In December, the chill of the weather outside is sharply contrasted by the warmth of holiday celebrations. It's a month marked by charity, family gatherings and traditions both old and new. In that spirit, we'll share some tips to help make your holiday season a special one.

Decorating Made Easy

Creating holiday atmosphere in your home doesn't require a large investment of time and money, or the hiring of an interior decorator. Here are a few quick holiday decorating tips that can liven up your home this winter:

1) Choose a color scheme
Having an established color scheme will decide which decorations are right for you. You may choose the traditional blues and whites of Hanukah, the reds and greens associated with Christmas, or you may decide on something a bit more wild. Regardless, a home decorated with simple, coordinated touches will look better than an elaborately decorated but poorly planned home.

2) Put ornaments to use
Fill a clear glass bowl with colorful ball ornaments to create a piece that is as attractive as it is simple. Place other ornaments on a tray with candles of similar color to showcase your treasured favorites.

3) Display your holiday greetings
Holiday card displays are one of the most popular and simple holiday decorating techniques. Start a tradition for displaying cards in your home (try to think beyond magnets-on-the-fridge). Many people use cards as wall borders or to accent wreathes in their homes.

4) Sweet touch
Setting candy canes in elegant containers throughout your house is an easy way to spread color and holiday spirit. These can be very popular for those with a sweet tooth, so stockpile plenty of replacement canes. Also fill bowls with peppermint swirls or fresh cranberries.

5) Find those holiday oldies
Dig through your attic or garage and find your favorite old holiday records. These can be displayed (and preserved) in album cover frames to add musical nostalgia to your holiday décor.

6) Turn the lights down
Turn up the wintry holiday mood by turning your regular lighting down (or off). Use holiday lights and candles to make the rooms of your home feel more cozy and intimate. Remember that candles should never be left burning unattended and must be carefully placed.

7) Make it natural
Natural greens are simple but greatly improve the holiday flavor of your home. Make quick arrangements to be placed on side tables and countertops, hang evergreen swags along railings and from staircases, and place poinsettias in central locations (but away from doors or heat sources).

Holiday Lighting Safety

Thanksgiving has come and gone, which means for many Americans, it's time to climb that ladder and string up the holiday lights. The dazzling glow from houses near and far is part of what make this time of year so magical, but it is very important not to forget the proper safety precautions associated with holiday lighting:

• Use only light and extension cords that are labeled as safe for outdoor use. Only use lights that have been tested for safety and are approved by Underwriters Laboratories. Look for the UL symbol.
• Holiday lights are intended for seasonal use, and should not be used for more than 90 days at a time.
• Use one longer extension cord rather than linking several shorter extension cords together.
• Avoid running cords through high traffic areas.
• Avoid stapling or nailing electrical cords, as this can damage their insulation.
• Always unplug the cord when stringing up lights, indoor or outdoor.
• Keep metal ladders away from overhead power lines.
• When using a ladder, never stand on the top two steps or above. Always have a second person secure the base of the ladder.
• Take care not to overload any electrical outlets. Overloading can result in overheating and fire.
• Check all extension cords and light strings for cut or frayed wires. Never use a damaged cord.
• If you have children, make sure all unused outlets have protective safety caps and that all extension cords have tamperproof safeguards.
• Always turn off all decorative lights when leaving the home or when going to bed.
• Unplug tree lights before watering the tree.
• Keep the tree well watered. Hot tree lights can ignite dry trees.
• Always keep a fire extinguisher in an easily accessible place.
• Check all smoke and fire detectors for added safety.

Hosting a holiday party can be a great way to spread the joy of the season. Whether planning a cozy gathering of friends or an icicle-chic cocktail party, there are far more details to consider than who to invite or which sweater to wear. Here are a few pointers that will help make your winter get-together a rousing success.

• Pick your dates early, and get those invitations out! Many people have a busy holiday season, so it's important to help your guests plan ahead. Another alternative is to host your party after Christmas but before New Year's.
• Don't overextend yourself with the menu. Avoid trying too many new recipes, as you can become overwhelmed. Limit yourself to one or two new recipes combined with your old stand-bys. Also, dishes that can be made well in advance help reduce the stress you'll feel.
• Tailor the menu to the style of the party. If hosting a cocktail party, provide foods that can be eaten standing up. If preparing a holiday feast, remember to include a few sure-fire classics along with more adventurous fare, and of course consider the tastes of your partygoers. The spinach and red pepper soufflé that delights your co-workers may not thrill your great-uncle.
• Simple decorative touches can be the perfect addition to your gathering. Set elegantly printed menu sheets or recipe cards at each place setting to add a classic formality. Holly sprigs or colored ribbons can be tied to stemware.
• A subtle way to make guests feel at home is through their sense of smell. Poinsettias, spiced candles, or simple pine branches add welcoming scents to your event. Another aromatic solution is to have fragrant bread or cookies either fresh out of the oven or in the last minutes of baking when guests arrive.
• Background music can be a great way to put your guests in the holiday spirit, but make sure it doesn't drown out conversation. Piano or other instrumental versions of holiday music can add a nice understated touch.
• Make sure your non-drinkers and designated drivers aren't left with tap water as their only option. A delicious non-alcoholic punch will help those not imbibing feel welcome. Also serve hot favorites like cider or wassail to compliment the alcoholic hot toddies.
• If serving coffee, creating a "coffee bar" is a simple touch that will impress. Include various creamers, sugars, and "nudges" so that guests can concoct their own coffee drinks. Candy canes can serve as festive coffee stirrers.

Cindy Joynt -- Prudential Georgia Realty

400 North Lake Lanier

925 Sanders Road

Cumming, GA 30041

(678) 313-4018 or (770) 844-8484

www.gaflproperties.info