Simple and natural

Southern Living, Dec 1995 by Thomason, Julia H, McWilliams, Mary

Decorating your own snug retreat is easy when you use some of the uncomplicated ideas found in this log cabin.

The quaint two-story structure is the country home of Carolyn and John Malone of Atlanta. Several years ago they dismantled two 19th-century cabins and moved them to their farm. Assisted by their two sons, the Malones reassembled the cabins piece by piece, using the large structure for their main living area and the small one as the kitchen. John handcrafted the windows, doors, lanterns, and much of the furniture. Carolyn, an interior designer, added rustic accessories and intriguing old furniture pieces.

Each room of this picturesque cabin suggests plenty of time saving ideas for decorating with materials that are readily available and easy to use. Here's how you can create magical, memorable decorations to call your own. For ideas on wrap ping presents with down-to-earth materials, see our story "Nature's Gift Wrap," on page 108.

CHOOSE A FABRIC. Felt or plaid fabric in traditional Christmas colors makes a festive accent for any dining table. Using only a few yards, you can fold the fabric lengthwise and make a runner, or use it full width as a tablecloth. Hem your cloth the no-sew way, using iron-on fusible web from a fabric store.

USE FRESH GREENERY. Often you can purchase garlands of cedar, fir, or pine from a florist or Christmas tree lot. Readymade garlands are great time-savers and instantly add drama wherever you display them. You can use a garland to drape a table or to festoon a doorway, window, staircase, or mantelpiece.

If readymade garlands are not available or you prefer to make your own, follow these easy instructions. First, cut pine, spruce, boxwood, or any other kind of evergreen foliage into 6- to 8-inch pieces. Then tie a long strip of heavy twine to a doorknob. Cluster several pieces of greenery (stem ends down) around the twine, near the knob. Bind the stems to the twine with florist wire. Wire additional pieces of greenery a few inches down from the first group. Continue until the garland reaches the desired length.

You can also use an evergreen branch to make a wall or door decoration shaped like a diminutive tree. Select a branch that's triangular and fairly symmetrical; use the tip as the top of your tree. Fill out the front side by attaching additional greenery with wire; then wire a bow and other decorations to the tree. Hang the tree from a loop of wire attached near the tip of the branch.

An antidessicant will enable you to prolong the freshness of cut greenery. You'll find spray cans of brands such as Wilt-Pruf and Cloud Cover at a garden center. These products will seal greenery, but also mask its fragrance.

Tree-shaped greenery makes an engaging table decoration. Purchase a small, conical evergreen shrub, such as an upright juniper or dwarf Alberta spruce. Set the shrub, still in its nursery pot, on a waterproof saucer. Place the saucer on a large square of burlap. Gather the burlap around the pot, wrap it with ribbon or braid, and make a bow. Keep the plant watered; after the holidays, transplant it to a weatherproof container and place it outdoors.

BRIGHTEN A TREE. When tiny lights are used abundantly on a Christmas tree, the effect is quite enchanting, and traditional ornaments often seem superfluous. For the simplest of tree toppers, use a plump, brightly colored bow. Cut several long pieces of matching ribbon and let them trail down from the bow, making sure they are visible from all sides of the tree.

FRESHEN WITH FRUIT. Edge bowls and baskets with fresh cuttings of evergreen foliage, and then fill the containers with apples or citrus. Place candy canes, small ornaments, or a tiny wrapped gift on top of each arrangement.