ALLISBRIGHT
Local business owner, Alexa Nugent, of Design for the Holidays, talks about how her parents did an incredible job of making Christmas so emotional. It was never about what was under the tree, but how she and her siblings felt in the home; it was a sanctuary for them. She enjoys helping others decorate their home for the holidays and creating that magic. "It brings you joy. Christmas is nostalgic. It reminds us of the best times of our lives,” Alexa says. She describes how her designing is all about creating a sensory experience – appealing to the eye, the touch, and the heart. Alexa names each tree she decorates. Each one carries a special story. Below are seven steps that Alexa shares for beautiful and meaningful Christmas trees to help brighten your home and heart! 1. Use various lights in combinations. Solid colors, twinkling motion lights, and solid white. Don’t under-light your tree; you want your tree to glisten and move. The variations of lights added to your tree will add dimension and will help your décor on the tree sparkle. 2. Work from the “pole out." Everyone wants to cover the tree, but they must start from the inside first. 3. Bulk & scale. Floral Mesh Wrap, large plastic ornaments, bouquets, stuffed décor, boxes, signs, anything non-ornamental you can use to add heft to your tree. Just think “large” scaled items on this step. They are going to be stuffed in the gaps of the tree to fill and showcase. 4. Picks & stems placed in groupings to spill out of the tree. You want to show connections with your bulk and scale items (outlined in tip 3 above). 5. Variety with repetition ornaments. Buy several of these items, as they are the jewelry of the tree. They will help “marry” the tree décor and be pleasing and connective visually. 6. Sentimental “story” ornaments. These are the final touches that will showcase your special ornaments that mean so much to you and your family. 7. Topper or headpiece. Don’t forget to decorate the top of the tree and the bottom of the tree. You will need multiple types of stems and a “focal piece” at the top of the tree. For the bottom, create a grouping that will make your tree feel connected to the home. Just remember, decorating a Christmas tree is progressive, just as a story is. You have time for it to evolve and grow over the years. Alexa has been in the decorating business since 2008. She took a wreath decorating class in Texas years ago and began helping friends and teaching classes. Eventually, it became a business for her. Design for the Holidays was featured on Denver 7 News in 2017. Alexa can decorate with your own pieces or help you to create a new tree. She also designs mantels, wreaths, and other holiday displays. designfortheholidays@gmail.com Alexanugent@gmail.com Cell 303-886-1443
8 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA | DECEMBER 2019
