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Best of DIY Decor 5 at-home decorations to make for the holidays Craftiness is cooler than ever thanks to the proliferation of social media By Jessica Abels CTW Features T he biggest upside to the increased interest in DIY hol- iday décor, crafts and food preparation is family time together while saving money on new holiday trimmings every year! Wheth- er a novice, expert or something in between, here's how to create a fes- tive home while sharing the memories you'll be making. 1. Pick and choose "Choose one room, or maybe the kitchen and one room, and choose one focal point to decorate and keep your collections together," suggests Kelley Taylor, author of holiday-dé- cor mainstay "Holiday Decorating For Dummies." "Focus on one table or area or a fireplace. Don't spread Christmas around the room." 2. Take it up a notch "I always like to elevate things when possible," says Tracey McBride, the author of the "Frugal Luxuries"series of books published by Bantam. "It gives something more promi- nence and makes it more special, and it doesn't cost a thing." 3. Get crafty "Take old ornaments, spray them a different color and sprinkle on some glitter while it's still wet," suggests Shelley Wolson, author of "Budget Celebrations: The Hostess Guide to Year-Round Entertaining on a Dime" (Filipacchi Publishing, 2009). 4. Color your home When purchasing artificial flowers, Taylor says it's more economical to avoid poinsettias. "Look for the colors instead of what the flowers are," she says. For example, roses and amaryllis can be used for a variety of holidays throughout the year. 5. Head to the kitchen Create an idyllic holiday setting with a classic gingerbread house. And don't stop at the house - think big. Trees, a village of gingerbread families, a flurry of snowflakes and a field of snowmen await you and your helpers. n Having holiday table decor high and low creates interest. – Photos by istock/Getty images Everyone can pitch in and create a gingerbread village for a homemade touch good enough to eat! – Photo by istock/Getty images 18 December 12, 2021 Holiday Guide 2 A Marketing Supplement of the Marin Independent Journal | marinij.com