theSun Property December 2016

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configurations instead.
A prominent feature in
this trend are star-
shapedwire
frames with
minimal
decorations
on it. Maybe
just a small
evergreen
branch,
ribbons or
string lights.
But if the
round shape
still rolls for
you, there are
countless other
ideas tomake it a
little different.
Make a
colourful wreath using scraps of
fabric, tying themon a roundwire
frame. If baubles make the world go
round for you, make a wreath using
round baubles in different colours.
For a fun activity with young kids,
make a paper wreath with paper
cut-out red ribbons as decoration.
SCANDINAVIAN FESTIVE
It’s no secret that the Scandinavian
home design is an everlasting trend,
so it comes as no surprise when
people look to Scandinavian design
principles when decorating
interiors for the holidays.
Probably the cutest decoration
are the clusters of mini holiday
trees placed on
tables. Some are
made of porcelain
inwhite while
others come
painted in
varying shades of
green and gold to
create “ornaments” on
the little trees.
To do this, the gold dots
are painted in lines tomimic
strings of light or random
dots representing baubles
on the tree. The other
variation (of these
cluster of trees table
IT is one of the most wonderful
times of the year, so expect to
hear bells ringing and
Christmas carolling on your
visit to shoppingmalls as people
make haste to nab the best deals in
their hunt for festive gifts.
Unlike inWestern countries,
where the Christmas season is
given great importance, Malaysians
who do not celebrate the occasion
in a religious way view this time as
a public holiday to celebrate family
and togetherness, some even
exchange gifts.
Whatever your reason to
celebrate the season, you can still
invite festivity into the home with
decorations that veer from the
traditional red, white and gold.
TREE ON THEWALL
The evergreen Christmas tree is a
prominent piece of decoration in
homes during the holiday season. It
is believed that Germany began the
tradition of putting up Christmas
trees in the 16th century.
However, instead of buying a
new fake tree to put up, along with a
host of other decorations which add
to the cost, go for an alternative. Get
creative andmake a “non-tree”
using string, wood planks, washi
tape, or try assembling one just
using ornaments and string lights.
The alternative Christmas tree can
also help save space in smaller
rooms if it is hung on the wall.
As a general rule, the bottom
of the “tree” should be at least 12
inches from the floor. Using
whatever materials you wish,
arrange them to form the shape of
the traditional Christmas tree or a
pyramid. The alternative tree has a
host of styles you could try. Sit
downwith the family and decide
what materials to use and then start
decorating together.
The best part? You won’t need
somuch space to store it for the
following year.
CREATIVEWREATHS
It is said that the early Romans
gifted branches of the evergreen
tree onNewYear’s Day as a sign of
bestowing health and vigour on
family and friends. Eventually,
these branches were shaped into
the wreaths we know today.
These days, the wreath is merely
a decorative piece that sits on the
front door or table centrepiece and
people have gotten quite creative in
reinventing newways to interpret
this festive ornament.
Among its many reinventions,
the latest to grace the scene is using
a naked frame that is decorated
according to the holiday theme
for the year. Empty frames are
painted over in traditional holiday
colours, while baubles and bells are
hung in the middle of the frame
and a voluminous bow is placed
on the top.
Another trend
is to break away
from the round
shape and go
for other
Alternative face of festivity
>A take on non-traditional holiday decorations to dress interiors
decor) can be made with wooden
blocks instead, and then
paintedwith bright pastel
colours andmetallic
silver and gold paint.
Wreaths are
also a common
Scandinavian
holiday feature,
but instead of one
large wreath
placed on the
door, a few small
tomedium-sized
ones are hung from
a long tree branch to
create a wall display.
The wreaths are
typically bare and
the ribbons used to
hang the wreath
are in reds or neutral tones. Some,
however, display an oddity of
baubles or handmade felt
decorations in shapes of reindeer,
baubles, hearts or trees.
Mounted deer heads are
prominent in Scandinavian homes.
Instead of looking for a real one that
might scare the daylights out of the
childrenwho will be visiting, look
for fauxmounted deer heads in
white for a modern feel.
Extra festive points are awarded
if the antlers are painted in gold or a
wreath has been placed around the
head. The geometrical outline of a
full body deer is the modern take on
this traditional decor.
Usually in black, the
geometrical element
fits inwell with
modern-themed
rooms.
THE LOOKING
GLASS
Terrariums are another
interior design trend
that has managed to find its
way into the festive season.
Instead of the usual glass
bowl, decorators use metal
lanterns, glass jars or baubles.
Festive terrariums
imitate common
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holiday scenes around the
world. The usual miniature green
trees and grass are sprinkledwith
fake snow to recreate a snowy
forest. White forest creatures are
added to the scene.
A snowy Scandinavian village
is another scene that is commonly
recreated for festive terrariums.
Little wooden or brown cardboard
houses are placed amongminiature
trees in fake snow. String lights
are added for the festive
atmosphere. For a fun twist,
paint and decorate the little
homes to look like gingerbread
houses and addmini candy canes
next to it.
These are only some of
many ideas to help inspire you to
make the home livelier and brighter
this holiday season. Get the family
in on these to foster closer family
ties and bonds this festive time.
Rule of thumb - there is no right or
wrong in being creative, so be
open and “don’t get your tinsel in
a tangle”.
Tree on thewall.
PHOTO: WWW.COXANDCOX.CO.UK
The looking glass.
PHOTO: WWW.WWW.BEADANDCORD.COM PHOTO: WWW.MARTHASTEWART.COM.COM
Creativewreath. PHOTO: WWW.CREATIVELYCHRISTY.BLOGSPOT.MY
The geometrical outline of a full
body deer.
BYALYSSA J. OON
PHOTO:
Cluster of trees table decor.
PHOTO:
PHOTO:
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theSun ON FRIDAY | DECEMBER 2, 2016