Trendy new color schemes liven up Christmas parties and home decorations

G&G Interiors displayed a non-traditional, brightly-colored tree at this year's Fantasy of Trees over the Thanksgiving weekend. The bright green and blue tree exemplified this holiday season's trend of atypical color schemes.

Instead of reds and greens, interior design experts are pushing alternative colors such as pastels or bright colors for 2012 holiday decorating. An unorthodox color scheme is one way to make your Christmas tree distinctive with an updated and modern twist and still be festive for the holiday season. A variation of traditional reds and greens, such as a bright lime, can be very fresh and fun. Bearden-based G&G Interiors has more suggestions to make your holiday decorations stand out from the crowd.

With years of interior design experience, G&G Interiors' owner Merri Lee Fox helps clients stay on the cutting edge of design trends, while helping them develop their own sense of style. She and her design team are offering some tips to ensure your home is merry, bright and festive with this year's latest holiday trends.

"You don't have to be an expert to give your home a special holiday sparkle," said Fox. "With a few simple tips, you can wow your guests with style, sophistication and something a little different this holiday season."

1. Be a breath of fresh air and decorate your house with non-traditional colors. Corals, pinks and lime greens can be just as festive as reds and greens.

2. DIY your tree skirt. If you can't find the perfect tree skirt, buy a few yards of great fabric, twist it around your tree base and you've effortlessly created a new look at minimal cost.

3. Try using small holiday accessories or other baubles you may have to make your tree sparkle.

4. Ornaments or other pieces usually found in your tree make wonderful party favors, napkin rings and centerpieces for holiday parties. A few glass balls can transform a centerpiece into something pretty and festive.

5. Here's a trick to making a Christmas tree look multi-dimensional: hang ornaments at different levels on the branches placing some towards the tips of the branches and some further towards the interior of the tree. It's an easy way to create visual interest and complexity in your tree.

6. Keep it simple. Birch trees and simple garlands are elegant garnishes, but make sure you cluster them in multiples of threes and fives to get a fuller look. This is a great tip for decorative trees or ornament-filled bowls.

"With a few easy steps, you can transform your home into an inspirational and magical place," said Fox.

G&G Interiors offer sophisticated and inspiring interior designs and gifts in an inviting atmosphere. The creative design team shares a passion for building lasting relationships with customers by listening and tailoring services to each customer's taste and lifestyle. Located in Cherokee Plaza in Bearden, G&G Interiors' constantly evolving showroom floor displays the latest furniture, accessories, art and gifts to inspire guests to create beautiful spaces in their own homes. For more information, visit www.gg-interiors.com.

Published December 2, 2012