Decorating for New Year's, storing Christmas decorations

Dear Claudia:

My husband decided to have a company New Year’s party at our house this year. He feels that everyone worked really hard this year and that it’s the least he can do to show some appreciation. We will have about 50 guess and I need your help. I would like my house to look and feel festive.

Answer:

It is a wonderful idea; more than ever we should show our appreciation to people that have been there for us, especially this year since it has been tough for most. Decorating for a New Year’s party is easy since most likely we have our home already decorated for Christmas. To keep it simple leave the décor the same, add something new like a color or just change it a little.

For example, with existing Christmas décor I would probably take away all the Santa-themes and keep the décor more simple but festive by adding more gold trims or silver. One of my favorite décors is just to add white Christmas lights. They add light to the room and look fabulous. Do not forget to provide some New Year’s favorites: hat, horns and rattles.

New Year’s is one of my favorite holidays, it’s a new beginning and it’s great to celebrate it with people that we care for.

Dear Claudia:

Now comes the good part, how can I get all my Christmas decorations stored and know exactly where they are next year?

Answer:

Yes, to store all our Christmas decorations it could be a challenge. It is simple if we do a good job putting it away. It will just make it easier for next year to know what we have and where to find it.

Like everything else it just needs some planning before storing our Christmas décor. We need the appropriate boxes, foam and some kind of labeling to make sure we know what is in the boxes. Make sure that if you are storing candles the box will have the appropriate temperature that will not damage it. Furthermore, it is a good idea to get rid of the Christmas décor that we do not like anymore or that we know we are not going to use any more.

If you are like me and love to buy Christmas decorations at clearance prices after Christmas, make sure you leave room for them in your storage area and store them appropriately and leveled. Otherwise you might forget you have them next year, like I do sometimes. Are you ready for 2010?

Claudia Dabdoub is a resident of Ahwatukee Foothills and owner of D’amore Interior Design Studio. To ask a question for an upcoming column, reach her at (480) 751-9938 or www.damoreinteriordesignstudio.com.