THE SEASONAL TOUCH
Thinking of buying some new Christmas decorations? All those cheerful colours and twinkling lights! They create such a cosy space, don’t they? Over the coming weeks, we become so used to seeing them throughout our home that come the first week in January, when they all have to come down again, we mourn their passing with cries of ‘Everything looks so bare!’ Instead of buying more Christmas accessories and decorations which are limited to being displayed for only a few weeks, why not consider finding ‘winter’ themed decorations to add to your collection? A cushion emblazoned with an image of Santa Claus has a definite expiration date of 12th night, whereas a cute and cosy winter birds cushion can stay out on the sofa until the first snowdrops of spring appear. It’s all about celebrating the season. Go ahead and enjoy your tree and a sprinkling of specific Christmas accents, but ‘winter’ accessories you can enjoy throughout the rest of the season? Now that’s much better value for money! What works all winter? Here are just a couple of ideas. 1. Lots of faux fur or chunky knit cushions and throws work well. They create a feeling of abundance - a great antidote to the apparent stark scarcity of January and February. 2. Twinkle lights - not just for Christmas! Don’t pack them all away, instead add a string of @KonectMagazines
lights on their own or with some pine cones in a vase. They’re sure to brighten up any gloomy winter corner.
3. Synonymous with breathtaking winter landscapes, stags and reindeer are still a very popular design element at this time of year. As long as yours aren’t the flying sort with a big, red nose, they can stay! 4. Winter wall art - Do you have a line from a favourite song, a winter quote or some wintery photographs you could make into some wall art? With multiple options for printing from the likes of photobox.com or notonthehighstreet.com it’s easy to create and personalise your own art. 5. I’d argue that snowmen can stay too as long as they’re not too ‘Christmassy’ looking. I mean snow in Jan/Feb? That’s pretty seasonal! When shopping for new accessories to add to your collection, just ask yourself ‘Could I still display this in January? February?’ When it’s time to take down the decorations you’ll be glad you did! Lynn McMurray - Enthusiast of all things ‘home’ and owner at The Seasonal Touch. www.theseasonaltouch.co.uk THE DELL | 27
