Waukesha County Home

By Sara Rae Lancaster Special to HomesPlus Deck the halls with boughs of holly — or not, depending on your home's loca- tion and its overall style the other months of the year. That's because when it comes to decorating for the holidays your home knows best, said Wendy Cline, vice president/operation manager at J&B Construction Co. "Stick with your home's elements," she suggested. For example, if your home is located in the country, take your cues from nature by incorporating natural elements like twigs, pine boughs and pine cones into your décor. Not only will it complement your home's style, it's usually free. "Last year I took branches, sprayed them gold and put them into various pots," Cline said. "With a little creativity, I didn't have to purchase anything." Even hanging baskets leftover from the summer got a holiday makeover after Cline stuffed them with foam and added cuttings from the base of the Christmas tree. "I added some bows and hung them from my front porch," she said. "Every- thing I used came from the yard or things I already had. I actually found it kind of fun to challenge myself to decorate with the elements around me." Similarly, urban dwellings and homes with a more modern architectural style can also draw inspiration from their sur- roundings. Think simple, streamlined and symmetrical, said Cline. Also, con- sider incorporating materials one might find in the city, like metals and stone. "I'm seeing a lot of people stick with silver, more metal color schemes, with maybe some shimmery pastels and icy blues or just a little bit of greenery to add some color," Cline said. "But it's very monochromatic and simplistic." Another tip to get the most out of your C O N T E N T S Poinsettias are not just for Christmas If you're behind prepping your home for winter, consider these five steps Make sure fireplace season is a safe one — notably over the holidays A publication of the Waukesha Freeman and Oconomowoc Enterprise • December 2016 Your Guide to Homes, Home Improvement, Lawn & Garden and MORE! HOMES HOMES WAUKESHA + Making it your holiday home Take cues from your house, yard See HOME DECORATIONS/Page 3 Sara Rae Lancaster The author uses an antique sled, a wooden crate and a metal cherry bucket filled with assorted ornaments to accent her home during the holiday season.

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