Cynthia Gives Helpful Tips for fabulous Christmas Decorating

From helping her clients design magnificent holiday displays, Cynthia shares techniques gathered over the years... Decide upon three focal points: Your main focus could be your tree; set two secondary points, which can be a mantle or a tabletop display. Even a large wreath can take the place of a traditional tree.  (continued...)   . If you repeat your greenery displays or ribbon color choices thoughout your displays, it will pull a more consistent custom look together, and you will definitely get a bigger bang for your buck.  . Start with inexpensive garland and plump it with fresh rosemary and fresh pine boughs -- they are hard to tell apart. Don't be afraid to mix! This technique lends a more lush look to your display. It will hold up longer and you are able to weave in more objects and glitz. Fresh tends to wilt and flatten faster. . Make use of your fading pine and rosemary. Toss it onto your fireplace blaze for a genuine rich, festive fragrance.  You don't have to settle for simple tree stands. Be daring, use a terracotta pot, a vintage suitcase, even a simple cardboard box wrapped as a gift! These are more artful alternatives to stabilizing your trees.  . Toss your traditional tree skirt and pull out a rich velvet shawl or a faux leopard throw to nestle your packages into.