Christmas décor – fresh ideas for 2011

1. String fairy lights up in unexpected places. Pile them on top of logs or twine balls, to make a cozy Christmas hearth.

2. Buy or find a new tree. Even a twiggy bare branch, sprayed with fake snow or paint, will make older ornaments seem more exciting

3. Instead of hanging all the decorations in the tree, hang some up in the kitchen, and in other living spaces, using ribbon, beads or striped butchers twine . . . whichever suits your décor style best

4. Look for interesting containers to display your Christmas baubles in, like cake or vegetable racks, baskets and glass jars

5. By adding a few funky bits, you can give the stuff you already have a different look. These recycled tin can angels and cute string men made from recycled orange peel would give any Christmas tree a modern edge. Retro ornaments may some day remind an ancestor of you.

6.  Create a festive artwork display by stenciling a design onto a piece of already blocked canvas. Make holes and poke through fairy lights to add to the effect.

7. Add feathers . . . you’re never too old to play make believe