Design Tips
Every home, every room, and every space has their secrets - and these secrets can vary by season! On these pages, Lisa Leonardi (also known as 'The Room Doctor') will share her experience so that you can begin to better utilize the space in your home or office.


HOLIDAY HINTS — Try one or more of these as you prepare for the holidays!

• Adorn fireplace garland with artificial or fresh fruit to add a splash of color. Don't forget to mist your garland each day to keep it fresh.
• Arrange pillar candles of various heights onto a small mirror to reflect the warm glow of the candles. Add sprigs of holiday greens for color.
• Display family holiday photos from past years in frames of silver or gold for a picture-perfect gallery.
• Embellish gift wrap with holiday accents such as pinecones, cinnamon sticks, sprigs of berries, or jingle bells.
• For a cost-effective way to decorate long staircases, try wrapping tulle around the railing instead of garland. Add bows made from the tulle or artificial poinsettias for flare.
• A glass bowl filled with cranberries creates both color and texture to any table. Put a pillar candle in the center of the bowl as an added touch.
• Place a small artificial Christmas tree inside an urn to create the look of a holiday topiary.
• Display your holiday cards, new or vintage, on a variety of ribbons taped to the front of an armoire or door. Use double-stick tape to attach the cards to the ribbon. As another display option, slide the holiday cards under a glass table topper to give a holiday touch to an ordinary table.
• Drape silver or gold beaded garland over a mirror and tie it to the hanging hardware on the back of the mirror. Then hang ornaments from the garland to provide an eye-catching reflection.
• Arrange an assortment of ornaments on a charger. Next drape a string of beads over the ornaments for a festive display. Try a stylish monochromatic look by using a silver charger with silver ornaments and beads.

Other Design Tip Articles by Lisa Leonardi:

• Return to Design Tips page
• Holiday Hints — Preparing your home for the holidays