No-fuss festive décor

This is such a busy time of the year and with work, play and Christmas shopping, it’s easy to let things slip under the radar. If you love to get into the spirit of the season by decorating your house but just haven’t found the time this year, here are some simple tips for creating the mood at the last minute – without breaking the budget.

- Drape strings of lights around the mirror in bathrooms, over doorways and along railings around the house. When purchasing lights, look for ones that burn cool instead of hot and work through battery power – even solar, if you’re going to use them outside.
- Dress up dolls and teddy bears with ribbons and holiday fabrics to bring a festive feel to your home. Group them under the tree, on mantels and on windowsills.
- Start wrapping presents now and put them out in full view to create that Christmas morning excitement every time you enter a room.
- Place a few glass balls, some Christmas baubles and a candle or two in a bowl and embellish with a few sprigs of greenery or some leftover ribbon.
- Give furniture some seasonal style with red and green slipcovers and throw pillows in gold silk fabrics or fabric with Christmas designs.