Decorating your home for the holidays is one of the things that makes this time of year so special. But if you don’t have the knack, sometimes getting started can be the hardest part.

Here are some easy ways to make your home look and feel extra special.

First, clear out all your pre-holiday decorations that you may still have up like Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Next, designate one space in your house as “decoration central.” This could be a dining room table, or a hallway. I  like to pick a place I know I am not going to decorate.

Unpack all your Christmas/Holiday decorations including ribbons, candles and garland. When everything is unpacked, this will act as a store, where you shop for decorations, without paying.

Now it’s time to start decorating

• Begin by decorating the places that you make the same every year because you know what you’re going to do. Get that out of the way.
• Then, pick one room at a time. Look at Pinterest and magazines for inspiration. I like to pick a favorite, eye-catching piece and build around it, like a simple tray or plate.  I may put dried greenery or berries around it.  I might use a cloth napkin, tablecloth or runner.
• Look for things that you can turn into a holiday decoration. For instance, I have a sign that says “Smile wine makes me happy,” then I have a decorative bottle wine next to it. During the holidays I cover up the words, “Wine makes me happy” with a snowman and put garland around it.
• Pick a color scheme. You don’t have to go red and green. Last year, lime green was in. Purchase cheap lime green and red balls and hang them in doorways or fill glass vases.
• Voila, your house is already starting to look festive. Next week I’ll offer more ideas on decorating on a budget.