Designing With Carol

Carol Collins, Carol’s Custom Draperies

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Silver Bells, Silver Bells, I heard the Bells on Christmas Day, and then there are the words and music by Meredith Wilson, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, Soon the bells will start. And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing right within your heart.” Yes, the bells are ringing for Christmas. But are we prepared? Have you decorated your front door, trimmed the tree, hung the stockings with a lot of care, or planned the Christmas dinner? Oh, so many things to do. You have about 10 days left. Let’s take a crash course on finishing the decorating.

I recently watched a Christmas movie entitled The Christmas Kiss. It’s about a young interior designer assistant who gets caught up in the decorating of the home of her boss’ boyfriend. Centered around the classic A Christmas Carol, the designer focused her designs on the details of the decorations in the book. The one that touched me so was the display of three Christmas trees aptly named, “Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future.” It would be somewhat difficult to arrange three trees in our homes, but the theme could be accomplished on one tree.

I have saved, as I guess many of you have, decorations from my youth and those my children have made. If you are a teacher you may have some your students have made for you. These will work beautifully for the Christmas Past portion of your tree.

And then for Christmas Present, purchase small little gift bags of different colors, designs and sizes and hang them throughout your tree.

For Christmas Future, have your grandchildren, special interest children’s groups, etc. to create their vision for the future.

As you can see, I am a sentimentalist when it comes to Christmas. Yes, the bells of Christmas are ringing loud and clear. And remember, “the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing right within your heart.”

I wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

And as always – Happy Decorating!