And just like that, in the blink of the eye, we are over with 2020! What a year it was — we should all give a pat on our backs for dealing with all the ups and downs of the year gone by with so much grace and with a smile on our faces always. In 2020, we had our homes as our constant companions. It stood with us on days we were frustrated, on days we felt like there was not much hope left, and on days when we were so grateful for all we had in our lives. So let us look at some ways to celebrate our homes while keeping the festive spirit alive as we welcome the new year with a new sense of hope.
Bottles as vases
This season calls for more partying and socialising with friends. But this year let’s put the bottles to another great use. Try and use different colours, sizes, and shapes to make the set-up even more interesting. Keep the bottles in water overnight to remove the stickers, wrap some jute strings in different areas and varied ways, and try to bring in varied levels of height in the arrangement. Put in some rice lights, light up some candles, add some dried flowers and leaves (for the uninitiated, to get dried flowers just tie and hang the flowers upside down for 10-12 days in the sun). It would make a great corner to keep the festivities alive and the party spirit on.
Candles smelling of cinnamon and oranges
For me, like I am sure for many of you, a fragrance associates with a celebration and a time of the year. And for this period it is the smell of fresh oranges, cinnamon and cloves. Try putting these elements in a jar/glass/vase, fill it with water and a drop of a citrus essential oil. Cut a small round of bubble wrap paper, place it on the water, and light your tea light candle on it (the bubble wrap paper helps keep the candle afloat). The fragrance of your space will transport you to a different world of serenity, calmness, and love.
Add character to your verandah
I am sure everyone will unanimously agree that Calcutta has the best winter. And sitting outdoors with some sun touching our cheeks and a little chilly wind is just perfect! Make your verandah cosy with some throws and cushions. Don’t forget to add some sparkle to add to the festive feel.
Jute-wrapped candle votives
Candles and lights play a big role in creating a Christmas vibe! Wrapping your votives with jute rope or ribbons, maybe adding a pine leaf and a berry, twigs, or dried baby breath adds a little more detail and a personal touch. You can experiment and add elements that are closer to your family.
Winter dinner table set-up
Nothing compares to family and friends eating meals together. Light up candles, use dried leaves and flowers along with primarily white crockery. It’s best to keep earthy, light colours to bring out the vibe of this season. And try this napkin ring at home — wrap some jute around your white napkins and finish it off with a cinnamon stick and a pine leaf.
Dried orange garland
Coming back to oranges, cut them into slices and dry them in the sun for two-three days and then finish it off by putting it in the oven at a low temperature. Make these garlands/ strings of them — incorporating leaves, berry, and maybe other elements in between. They could be used as displays on your dining tables, a bandarwar, wall, or verandah hanging. It breaks the red/white colour theme and gives a sense of nature to your set-up and of course, adds some fragrance.
Lights all around
Do try some of these at home and make the new year special, sparkly and happy. Give your home and its members the love it deserves and decorate it to celebrate the end of a transformative year. Would love to see you all try some of these at home and don’t forget to share it with me on my Insta handle @design.on.the.go! You can also check out details of the above decor tips on the handle! Happy New Year everyone!
The author runs her own soft furnishing brand Onset while working with her family textile business. She has taught Textiles at the Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology and been a visiting lecturer at Philadelphia University and JDBI, Kolkata.
