BEADED ICICLE PROJECT AT THE BOTTOM!

Without a doubt, Christmas is truly a magical time of year. Spending time with family, friends and loved ones is one of the reasons why Christmas is so special. Creating traditions, sharing fond memories and simply being together adds to the warmth and merriment of the holidays.

A fun holiday activity that practically every family enjoys is the tradition of decorating the house — especially the Christmas tree! If you are like most families, you probably have a few boxes of favorite ornaments that you unpack and proudly display year after year. As you carefully hang every last Santa and snowman, you also make room for a couple of new ornaments that you knew would look fabulous among your old favorites.

According to a new survey by Unity Marketing, approximately 80 percent of American households will be “decking their halls” this holiday season. Most individuals will also be adding a few new pieces to their existing ornament and décor collections, just to keep up with what’s currently in style. “This year, that would be a return to old world charm with dynamic colors like sapphire, ruby red and citrine embellished with metallics. There will also be an emphasis on patterns and textures with glitter, beads and etchings; and such icons as birds, pine cones, winter foliage and berries,” says Susan Atchison, trend manager for Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores.

Whether you are hosting a large holiday party or a quiet gathering with close family and friends, here are some quick and easy decorating ideas that will surely add a festive feel to your home:

* Spray garland with white and silver glitter to give it a sugar-coated vintage look and hang it on your staircase rail or fireplace mantle.

* Repetition helps to highlight your holiday theme. Use poinsettias or hydrangea in your tree, garlands, large glass hurricanes or as accents to other centerpieces. You can also tuck them around photo frames, candles etc. Use your favorite item (holly, flowers, pinecones, ornaments) — the key is to use these items throughout your home.

* Evoke the senses with the smell of home baking and a welcoming feel — burn candles with scents like cinnamon, pumpkin pie.

* Decorate with beads. Wrap the lower portion of pillar candles with colorful strung beads for a glitzy look or create beautiful beaded ornaments (see instructions below) to coordinate with holiday colors.

* Use your favorite fabric to wrap around the base of your tree instead of using a traditional tree skirt.

* Make colorful, festive, placecards for your holiday dinner with sheets of festive scrapbook paper.

* Sew or wrap pillows in holiday fabrics to scatter on the sofa and chairs for quick holiday touches.

For more ideas and the latest trends in indoor and outdoor holiday decorating projects, visit your local Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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SIDEBAR:Here’s an easy-to-complete craft project you can make to bring the look of Christmas 2007 into your home:

* Beaded Icicle Ornaments
Courtesy of Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores

Supplies and Tools:
* 22-gauge floral stem wire
* Beads in assorted sizes
* Wire cutters
* Tacky glue

Directions:
1. Cut wire 6-1/2-inches to 8-1/2-inches long.
2. String small bead on wire, bend wire about 1/2-inch up.
3. String remaining beads on to desired length, covering wire at the end.
4. Bend wire to make hanging loop by placing wire end into last two beads.
5. Add a drop of glue at the top of last bead to secure

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