Only a few days remain before the New Year, which means numerous, if pleasant, efforts. To choose a Christmas tree and decorate it elegantly, without forgetting about the interior of the dwelling - the task is quite serious: here too there are some rules and principles. It's time to find out which ones.
Home decoration tradition
The main attributes of the holiday in their current form came to us from Europe: talking about Christmas trees, wreaths and garlands.
The very tradition of decorating the house for the New Year "grew" from the old Christmas decor.
Even in the Middle Ages, a holiday table was decorated with beech branches, but in the 16th century in Germany, coniferous paws and small trees, which took place in the main room of the house, replaced them.
It is believed that the initiator of this idea was Martin Luther, who first decorated the top of the Christmas tree with the Star of Bethlehem.
Since then the conifer tree has become a universal symbol of the winter holidays. Over time, his outfits became richer - by the beginning of the XIX century, glass toys, wax and cardboard decorations became popular.
It was during this period that the decor was firmly established. wreaths. 
The first such product appeared in 1839 through the efforts of Lutheran pastor Johann Vihern.
It was an old wheel, decorated with 24 small candles and 4 large. This number is associated with the Protestant tradition - the pre-Christmas waiting (advent) lasts 4 weeks, and as the holiday approaches, they lit another candle.
Important! In preparation for the holidays, special attention should be paid to the condition of electrical wiring - at least briefly inspect the outlet and check how the garland works.
A little later garlands were added to the wreaths, and the look of these products departed from the original idea - candles play the role of a decorative element. The functions of the festive illumination gradually moved to the garlands, which by the beginning of the twentieth century had turned into electric ones.
In our latitudes, New Year trees have endured many tests. The idea to decorate a fir-tree was adopted by Peter the Great, but with respect to the mass it became closer to the end of the 19th century (being an element of the luxurious life). The turbulent XX century was marked by a number of prohibition: the trees were considered to be a religious relic, then they were referred to objects of bourgeois life.
And only by the end of the 1930s the Christmas tree was rehabilitated and became an obligatory attribute of the New Year festivities. 
As for the wreaths, they just now began to gain popularity among our compatriots, and the garlands, which are familiar to everyone, retain their positions.
The choice of colors
First you need to decide what colors will be used in the decoration of the home. Principles of their selection is not so much.
The first is to focus on the colors that are inherent in the symbol of the coming year. 2018th will be held under the auspices of the Yellow Earth Dog. Therefore, the most appropriate options would be:
- yellow;
- Orange;
- golden;
- beige;
- brown;
- pale scarlet - such decorations are advised to use at a minimum, as well as brick or too dark colors: it is believed that the symbol of the year is favorable to them, but not so much as to shades of yellow.
Of course, such decorations should harmoniously complement the interior and exterior of the house. Therefore, even before placing them, you should imagine how a garland or "rain" will look on the background of coatings, walls and furniture.Did you know? In Catholic countries, New Year is celebrated in the same way as St. Sylvestre Day.
For a home in soothing colors, glitter products are best suited. Ornaments with a matte tint may simply fall out of sight (unless, of course, bring powerful illumination).
In a creative impulse, it is sometimes easy to admit the other extreme - to decorate a home with toys and garlands that visually blend in with the decor. 
Compromise option - the use of decor in traditional New Year's colors. These combinations are:
- white and blue;
- white and green;
- red and green;
- blue with green.
To some, such options will seem too strict and restrained, but they have an indisputable advantage - they all fit almost any dwelling and are appropriate in small quantities everywhere.
Important! Blue or blue ornaments that are placed on the branches in small quantities are more suitable for silver trees.
The only difference is in the arrangement of the decorations, as well as their number - it is desirable to think about this ahead of time, mentally presenting how much and what to put on different planes and sides.
What can be used
Having decided the question of the selection of colors, let's move on to the equally important side of preparation, namely, those items and materials that emphasize the New Year mood.
Christmas tree branches
Separate coniferous paws can be the basis for:
- holiday bouquet - green needles are quite capable of becoming the center of a small composition with the participation of flowers from the home collection, and a few candies nearby will only enhance the festive effect;
Read more about what plants can be suitable for a winter bouquet.
