Take-it-easy Holidays
Design tip from Carol Spong, ASID
Carol Spong Interior Design
858-453-1700
Carol is the owner of Carol Spong Interior Design, a firm dedicated to residential design including the design of kitchens and baths. The construction and remodeling process are some of the passions of this experienced and award-winning firm.
Take-it-easy Holidays
It’s Thanksgiving time and lots of family will be in town. To help lighten the load, consider some of the following tips.
Take-it-easy Meals
- Make it a point to ask folks to contribute a dish, specified by you, to the big Thanksgiving feast.
- Plan easy and make-ahead meals for some of the other times. Why not use one item that is store bought and fill in with that, à la The Barefoot Contessa.
- Another easy option is an evening of cheeses, fruits, good bread, crackers, veggies and hummus. That way there’s time to enjoy conversations and each other’s company.
Take-it-easy Style
- Use luminaria bags (small paper bags filled with sand that hold candles) along the walkway up to the front door. Also consider investing in some new candles that use LED lights. They won’t blow out if there’s wind.
- Flank the front door with pumpkins or pots of mums in brilliant fall colors.
- To welcome family and friends put some spices such as cinnamon sticks, whole allspice, whole cloves and nutmeg in a small saucepan and simmer on the back of the stove. The entire house will smell wonderful.
- For a table centerpiece consider placing several pomegranates along with oranges (or little California mandarin “cuties”) in a favorite bowl. Add some green leaves from your lemon tree and a variety of candles and you’ll be all set.
- Candles, candles, candles — in all sizes! Use fall colors through Thanksgiving, then switch to Christmas or Hanukkah colors for December. I’ve seen some really wonderful LED candles and they are much safer with young children around.
- Strings of clear LED lights — they’re energy efficient and magical. Use them in several locations such as: wrapped around a garden window; placed across a mantel; framed around the front door.
