Decorate with unexpected holiday palettes

Pink
With its generous layering of pillows and bed linens, this soft, welcoming pink champagne look is about pure indulgence

Beside this canopy bed, a bevy of presents draws the eye. A dark bedside table is softened with a small white feather tree decorated with glittery glass and matte bulbs in pretty shades of pale pink and champagne.

Forget the metal hooks so many of us use to hang ornaments. Instead, casually knot delicate ribbons to the boughs of a holiday tree for a no-effort dash of elegance.

A whimsical pink wreath adds beauty and charm to a reproduction antique wrought-iron crib. The wreath is easy to create, says stylist Heather Cameron. First, cut out, then cover a cardboard circle with pink ribbon. Next, glue on pink mini carnations. “It lasts about three days - you can spritz and refrigerate it to make it last longer or to make ahead.”

Using decorations for other occasions
One of the benefits of using an unexpected colour scheme for the holidays is that your decorations aren't just restricted to Christmas. While traditional red and green immediately bring to mind the winter holiday season, a table set with pinks, creams and blues can just as easily indicate a birthday, bridal shower or summer patio party. In effect, one set of festive decorations - lights, balls and vases - can take you through the whole year.

• Take the strands of white lights off your tree in January and use them in May to add twinkle to summer evening soirees in the garden, or use them to line a mantel or doorway inside to add oomph to a special occasion bash.

• Simple, natural coloured-wrapping paper combined with gold, purple or pale green ribbons can take you from New Year's parties to housewarming gifts to Easter gatherings and graduations throughout the coming months.

• Evergreen doesn't have to equal winter. Bring tree branches inside and wrap with feathers, stars and bright ribbons to celebrate May Day, Canada Day or even Thanksgiving.

• All that glitters isn't gold. Dig out the white, silver, pink and blue ornaments, iridescent sea shells and fabrics, and shimmering sparkles to give a sense of occasion to any festive get-together, be it an anniversary party, going-away fete, child's birthday party or baby shower.

Read more in Decorating and Seasonal Decorating