Decorating: In holiday style

The holiday season is a favorite of many people, because it allows for creative expression and the building of life-long memories, according to Leslie Parraguirre, president of Las Vegas-based Colours Inc.

When decorating a home for the holidays, Parraguirre suggests creating an environment that is pleasing to all of the senses. If the home has an evergreen holiday tree, guests will enjoy its scent, as well as the scent of candles or their favorite holiday treats as they are taken fresh from the oven.

"Candles scented in silver fir, gingerbread and cinnamon add holiday cheer. Combine scents of sweet and spice carefully, so as not to overwhelm the home with one or the other," she said. "Balance is key."

A tree with sparkling lights and ornaments makes a home festive and is visually appealing.

"Trees can denote themes of a favorite family hobby, too," she said. "Ornaments in themes of surfing, fishing, skiing, camping or sports of any type can add special memories to the family Christmas tree. I've even seen an `artist's tree' with exaggerated paint brushes and palettes."

Another favorite, she said, is a "children's tree."

"Children love this tree," Parraguirre said. "Even teens get a kick out of the holiday charm it conveys."

A child's tree can be adorned with stuffed animals, and a variety of ornaments based on favorite children's books, television programs and movies.

"For those that devote a tree just to the kids in the house, Disney characters and other childhood heroes add to the impact of Christmas expectations. Other fun ideas include trees decorated entirely in polar bears or white snow seals.

"Another option for a child's tree is to apply light flocking, then add fluffy cotton to resemble branches loaded with snow. Finish with oversized red velvet bows with bells attached."

For a simpler décor, trees filled with berry branches or willow wraps create a natural holiday look. For a traditional family tree, Parraguirre suggests a fresh evergreen decorated with ornaments collected over the years.

"Many families create a charming tradition of getting out all the old ornaments and revisiting the special memories created from Christmas past," she said. "You can easily freshen up the look by adding new berry and willow boughs, and garlands of textured ribbon.

"Whatever your look or style, remember to build on holiday memories year after year. Give a single ornament to your children, your grandchildren and your friends' children in the hopes that when they have their own homes, they will have a collection of decorations filled with memories of your home."

The ideal complement to a decorated tree is a holiday-themed fireplace mantel, Parraguirre said.

One option is to decorate the mantel with nutcrackers, which may resemble soldiers, golfers, snowmen, leprechauns, squirrels, and nursery rhyme characters. Arrange the nutcrackers with the largest in the middle of the mantel, then taper down to the smaller ones at the ends. Finish with boughs of fresh evergreen or juniper garland.

"Tie in bows, bells and twinkling lights for a stunning effect," she said. "Glass votive candles in a variety of seasonal scents and colors make a beautiful and simple statement."

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