Simple Solutions to Update Your Seasonal Decor (Part 3)

    Simple Solutions to Update Your Seasonal Decor
Part 1
Part 2

     All caught up? Now I will show you a sample setting that I created. The idea here is to show you how to truly implement these ideas in your own home-no matter your style or color scheme.

   For this mock setting, I went with simple colors that will work in almost any home. As a matter of fact, you probably have similar items already! I chose to act as though this person has black and white as part of their color scheme. So I started with those two colors and to make it "Easter" appropriate, I added the third seasonal color: yellow.

     So this person is starting with:
-a chalkboard ($3 Dollar Spot at Target. You could also choose a hanging version)
-small pitcher ($3, again from Target. You could also choose a clear version_
-small black "tray" (this is actually a planter base I got from Ikea for $1. You could substitute a plate or small tray of any type, even a shallow bowl will work)
-small white bowl (this was a gift from Anthropologie, I have no idea what it cost, but you could find a similar item at Target for $2 or so) To elevate it in this photo I have it turned upside down on a small votive holder
Total cost for "base" items- approximately $10. And don't forget, all these things can find uses elsewhere in your home. My tray lives on my bedside table, I can use both the pitcher and bowl as actual dishes, and the chalkboard could have schedules or menu plans on it if it isn't serving as seasonal decor.

   Then I add my "seasonal" touches.
-$3 worth of daffodils (Trader Joe's)
-$1 worth of plastic eggs (I think a dozen is $2 before Easter, I purchased mine on clearance after)
-$3 Dove chocolates (you can definitely choose cheaper candy!)
Total for seasonal touches: $7

   I would not purchase a candle and consider it seasonal decor. I would use a candle that fit into my decor elsewhere. I would not consider that to be something you would want to purchase as a "base" item, though, because color will limit its use. So, consider what accents you have around your home that are colorful, but not single-use.

   I "nested" the eggs in a piece of yellow tissue paper. We are just going to consider that "free", as well as the yellow chalk I used to write on the chalkboard.

   But, you might say, that's easy! Spring is simple, because of flowers, and Easter candy, and eggs! How do I transition this stuff to some other seasons?

Well, I have some examples! Remember-it's April, so I am working with spring colors all around. But I have taken these same pieces and transitioned them to a set-up for Valentine's Day!

   I keep all my decorations for Easter, Valentine's and St.Patrick's together, so I happened to have a few things I could pull out. However, I really limited myself, so you could see you don't have to buy a bunch of stuff to make it work! Same pitcher, same chalkboard, same bowl, same black tray. But I added some tea lights and a small jar candle. I put some washi on the jar candle, I probably should have put some on the tea lights, too. I put a few felt hearts in the bowl, with a little clothespin I bought. I filled the pitcher with straws from the Dollar Spot and changed the art on the chalkboard. I attached the paper hearts (I used a punch, but you could easily just cut some out) with glue dots-but I don't recommend that! It was too sticky and pulled some of the paint off. I would probably just use scotch tape the next time. Or make a tiny garland. So, let's break down cost for this grouping.

-jar candle $2 at Walmart
-tea lights. I bought a huge pack at Ikea for $2, but you could get a smaller pack for around $1
-straws $1 at the Dollar Spot
-clothespin came in a five pack for $1
Total cost for seasonal accents: $5-$6

     So, we've covered Valentine's Day and Easter. I wanted to show you one more switch. If you don't "do" Halloween, it would only take one or two little changes to make this feel perfectly "fall".

     So, still the same things: pitcher, tray, bowl, chalkboard. But now I've changed the red for orange. I pulled in my framed skull-it would be easy to find a similar printable online. Since it isn't exactly Halloween time, I "borrowed" my carrot cake Kisses-can you tell they aren't seasonally appropriate? Nope! I filled a small jar with goldfish, added a little jar with paper flags (actually from New Year's) and turned my Valentine's straws upside down and added some orange ones. I placed some little glassine sacks on the tray-to kind of imply that you should fill them with treats! I used glue dots to hold the ribbon on the underside of the chalkboard-no peeling paint this time, and of course, changed the Scripture. (Sorry-definitely not my best work!) So, if I can decorate for Halloween in April and make it passable, it should be easy to come up with a cute set-up when it is actually the appropriate time of year!

Cost breakdown:
-candy $3
-glassine sacks $1 at Michael's
-straws. I buy these in a huge pack from our local restaurant supply and picked out the orange ones. This many probably cost me less than $0.50
Total seasonal accents $4-$5

   I am not going to price the goldfish, flags or straws, as those were purchased for other reasons. This is what I am getting at-when you start by using what you have you drastically cut costs! Look around for things that are the right colors and figure out how to make them work for you. As you begin to develop colors that you prefer for certain holidays, you will know what colors of paper,washi tape and ribbon to keep on hand.

   So there you have it: easy seasonal decorations three ways. I didn't do Christmas because people don't usually struggle with that. Summer decorations are really open-ended, other than 4th of July you could do just about anything! I often take summer "off" other than 4th of July, because between decorating for graduations and birthdays there isn't much time. But you could add a hot pink or a neon green to these items and have a really fun display.

  I've realized that creativity for many does not come naturally-myself included! It is a muscle I have to exercise-the more I use it, the stronger it gets. I recognized after getting frustrated early on when things weren't perfect it requires a lot of grace, too. My efforts aren't being judged for a prize ribbon. In my home it is about bringing a smile to my family and guests, about finding the beauty in each season, and about celebrating even the small things. By surrounding myself with things I enjoy, it encourages contentment and gratitude. I don't have to spend a fortune to do that!

   So here's my challenge to you: see if you can set up a small display in your own home with *only* things you have around your house. What can you make or re-purpose? What can you mix up to add a festive touch? Then, go to my Facebook page and share a photo with me! I love inspiration. Already do something similar with your holiday decorations? Share that, too! Let me know what your best tips are! There's always something new to learn-I definitely don't have it all figure out.