- decorating branches - This is a great way to liven up the look of a hallway, bedroom, kitchen or study. A branch with several toys and serpentines will bring a holiday even to the most seemingly ordinary corner of the house;
- living garlands - from longitudinally connected branches you get a great decoration with a unique smell;
- suspensions from small branches tied on a red silk bow;
- decorating candles (the smallest pine feet - of course, in compliance with fire safety standards);
- decorating chairs; plates and napkins;
- gift wrapping decorcreating a special solemn look.
Did you know? The first New Year calendar is greeted by the inhabitants of Christmas Island (this is part of the Pacific archipelago of Kiribati) - the local time zone is designated as UTC + 14.
Paper products
On the eve of the New Year, the expanse begins for those who like to make different designs of paper. Having taken a little time, you can make yourself or place purchased jewelry:
- traditional snowflakes, whose configuration is entirely dependent on the flight of the author;
- pompons of multi-colored napkins or more durable corrugated paper;
- flowers;
- decorative balls pleated. It is preferable to take red, blue or green - mounted on thin cords, they resemble hanging Christmas toys;
- balls in the form of multi-colored honeycombs. Many of them are made with tails in tone with the main color;
- fans and garlands of any size and color;
- paper balloons;
- figures of New Year's characters or simply bright ornaments, made in the technique of origami.
Important! Paper crafts expose away from the heated garlands, and even more lit candles.
The space for flight of fantasy is truly immense, but remember the sense of proportion and harmony with the decor of the house.
Artificial snow
To obtain such a cover, a lot of materials are used: crushed foam, finely chopped rain, confetti, special gels and sprays.
The previously popular wool with its similarity with snow does not fit into modern interiors and is more suitable for outdoor decoration.
Snowball is easy to make from improvised means. For example, to get a fluffy, cold and radiant coating, you only need to mix 2 packs of cornmeal or starch from the same culture with shaving foam, not forgetting to add glitter. To enjoy the brilliant artificial snow, act as follows:
- white soap bars are left in the freezer at night;
- in the morning they are rubbed on a regular grater;
- adding mint extract and glitter, you will see that the resulting mass not only looks good, but also perfectly molded - you can make figures.
Stencils and stickers
With the help of stencils, you can apply a pattern on any flat surface. To obtain a spectacular image, a coloring agent is used - usually it is toothpaste or artificial snow from a can.
Did you know? From 1930 to 1947, January 1 in the USSR was a working day.
Reusable kits are sold for mirrors and windows, as well as refrigerators, which allows you to experiment with a pattern. These surfaces are the easiest to clean. 
As for the stickers, the most versatile vinyl - the range of colors and scenes is huge. In addition, they are ideal for placing on the wallpaper without spraying, painted walls, textured plaster and ceramic tiles, the door of the refrigerator.
Interior Decorations
Room decoration is associated with certain nuances that bring a sense of festive comfort.
Entrance hall
Bring it to the New Year's view in the following ways:
- change the color design, emphasizing it even in small things (for example, putting candles or toys);
- use natural decor - coniferous branches and cones or oranges;
You will be interested to read how to dry oranges or lemons for home decor.
- place a ribbon on the wall (as an option - old postcards);
- if the area allows, a sled is placed in the corner: this image immediately adjusts to the holiday mood.
On the other hand, it is better to refrain from shiny garlands and lush toys (in this room they look a bit strange).We decorate the children's room
In this case, everything is decided by the fact who lives in the room.
So for boys more suitable interior in soothing colors. Ideally, this is a style for winter blue, which is complemented by toys and garlands of red, green and brown colors.
But for girls The fairytale atmosphere created by various glitter, silk ribbons and other tinsel is much more important.
Important! You can connect the children themselves to the design of the room - let them draw a holiday poster or build a simple composition of branches or rain.
Dressing Christmas tree, try to decorate it with toys that reflect the interests of the child. Babies who do not have them yet because of their age really like the running lights of the garlands and the muffled light. 
In order not to violate the idyll, pay attention to safety - in the nursery it is better not to use a large number of glass toys (or to abandon them altogether). Naturally, the tree should be securely fastened, and the garlands are higher.
Table setting
The gathering place of the whole family emphasizes the overall decoration of the house. True, the designers do not advise making the decor too fanciful - the discreet white or white-blue tone of the tablecloth can dominate the composition.
