Did you know that January 6 marks the day that the three kings actually arrived in Bethlehem and signals the end of Christmas celebrations? And, tradition says it’s actually unlucky to take your Christmas tree down before this date. To be honest, the post-holiday doldrums hit me hard every year. I spend endless hours decorating for Christmas. My home is simply filled with vibrant color and festive sparkle. Then, all too quickly, Christmas is over. The whimsical mercury glass ornaments, snow globes and army of nutcrackers are packed safely away and the house looks as desolate as I feel. Because this is so depressing to me (all of that work for such a little bit of time!) I have started a Winter Wonderland Post-Christmas Decorating Scheme which weans me off of my exuberant Christmas decorations… at least a little.
Currently, I have vintage snowmen, silver mercury glass and winter white pieces which only make an appearance after Christmas. And this season, I am looking forward to adding to my little cache of snowy objects.
For me, adding sparkly bits such as mercury glass candlesticks, gem encrusted votive candles, and cut crystal bowls keeps the festive holiday feeling alive. For a budget-saving solution, inexpensive tag sale glass pieces can easily be turned into “mercury glass” simply by using spray paint. My personal favorite is Krylon Looking Glass Spray Paint.
Or, thrift shopping can be a bonanza, particularly after the holidays. In fact, some of my favorite pieces were picked up for next to nothing in my favorite local shops. (Click here for Tips on How to Thrift Shop Like a Pro.)
If sparkle isn’t your look, try incorporating seasonal natural elements into existing décor. Save money by scouring your yard (or your neighbor’s, with permission) for pine cones, seedpods, berries and sculptural branches. Pots of forced Paper Whites or Amaryllis do double duty by creating a snowy tableau and hinting that spring will come again.
And, don’t forget to “shop your home.” Your Great Aunt Gertrude’s Victorian glass punch bowl may not be to your taste on a daily basis, but, overflowing with fragrant fresh-cut greens and pine cones placed at center stage on the dining table, it can be a real showstopper!
Another trick that I like to employ is to actually combine glam crystal or mercury glass pieces with rustic elements, such as simple, undecorated evergreen trees and bottle brush trees, burlap, or wood. I find that this keeps vignettes from becoming overly theatrical.
Finally, add warmth with lots of cozy throws, snuggly pillows in oversized buffalo plaid or sweater knits, and luxe window treatments to keep January’s cold at bay – at least visually.
To inspire you, I’ve included some Winter Wonderland inspiration. Let’s keep that holiday feeling alive – all the way through January!
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DISCLAIMER: No financial compensation or product samples were received by the manufacturers or retailers mentioned above in exchange for this Winter Wonderland Post-Christmas Decorating Scheme post. Regardless, I only recommend ideas, products or services that I believe will be helpful for my readers.