MORTGAGE ARTICLES

Deck the halls for a warm welcome this holiday season

We all do a little more entertaining over the holiday season. And at this time of year, you want to offer your guests the warmest of holiday welcomes. This year, deck the halls. and your front entrance too. Build a little excitement on your front porch, and then let your warm, welcoming front hall sparkle with the holiday spirit!

. Let there be light! But don't be a "Sparky Griswold", swathing everything in sight with mega-watt power. A bit of restraint will often create more mood and mystery than will an over- the- top light display. Hang a string of golden stars above your entry porch, or light up one or two small potted evergreen trees with tiny sparkle lights. Real cedar garland (accented with scarlet bows for the daylight hours) entwined with tiny clear lights looks superb when framing an outside door. Your guests will love the cedar scent, and the glimmer of little lights makes a magical entrance.

. Invest in a timer. Don't give your outdoor lights a second thought. Set up a timer to turn them on at twilight and turn them off at bedtime.

. Go natural with your front door. This is where guests will notice that special touch. You can gather greenery from your garden onto a wire frame, or bring home a heavenly balsam wreath from a nearby garden centre or tree farm. Tie on a big red ribbon, wire in some pinecones, and you will have the loveliest wreath in the neighbourhood!

. Add a touch of winter whimsy. Dress up your entryway - inside or out - with a whimsical touch. Perhaps you could hang up some ice skates (red laces of course), or adorn an older wooden sleigh with evergreen and a generous bow?

. Bells, bells, bells. You can never have too many jingle bells hanging on doorknobs and over your doors signaling the arrival of family or guests. This is especially true when you are secretly wrapping gifts and need a jingle warning!

. Greet your guests with warmth, colour, and fragrance. Place baskets of red tulips and creamy narcissus in front of your hall table mirror. Twist tiny sparkle lights and cedar garland through your banister, and keep a big china bowl filled with bundled cinnamon sticks and handfuls of cloves nearby.

. Protect from winter drafts. Take a cue from the Victorians this holiday season. Drape thick claret or olive green velvet curtains over your front door to keep away the chill. During the day, tie them back with velvet ribbon or silky cords.

. Enjoy the sound of music. It would be lovely if you could have music softly piped into your entry hall for arriving guests. A jazzy holiday album may suit your taste, or consider some classic English chorale hymns and carols to add serenity and comfort to your holiday season.

. Holiday hugs and kisses. For warm holiday greetings, hang a ball of mistletoe from your hall fixture with a shining satin ribbon. So go ahead and deck the halls. and warm your house with good friends and good cheer this holiday season.

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