Not only will your home look overstaged but you can't possibly decorate the whole thing and get through your other holiday activities. Here are a few tips to lighten the workload.

• Decorate only the common areas that will be frequented by friends and family.
• We shouldn't have to say this, but here goes. If the Christmas tree is against a wall, do not decorate the part that is not seen by visitors.
• Add a holiday bow to a plain evergreen wreath. You can get very nice pre-made bows at any store that sells holiday decorations. Place it on front door and put poinsettias in the foyer.
• Add holiday trim to everyday decorations that are already in place.
• For an elegant but easy-to-do centerpiece, fill a crystal/glass bowl with water, add fresh cranberries, holly and floating candles.
• Stage holiday scented candles throughout the house. They will make the house warm and cozy.
• For outside decorations, take plain white lights and
  extend them around the railings. Buy a roll of festive ribbon and matching bows. Use the ribbon to secure the lights to the railing by wrapping it around. Attach the bows to the end of the railings.

Indra A Books, author of this and many other lifestyle articles, is the owner and founder of ON THE GO 4 U, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The company’s creed is to provide its clients with the ultimate life management experience. In addition to its shopping and concierge services, ON THE GO 4 U also publishes a monthly e-zine and conducts workshops on wardrobe, entertaining and decorating. For more information about the author and ON THE GO 4 U, please visit http://www.onthego4u.net.

© 2005 Indra A Books for ON THE GO 4 U

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