A special place is given to candles - they are selected to taste, but in the trend they are still decorated, colored or in the form of figures.
The latter receive, by filling with melted wax, special molds (available for sale). Decoupage napkins, beads, ribbons and spangles will help to give a candle a New Year's chic.
The symbol of the year 2018 loves everything that’s ringing, that is why we cannot do without a candlestick. It can be either classic (made of metal) or in the form of an adapted glass, which is placed closer to the center of the table. 
A cloth napkin is quite possible to apply with fiction, decorating it with ribbons or grips.
All housewives know about the decor of dishes - dishes are served in an unusual form (for example, Christmas trees), with delicious touches in the form of bright seasonings or powders.
Did you know? Traditional herring under a fur coat appeared in everyday life thanks to the efforts of Norwegian chefs. Few people know that in a canonical form this dish has the shape of a circle divided into multi-colored segments.
Lighting
The main burden falls on the garland. In addition to decorating the Christmas tree, they can be adapted anywhere: to put on the top of the furniture, to lay out and fix the inscription on the wall, to entangle the cornice with an ornate pattern, etc. 
Often used the simplest trick: a luminous strip is placed in a jar hidden in a corner - fantastic passages on the walls and ceiling are provided.
The tradition of hanging toys with a chandelier is gradually becoming a thing of the past. The main thing is that the threads holding them should not melt from heating and not hang too low.
Exterior scenery
Crowned all preparations are outdoor decor. Consider the more important locations in this regard.
Decoration of entrance doors
To enter the house turned into a semblance of a festive portal, it is enough to note one of the ideas of the decor:
- traditional wreath or garland with the obligatory participation of coniferous paws;
- the perception of a wreath will strengthen the gift boot, located just below;
- of three wreaths of different sizes, you can build a snowman almost the entire height of the door;
- put a floral net or multi-colored organza along the outer contour of the door frame;
- snowflakes and small mobiles;
- compositions of cones;
- angels from burlap.
Important! For the door decoration are extremely important attachment.
Christmas trees made of old compact discs look great on the door, and even paint brushes turn into Father’s head with a few hand movements.
But this is not limited to - some hang skates with fir branches attached on top.
Windows and balcony
The usual snowflakes of different sizes also felt the tread of technology on themselves: neatly cut polygons gradually give way to more complex compositions.
Having found a suitable image on the web, on which houses, trees, deer, fairy-tale characters can be depicted, it is printed and cut out.
Those who do not have enough time for such manipulations will like stencils, the slots of which are treated with toothpaste. Ideal clarity is quite difficult to achieve, but a slightly blurred outline looks more touching.
If the window is not covered by a curtain, toys or fruits that are held on long threads are fastened to the cornice. 
Balcony can be additionally added - removing the garland or putting it on the upper edge. Do not forget to ensure the reliability of this decor.
Did you know? The German skier Dieter Toma at the very end of 1999 made a unique jump from the springboard: taking acceleration in his last seconds, the athlete landed next year.
Artificial snow is poured on the window sills, or cardboard items are put up in the form of houses or fir-trees. The effect will be stronger if you put a glowing ball in the center.
Facade
Here, everything is traditional - the championship is firmly held by garlands. Nowadays, LED ribbons are popular: they tolerate frost and moisture. Another advantage is efficiency.
Also, garlands can be made of cones interspersed with fir paws: their presence will perfectly complement the twinkling lights.
Many people attach illuminated figures to the wall, and Santa Claus, climbing a decorative ladder leading to the roof, became a real hit.
Appropriate bows of bright durable fabric. But any of these decorations are placed at a fairly high altitude - this will protect them from active pets.
In the decoration can participate and massive outdoor vases, decorated with branches and cones and moved closer to the wall. 
Festive tree
And finally, the most important thing is the selection of the Christmas tree, which will be the center of the New Year's celebrations.
Fir-tree is called the fir-tree of the common spruce (the genus of the spruce includes 40 species).
We advise you to familiarize yourself with the features of spruce conic, as well as Serbian, blue and barbed spruce.
