I once read that white brings a calmness to an already hectic Christmas season. Thinking about my own experience decorating with white, I think there is much truth to that observation. It all started a few years ago when, in our home, I put a white Christmas tree in the kitchen. I was pleasantly surprised how the white tree gave the entire space an almost natural glow and added so much ambience to the room. And it wasn't just me who saw the effect; everyone that came to our home commented on the white tree and how beautiful it was. Since that Christmas there has been a gradual transformation, and now white is undoubtedly the dominant theme.
It is difficult to capture in words exactly why white creates a certain mood at Christmas (apart from the obvious connection to snow); nonetheless I will try. Over the years I have worked with many colours and white offers more options than any other shade I have ever worked with. There is a transparency and brightness to white that creates a feeling of stillness and comfort, though energizing and sunny at the same time. At Christmas there tends to be a profusion of colours and, frankly, at times there are just too many colours for the eye to enjoy. I suggest choosing three colours and concentrating on those. Then you can introduce white to your existing colour scheme to help create a harmonious effect. If you want to use white on it's own, but you are unsure of the result you don't have to worry. Between the natural light coming in from the windows and the white decorations added, you will be delighted at how the space will sparkle in it's own reflection. Regardless of if you decide to go all the way with white or use it in combination with a few other colours, the presence white has will greatly enhance your Christmas decor.
To decorate with white, all you need is a little creativity. You can even use a few basic items you already have to get this Christmas project off the ground. For example, white bed sheets can be transformed into tree skirts, or you can purchase inexpensive white cotton or flannel fabric at your local fabric store instead. To polish off this look, add a layer of tulle on top of the fabric. You can also take out white candles and set them on shelves, tables, mantles, or on stacks of books. White organza or silk type fabrics can be loosely draped on windows or door openings. Other essential items for a white inspired Christmas are snowflakes, spray snow, white ribbon, and white ornaments. If you really want to go all out, a few white lanterns, white garlands, white feathers, crystal icicles, white stars, and of course white trees.
A white tree, regardless if it is table top or a seven foot tall tree, will add a hint of glamour to any style of Christmas decor. If you can't wrap your head around having at least one white tree, although I recommend it strongly, you can instantly change the look of a green Christmas tree with a can of spray snow. If you have never used spray snow before I suggest practicing first on a piece of cardboard before you try it on the actual tree. After you spray the tree, casually add white garlands, feathers, and ribbons and finish it off with white ornaments.
Carry the theme still further by suspending snowflakes on invisible wires from the ceiling, windows and in doorways. You can also attach snowflakes to mirrors and cabinet windows. I have experimented with various brands and Martha Stewart's line of beautiful stick on snowflakes are the finest by far. I find using snowflakes is one of the most effective ways to complement a white Christmas decor. Snowflakes will create such a natural element to your design, it will make the end result look almost effortless.
Adding crosspieces to your windows will make an enormous difference in the overall atmosphere in your home. You can purchase easy to assemble kits for this project. Once the crosspieces are in place, spray snow around the edges of each square to create the illusion of a fresh snow fall. To complete this project tie white velvet ribbon through the hook of a white or clear ornament, and hang in a fashion that allows the ornament to fall into one of the squares you have just created. You can repeat for each square or every other square.
Below I have listed a number of suggestions for both a casual and an elegant style of decorating. You can also draw from the two styles to find a balance that appeals to you.
If you tend toward a casual look:
- Make or purchase white feather wreaths to hang on doors.
- Drape white feather boas on chandeliers and around the base of your trees.
- Paint sea shells white and immediately (so paint doesn't start to dry) sprinkle with white glitter.
- Glue tiny seashells around a styrofoam tree-shaped cone. Start from the bottom of the cone and work your way to the top. Once the entire cone is covered with the shells paint it white and top with a little clear star, or a white clip with a wispy feather attached to it.
- Cover tables with white tulle or flannel and gather bottom edges upward ever few inches. Fasten a bow using white ribbon into the gathered areas, and let a few ribbon strands fall from the bow.
- Tie small and flat white ornaments on the back of kitchen and dining room chairs.
- Group two or three white tin lanterns on a table (if you can't find white lanterns you can easily paint over the colour they happen to be). If the lanterns are large, place on the floor or on a step.
- Add a white blanket to a kitchen chair in a casual fashion. This will add a little more coziness to the space.
- Paint tall branches white and place in a floor vase. Twist a strand of clear or white lights around the branches.
- Place two dozen white carnations in a large white pitcher and set it in your entrance way.
If you tend toward a chic or elegant style of decorating:
- Purchase an authentic white feather tree for the centre of your dining room table. You can use battery lights and miniature vintage mercury ornaments to decorate the tree.
- Drape cords of rhinestones or crystals on chandeliers.
- Make garlands using crystals and beads, and string a set of white lights through the garland and hang from a mantel. You can use this same type of garland to put around the base of table top white trees.
- Tie small white wreaths on the back of kitchen and dining room chairs.
- Cover tables with white lace. If the length of lace is not long enough for the entire table, drape on one end of the table.
- Replace one of your lamp shades with a white shade and put the lamp on a kitchen counter if you have room; if not place on a side table in the kitchen. This look works equally well using a floor lamp.
- Add a faux fur white blanket to a kitchen chair by draping it along the back and seat.
- Paint a dozen or more tall branches (as tall as you can find) white, and tie with a four or five inch wide white satin ribbon. Add swarovskli crystals from invisible wire throughout. Stand on the floor in the entrance.
- Place two dozen long stemmed white roses in a floor vase. (I would suggest ordering these from your florist a few weeks before Christmas).
Having grown up in Northern Ontario, not only was a white Christmas expected, it was a reality. When you are accustomed to having a white Christmas every year, naturally it is almost impossible to imagine not having a white Christmas. So even if the atmospheric pressure outside does not generate real snow, the atmosphere you have designed inside will still allow you to have a white Christmas.
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