Twists on the Traditional



Traditional Christmas colors are always popular during the holidays- there's no escaping a hearty measure of the standard red, green and white. However, this year the customary colors have been updated! Reds get bold and bright with shades like cherry, claret and ruby, while greens get revitalized in any shade from lime and acid green to deep spruce and ivy. Traditional white gets a twist with shades in ivory and cream, but you'll also see bright whites to contrast with the new vibrant shades of red and green.

Hot New Hues

If you're not one for tired tradition, there are also a number of hip, hot hues on hand for your holiday decorations. Look for purple shades from amethyst to plum, and make way for cool metallics in platinum, silver and gold tones. Trendy colors like black, pink and dark burnt orange are also up and coming colors in fashion-forward Christmas decor. IN fact, black started showing up in European homes last year, and is shaping up to be one of the staple stylish colors for Christmas 2006.

All that Glitters

D'cor divas will want to include patterns and textures in their holiday d'cor for 2006. To accent Christmas decorations there are a range of textures and details popping up this year. Glitter and sparkles are going to be glimmering their way into tons of homes - anything that shines will make your holiday decorating even brighter! This trend includes unique ornaments, garland and wreaths covered in tinsel and sparkle, or sprayed with shimmering faux snow.

Traditional to Untamed

There are also two popular thematic patterns competing for top d'cor trend in 2006. On one hand, the vintage look is back in a big way. Everything Victorian from deep reds, thick velvet and heavy ornamentation is fresh again for this year. On the other hand, the unexpected is also where Christmas style is at. Think anything astonishing, from wild animal prints and vibrant colors to metallic blue ornaments and you'll have a hit.

Personal Touches

Personalization is a great way to make your own Christmas decorating tradition. Get savvy and start decorating with- and giving as gifts- Christmas ornaments with engraving or monogramming. Use family photos, frames and mementoes as personal trimmings to your holiday d'cor.

The best part of Christmas d'cor in 2006 is choice. The wide selection of styles, the variety of colors, patterns and themes means that pretty much anything goes! Pick a trend that works for you and celebrate the holidays in style!

Catherine Spelling absolutely loves spending Christmas with family and friends. When she is not counting down the days until Christmas, she writes for christmaslightsanddecorations.com ? an online resources for all things relating to Christmas and decorations, with information about Christmas tree ornaments, Christmas candles, Christmas lights and more.