“Believe in what you see and be happy with what you like!” — Dusky Turner


Everyone has that activity that they do that really gets them in the mood for the holidays. For me, it’s walking into The Chandlery in downtown Roswell in October. Yes, Halloween may be just around the corner at that point, but October, for me, means The Chandlery’s Christmas trees adorned with both beautiful and whimsical ornaments, home accessories that have just the right amount of glitz and splendor and a most courteous staff! Mary Anne and Jim Johnson, along with their daughter, Sally, have owned The
Chandlery for more than 28 years, and their knack for finding home décor items that really “wow” just amazes me. I really think that half of the Christmas decorations in my house come directly from their store. I guess I just can’t resist all of those decorations calling my name!

Another thing I love about The Chandlery is that the store hosts holiday decorating seminars each year featuring world-renowned floral designer, Dusky Turner. Last year, I wrote an article to share what I learned during the seminar, and the response was so great that we decided to bring you more tips from Turner this year.

How to Decorate Your Mantle and Other Trendy Tips for 2006
If you are like me and like to follow the trends, then listen carefully while I tell you what Turner whispered in our ears: in 2006, the hot holiday decorating trend is “natural with a touch of elegance.”

For truly marvelous mantels, Turner suggested placing a few silver-gilded reindeer among natural evergreen branches atop your mantel. Throw in some red silk hydrangeas and you’ve got a gorgeous look that might have been designed by a professional. Keep in mind that you don’t have to limit your holiday floral use to poinsettias or magnolias anymore; feel free to use red hydrangeas or even red azaleas. “Believe in what you see and be happy with what you like!” cheers Turner.

According to Turner, many people are uncertain about how to decorate the space above their mantle. If you already have a great piece of artwork hung there, Turner suggests draping simple greenery around the frame for a classic holiday look. Another popular option, as mentioned above, is to hang a wreath above the mantle. Turner’s technical tip is to use self-adhesive strips that can be easily removed after the holidays and leave no mess. Or, you can purchase wreath holders.

For more helpful holiday decorating advice, see the sidebar above or consult the experienced and courteous staff at The Chandlery. As for me, I’ve got to be off to the basement. There are decorations to be sifted and sorted, so I can create my own marvelous mantle this year!

• Since the decorating trend this year is “natural elegance,” feel free to use lots of pine cones, feathers (pheasant, peacock), fruit (real or artificial apples and pears) and gilded items.

• If you’re using silk flowers or artificial evergreen, pine garland, berries or fruit in your decorating, be sure to fluff them up, twist them around and “play” with them to give them fullness and life.

• Hang a wreath on your front door that is similar to the one that you hang over your fireplace. The grander of the two should be used over your mantle.

• Looping garland across the mantle still looks great. Traditional is always good!

• Use sconces above your mantle on either side of your wreath to create a more dramatic look.

• Buy an envelope of evergreen potpourri and place it somewhere toward the trunk of your artificial tree. The warm lights on the tree will warm the potpourri and emit a natural evergreen smell that’s truly divine