By Collin Kelley
Editor

Decorating your home for the holidays doesn’t necessarily have to mean the usual red and green for the season. Everyday objects in your home can be repurposed for the holidays or consider adding a touch of whimsy with unexpected decorations.

Nandina Home and Design (nandinahome.com) owner John Ishamel said simple can make a statement as well as be beautiful. “You can simplify your decorating to fit your home and so that it doesn’t change the whole room,” Ishamel said.

On display at the Nandina store in Inman Park, which recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, there is a mix of  “old world” and modern ideas for the holidays.

Simple stockings to hang from the fireplace were created using scrap material from the Nandina workroom, while moss-covered ornaments add a muted punch of color to a white-flocked tree.

Ishamel also likes to “tablescape” using colorful vases, silver-tinseled wire trees and hanging candlelit globes to set the mood for the season. Nandina also has whimsical bobble head and wood ornaments for the Christmas tree or that could be group on a table.

Margaret Barnett of Barnett + Co Interior Design (margaretbarnett.com) in Decatur says her ideas for decorating are “frugalista-friendly.”
“Scour your yard for pine cones, dried berries and colorful leaves or evergreen branches to put on the mantle,” Barnett suggested.  “Trim back your holly bushes and pine branches and place the cuttings on your mantle with a few votive candles.”

Repurposing items such as old pitchers  – any color and size – can be arranged on a sideboard with fresh, colorful flowers mixed with greenery to create a wonderful grouping, Barnett said.

More ideas from Barnett:

• Pull out an old basket lined with a tablecloth along with a sprinkling of nuts and dried berries for a fresh and colorful sidepiece.
• Incorporate the vibrant colors of seasonal fruits such as apples, pears and pomegranates.
• Fill old mason jars and jelly jars with grasses such as wheat and pampas, all cut to the proper size. Use jute twine to make an accent at the top of the jar. When you tie the jute place a colorful sprig of a holly berry in the knot for a colorful accent.

You may think your yard is done for the winter… take one last look and you will find lovely berries, dried flowers, beautiful leaves from bushes and fresh herbs such as mint, sage and oregano are still hardy. Bundle and tie with a piece of jute. Place in the powder room for a nice touch.