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 Designing a deck can be overwhelming and frustrating at times. Don’t give it up. There are many excellent resources to assist you in this process. A picture is worth a thousand words, and fortunately we live in an age where thousands of deck photographs are just a mouse click away. Visit websites of a variety of professional deck builders until you become comfortable with a broad range of possibilities. You may want to visit your local library, bookstore, or home and garden center to browse the many publications dedicated to deck building.
Talk to neighbors, coworkers, and friends. Find out what they did and what they would change. You never know where you might discover a great idea or find inspiration. You may want to visit the building inspection department in your city and see if they have any handouts or information. Go for a drive around the neighborhood and scope out the local deck landscape. What do you like and dislike? Try to absorb a variety of information to help you develop a well rounded approach as you move forward. Don’t rush yourself and keep an open mind to new ideas and take pictures.
1Go through the decorations you already own to determine what will fit with your theme. Typically, people use the same Christmas stockings for years as part of their holiday traditions. Alternately, you can use Christmas garlands and light strands that you normally put on the tree each year to decorate this area. Place a long, narrow lace doily or a table runner in a holiday fabric on the mantel. This will create a base for your holiday decor. Drape a long garland over the fireplace and let the ends hang off either side. Fresh pine garlands scent the air and add to the festive touch in the room, while you can reuse faux garland year after year. Twist a strand of Christmas lights around the length of garland to give the focal point a bit of sparkle. Twist holiday ribbon around the fresh or faux garland and allow extra ribbon to pool on the floor on either side of the fireplace. This will hide the ends of the garland and frame the fireplace beautifully. Make two or three large bows out of the same type ribbon and attach them to both ends of the mantel and place one in the center to add to the holiday spirit. Tie them onto the garland with florist wire. Stick decorative Christmas picks throughout your garland, such as gaily wrapped miniature presents, jingle bells or other holiday decor. Gather pinecones and nuts from your yard to place on your mantel. This will give it a warm, country look. Alternately, spray paint them with silver or gold metallic paint to give the mantel a more formal look. Hang Christmas stockings from the mantel, especially if you have children or visiting grandchildren during the holiday season. Place tall decorations at either end of the mantel, such as a pair of silver candlesticks, a Santa figurine or a scenic snow globe. This will balance and add a bit of contrast to the shorter decorations. Add pillar candles to your mantle in holiday-inspired candle holders. Light the candles, Christmas tree and fireplace in the evening when your family is gathered around and dim other lights or turn them off. This creates a sparkly, cozy ambiance that is sure to make the holiday season memorable.
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