Those words can inflict panic or pleasure in women depending on their approach to the holidays. I’m the official “Christmas Queen” within my circle of friends. I love everything about the season: the decorating, the entertaining, the shopping and wrapping, spending time with family and friends.

I’ll get a little notebook for my to-do lists and start my strategic planning for the next two months. So much to do in so little time, but first things first. I always design my own Christmas card and that get sent out early with the party invitation. If I decide to make an ornament for my 1960’s silver tinsel tree I need to choose a color scheme. Last year was black and before that hot pink.

Soon the radio stations will be playing carols. I can’t wait.

I’ve seen TV commercials lately for some big box retailer who claims to sell furniture and building supplies at a huge discount.  They imply they are selling at cost.  I have never been to the store or even visited their web site.  Don’t get me wrong, I love to save money.  Finding a great bargain gives me a thrill.  I advise my clients to shop at a variety of places when furnishing their home.  No one wants to live in a show house or model home.  Although they may be beautiful, they are usually cold and impersonal.  Even if you purchase several piece from the same store, be sure to choose from different manufacturers.  Never buy a complete set! If you prefer a matching sofa and love seat, find unrelated tables and lamps.  If the dresser has companion bedside tables, make sure the head board is different.  You want to create a look that says you have collected your pieces over time, not ran to the nearest outlet and bought an entire living room suite.  That’s why it’s important to mix and match, throw in a few antiques or favorite pieces.  Your room should reflect your personality not that of the commission sales person from “Sales R Us”!

Remember, the old adage, you get what you pay for!

The Design Coach