Decorating Centsibly for the Holidays

Ahhhh, Thanksgiving is over (turkey anyone)? Christmas is coming soon and the goose is getting fat; well actually, she got fatter at Thanksgiving. Oh well, it’s time to get the Christmas and holiday decorations up and out. No time to worry about my weight now; it’s too late! (JK)

In an effort for me to meet other women in the area, one of my daughters started a holiday cookie exchange. So, while trying to move through Thanksgiving and a couple of out-of-town trips, I did manage to come up with a couple of new ideas. I decided this year that I am tired of the same old decorations year-after-year and will do a few things differently.

I found these horrid gold-orange candlesticks at “HomeGoods” marked down to $7.00 each. I thought perhaps my daughter would like them after I expressed how they could be changed from that horrible color (from an ugly duckling to a swan). I had a vision; however, my analytical, statistical, precise and very organized daughter did not, “They’re too tall,” she said. Well, I now own another pair of candlesticks.

I decided to spray paint them lightly with silver metallic paint, which I purchased at my favorite home improvement store. BTW, always ask the employees if you have a question about how to do anything. I have found that most often my questions have been answered, which has resulted in a completed project with which I was satisfied. I tend to wander when I’m talking/writing, so back-on-track. 

I wanted to leave some of the gold color, which took a bit of time and patience. I eventually sprayed on a bit of gold where I had used too much silver and back and forth with the colors. Who knows what is exactly “right.” Right is how you want the final project to look. I decided to very lightly spray a bit of black gloss to tone down the metallic colors. When spraying, do not hold the spray can close to the object that is being painted. Depending on the desired color outcome, wave the can back and forth or around for a lighter amount of paint.

The holly is from very large trees in my yard. Smaller leaves will be easier to work with and perhaps look better. I used a small piece of Styrofoam to hold the stems in place and simply set the candle on top. I just had a thought; gee, my brain is smoking! ! If you have candlesticks that are black, red, etc., you could spray paint the holly silver, gold or whatever color you desire.  

I am showing the finished project with candles of two different heights. You decide what you prefer (height and color) should you decide to do a similar project. Remember, this is only a suggestion to get you started on creating your own centsibly priced decoration for the holidays. 

BTW, please refer to my previous blog for tips regarding candle burning.

Happy Holidays and enjoy creating your unique decorations!