Stick to the basics to make holiday decorating joyful

It's time! Adding gift shopping and decorating homes to already-packed lives is never easy. How to turn a task into fun? There are ways.

First, realize that each step in your personal holiday journey must be enjoyed or it turns into a "must do." Limit the amount of decorating. Actually, people who live in smaller homes have it made because it takes very little to make the place seem festive. You can do a few basic things and insure that you will achieve an appropriately celebratory feeling. Think in terms of three basic elements: The front entry, a focal point inside and lights.

You can skip installing lights around the entire house. Why not just focus on the front door or porch? There are numerous battery operated garlands and wreaths that can make it quite simple to get the sparkle of lights and add a little color with evergreens. Battery operated lanterns can be placed anywhere and you need not worry about fire hazards. It's simply a matter of turning them on and off. The nice thing about lanterns is that you can use them year round and it makes the investment wise.

Inside you might use a natural focal point or create one. For example, if you have a fireplace mantel that is the most traditional focus possible. From repetitive votive lights to the creation of an evergreen garland, there are tons of ideas for how to decorate. Know that if you are going to use objects, the art comes from the act of repetition. Five stockings, three angels or perhaps six decorated votive lights. I'm a big fan of lacing clear lights through whatever evergreen garland one has to use and using that as a tree alternative.

For my own mantel, I stick dried seedpods, pinecones and artificial fruit, such as apples, pears and berries, into a plain evergreen garland. You can use real oranges, pomegranates or miniature pumpkins as decoration, too. Just be sure to check on them regularly through the month and toss out anything that begins to rot prematurely. Consider hunting for gently used garlands or invest in a few that you can plan on keeping year to year.

Another focal point could be the top of a piano, the top of a large piece of furniture such as a buffet or a trunk or the top of the dining room table. A staircase can be another major spot.

Obviously, a Christmas tree is the most classic, but if you don't have room for a tree, do not despair! There are wall-hung choices for trees and very slender artificial trees available as well. Use a small tabletop tree for a space-starved room or household. If you are in a studio or a small apartment, consider large wreaths in several rooms instead of giving up real estate on the floor for a bulky tree. If you prefer to avoid any religious hint, use wreaths and garlands that can be made from other materials besides evergreens.

In truth, originally evergreens were the pagan symbol of renewal and life; the plant that endures through all sorts of harsh weather conditions Grapevine wreaths are another option.

Lights are the most magical of holiday decorations. Even if you are not a Christmas celebrator, it is still true that clear lights add a winter magic that is desirable during colder months. Decorative lights add much needed visual warmth on dark winter days filled with either pouring rain or snow. They replicate the attraction of a candle burning in a darkened place.

• Christine Brun is a San Diego-based interior designer and the author of "Small Space Living." Send questions and comments to her by email at christinebrun@sbcglobal.net.

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