Having found out these subtleties, spruce and pine are usually compared, and artificial Christmas trees are also often connected to this duet. If you compare them, it turns out that:
- Have ate branches are more symmetrical, and the aroma of needles stronger. On weight, it is easier, which will simplify the delivery from the market. Of the minuses - thick needles, which are quite early begin to crumble. Popular due to affordable price.
- By pine the needles are longer and not so prickly - it is easier to dress up. The fragrance is also present, but such a tree takes up more space, which is not always convenient. Many do not like abundant discharge of resin. A good choice for a large room (in a small apartment will be closely).
- Faux Christmas tree does not fall, serves for years, and with proper treatment and for decades. The main disadvantage - it has no coniferous smell.
Important! Artificial Christmas trees are made with the participation of polyvinyl chloride. In case of violation of technology, this material attracts lead elements (that is, wood becomes hazardous to health).
Those who are considering buying a live Christmas tree are advised to pay attention to some of the features:
- Colour. In a healthy specimen, it will be homogeneous.
- The size. First-grade Christmas tree in width not less than 1/2 of its height.
- Brancheswhich go flush and evenly covered with needles, besides they are elastic. Bending a twig and hearing the crunch, you know - the tree was cut down a long time ago.
- Another test - a few needles rubbed. If the characteristic smell is clearly audible, and an oily speck remains on the hand, the tree can be taken.
Did you know? In China, on January 1, they try not to use knives: a local belief says that on this day they can "cut off" luck.
In the case of an artificial Christmas tree, the selection procedure involves other samples:
- Do not be afraid to iron the branches "against the fur" and slightly tug at the needles: a quality product will stand it.
- There should be no smell. Clear plastic notes indicate that the cheapest material is used.
- The more fluffy the branch, the less likely to see a toy on it. Try to try on a ball, and it will become easier to make a choice.
To keep the Christmas tree fresh, the trunk is cleaned 8-10 cm from the bottom, and then placed in a bucket of water (1 tablespoon of sugar, a pinch of salt and an aspirin tablet are dissolved in it).We recommend that you read more about decorating the Christmas tree for the New Year.
Another liquid is also quite good: citric acid (0.5 tsp) is added to the same volume of water, 1 tbsp. l gelatin and a little crushed chalk.
But the tree will last the longest in a container with wet sand with a nutrient admixture: 1 liter of water, aspirin and 2 tsp. Sahara. It is also good to periodically spray the branches with fresh water.
Of course, put the Christmas tree in a prominent place. In addition to secure attachment of the trunk, lateral support also plays a role - by placing a tree against a wall, you protect it from falling. The only thing - the branches should not be near batteries and other sources of heat, as well as to touch the cables from household appliances. 
Balls, toys of any kind and color, sweets, garlands and themed crafts are used as Christmas-tree decorations.
Important! If the spruce section of the spruce is clearly visible dark border with a thickness of several centimeters, it is better to choose another instance.
But do not rush to hang out all the stocks of jewelry - such accessories are designed to highlight the beauty of the tree, and not to turn it into an overloaded pyramid.
Decoration rules are reduced to simple actions:
- First place the garland. The easiest way to start it in a circle, then the toys can be hung in any order. The spiral scheme visually acts as a frame for ribbons and balls. But in any case, the garland is placed from top to bottom, hiding the cord.
- The size and number of toys correspond to the size and color of the tree.: big - more, more modest - less. Thus, a one and a half meter tall tree in a classic style will suffice 15-20 balls of green or red colors.
- A traditional star is placed on the top. or figurines of the main characters of the holiday.
- Toys are placed below and artificial snow is poured. Even ordinary burlap in the light of illumination significantly enlivens both the Christmas tree itself and the entire interior.
- The forest beauty standing in the center of the room is evenly decorated.. If it is in a corner, the prominent part will be in priority, but do not allow the advantage.
In the course of these works, the main thing is not to get too carried away with decorating, but to remember the sense of proportion and elementary safety standards.Did you know? The Japanese tied up New Year's trees with ropes or straw - this style of decoration is known as kadomatsu.
We learned what the principles of home decoration are for a decent New Year's celebration and what materials are suitable for this purpose. We hope this information will be useful, and the home during the holidays will turn into a place where comfort reigns and all dreams come true. Successful experiments!
