candy - my 8th favorite holiday decorating item

We're all just kids at heart, so it's no wonder candy appears on my holiday decorating list! I love wrapped candies in glass containers—they are instantly festive!

To make an interesting display stack various sized cake stands and add mini glasses to each level and fill them all with various candies. I once set this up in our kitchen, only to have it knocked out by a ball tossed to the dog!

(I love the candy that is spread around this cabinet—a touch of whimsy among the china.)

(Designed by Keviin Reiner. Candy and silver—doesn't get any better than this!)

Happy decorating!

ribbon - my 7th favorite holiday decorating item

My seventh favorite holiday decorating item is ribbon.

Ribbon adds softness and color to most displays. It also adds an organic shape because you can twist and turn it to create "movement" in your decor. There are so many options available so the sky is the limit when it comes to selection.

(The ribbon softens this lovely banister display, while adding a pop of color.)

I like to select ribbons in various widths and finishes (shiny silver and matte silver for example). You can also use different values of the same color for a clean, monochromatic look. For example, if you decorate with brown, find dark brown, mid-brown and maybe a light bronze colored ribbon to bring visual interest to your displays.

(This is designed by Design by DesAnn. I used it on my evergreen post,
but the ribbons here are pretty striking, so I had post it again!)

I also love ribbons with wire edges because they are easier to shape.

(Add a touch of softness and decor to your chandelier by adding ribbons.)

(This is my own design and I added the silver ribbon to provide another dimension and pop.)

How do you decorate with ribbon during the holidays?

metallic containers - my 6th favorite holiday decorating item

I love adding sparkle to my holiday decor. An easy way to do this is with metallic pieces—my sixth favorite holiday decorating item. Gold and silver (or any other metal) containers are great for filling with the other items on my favorite decorating items list (fresh evergreens, ornaments, candles and lights, just to name a few)!

For a striking display, arrange a few different metallic pieces on a buffet or mantle and fill with similar items. The more the merrier; grouping items always creates a greater impact, so hit the attic and grab all of your grandmother's silver and get busy!

And, don't be afraid to mix metals.

(Sparkle, sparkle and more sparkle!)


(A lovely tray with a few pretty metallic ornaments is so pretty)


(This mantle is designed by Kevin Reiner, the ornament, candy and fresh greens bring the holiday feeling to life.)


(More by Kevin Reiner — a detailed view of the silver pieces on the mantle.)

Visit again soon to see the rest of my "favorite 13" list!

Happy decorating.