, with green covers, or pick one main color and fill in with other neutrals.
- When placing books near candles, make sure the candles are secure and an open flame won't come close to the paper.
- If you have some books you would like to give away, and you plan to host a gathering, use your book display as a nice surprise for your guests and encourage them to pick one to take home with them.
Do you like to incorporate books into your holiday theme? Please share your favorite books, or how you take the traditional coffee table book theme to the next level!
Until next time, I hope you enjoy your #hearthhealthhappiness!
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