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MODERNIZE YOUR MANTEL

Insteadof the usual (shedding!) evergreens and pinecones, let longlasting amaryllises take thelead this year. Surroundthem with neutral objects of different heights, materials, and shapes (earthybeautiful), and finish offwith a single string of lights for that holiday glow.

WEAVE IN SOME GREENERY

OPPOSITE: For a party-ready bar cart (or a festive entryway mirror), tuck in olive branches to form an artful border. To mold your own herb-embellished ice bucket, put a small container inside a larger one and fill the space between the two with water and rosemary sprigs, then freeze. Pop the ice out of the large container (run it under warm water to loosen); place on a shallow pie plate to collect the water as the ice melts. (Try this DIY for vases and votive holders, too.)