Five steps to a festive home
December 4, 2009 by Annie Brokaw
Filed under Cover Story, Featured, H & G, Homes
When you enter Clutter Consignment, it’s as though you’ve entered a chic boutique with an eclectic mix of new and old, vintage and contemporary. You would never guess that all items displayed are on consignment. But that’s the point: quality items without the high sticker price.
“I feel that we’re getting a reputation as being upscale, which brings in high-quality items. But we still sell if for a really great price,” says owner Patty Ross, 51, of Boulder.
It’s because of that mix that Clutter, which opened in August at its location just south of Ninth and Pearl St. in Boulder, has clients from college students outfitting their first apartments to seniors buying pieces for their assisted-living residences.
We sat down with Ross for some tips on holiday decorating.
The great part about all of this: Clutter can be a great place to gain inspiration and load up on what you’ll need for the season.
1. Mix and match.
When setting a holiday table, bring out the good stuff and fill in the holes with consignment pieces. Display that etched glassware that’s too fancy for back yard BBQs, and serve your family favorites on vintage china — such as Clutter’s beautiful set of Franciscan china, a whopping 101 pieces, for $495. Pair that with festive linens, scented pinecones and pine foliage, your grandmother’s candlesticks and you’re set.
2. Double up.
Ross suggests having two Christmas trees: one theme tree, where you can really go all out, and one family tree with those sweet ornaments your 5-year-old brings home. Ross also suggests bucking the norm with your tree and adding decorative picks. Picks are long decorative pieces that are often added to bouquets and floral centerpieces. You can purchase picks at Clutter, online or in floral boutiques.
3. A tradition of collecting.
Ross also suggests starting a holiday collection. She and her husband have been collecting nativity scenes from their travels all over the world, which they display for the holidays. Many people collect ornaments, like Santas or angels, or ornaments by a certain artist or manufacturer. Clutter sells ornaments and might be a great place to gain insight on starting a collection of your own.
4. Inside-out.
Bring outside lights inside, and not just on your tree. It’s fun to hang oversized ornaments and wreaths throughout the house. Traditionally, Christmas was, in part, about renewing our sense of nature in the house during a time of year when little is blooming. A fresh, fragrant pine wreath will do just the trick.
5. Hostess with the most.
When it comes to getting your guests in a festive mood, Ross suggests decorating a small tree in the guestroom. She also replaces wall art with holiday-themed prints or wreaths. Adding holiday linens and other small touches with make your guest feel special.
On the Web
Visit Clutter Consignment online at www.clutterconsign.com.
— By Annie Brokaw
