Collecting objects we love is simply an extension of the type of person we are, and because we are drawn to accumulate such things, at some point the problem of how to display them becomes inevitable. Add to this the demands that seasonal decorating places on a room. How do you incorporate both?

Creating successful seasonal displays requires that you give that décor primary position in your home (or at least the rooms you are decorating).

First, begin by removing as much as possible of your “regular” décor items. Only keep those that are required and come up with creative ways to incorporate them into your holiday look. For example, lamps are usually not replaced but their shades can be temporarily embellished with braid, ribbon, small pinecones etc.

Second, edit your Christmas or seasonal decorations on an annual basis. We all change as time passes, and trying to adapt our new style with old decorations most of the time does not work. Third, learn some of the display techniques that are at your disposal to help you create your most memorable décor ever! Here are a few:

1. There are many ways to display your treasures, but remember that a grouping of objects has much more impact than many individual items placed throughout a room. Small objects such as boxes, photos, and small Christmas decorations can be grouped effectively on a tabletop.

The objects should be in scale with their surroundings. This means a French “bergere” chair would look better next to such a collection rather than a large leather wing chair because their size is more in synch with the former.s.

2. Christmas decorating should have a central theme or thread that connects all the objects, regardless of what they are. Here are some ways you can connect and display your items:

OBJECT:
This is the most basic and easiest way to tie in a collection. Simply collect different versions of one thing, be it Santas, angels, Christmas plates, or tiny “towns”.

STYLE: Collect objects that represent a certain look or combination of details and lines characteristic of these styles. For example the look of “Colonial Christmas” style is very different from “Victorian Abundance”. The accumulation of such items is often instinctive because we tend to buy the things we like.

COLOR:
Color is a great way to connect disparate pieces. Red and white tablecloths, red beaded fruit, a red clock, red and white Santas , and red Bavarian glassware would all work together in spite of their differences because they have color in common.

THEME:

This can be a fun way to connect different Christmas elements from the past and today. Consider a Christmas 1950’s theme, or a “Rocky Mountain Cabin in the Woods” theme. This would allow you to take collectibles from many different categories to create a unique look. A heritage homeowner might take a “1915 Christmas” which would work with existing décor with the addition of objects that would naturally been in the home during 1915. What kind of “story” are you trying to tell?

DISPLAY TECHNIQUES:

1. Vary the size of the Objects: This creates much more interest and keeps the eye moving throughout the display. Use tall slim pieces such as candlesticks with short rounded shapes such as a ceramic or glass vase. Keep the clarity, however or you will only get a cluttered look.

IE: For example, a buffet table might include tall silver candlesticks, a silver comport, (like a plate on a stand) flat silver platters, and a silver tea service. Although the “color” is identical, the various shapes of the silver pieces keep it interesting.

2. Use the Triangle as a Base: This is one of the most effective methods of tying a display together. It can work on a tabletop, or can expand to incorporate a whole section of a room. Either way, the concept is the same. Place your tallest object slightly off center, the second tallest on the other side, the third again on the opposite side, and the next one again on the other side and so on. This works best in odd numbers (3’s, 5’s) . Vary the object sizes and shapes for interest but remember to have a connecting element in your display. The above example (silver ) would use the triangle to good effect.

3. Use Balance in your displays: Symmetrical displays are those which are almost completely identical or similar, and these are considered formal. A mantle clock flanked by two identical Oriental vases would be considered an example of symmetrical balance.
Asymmetrical balance on the other hand creates an informal balance through the use of varying objects with different colors, textures etc. that is “felt” rather than concrete.

Keep learning – Check out magazines and television programs, and read good design books for more ideas, but at all times, remember to let your home reflect who you are. Cheers and Happy Holidays!