Afterglow: Tips to Brighten the Season Post-Holidays
The lights are wound and the tree is down. The wrapping, stringing, decking and trimming have ceased. And while the end of the holidays marks a time to reset and catch up, for many of us it also signifies the beginning of a long, often inhibiting season ahead. Indeed, the temperature and the snow come down right behind the decorations and lights, making it that much more important to keep your spirits up.
We checked in with our team for some tips how to brighten the season ahead.
SPRUCE & SPICE
JOHN HENSEL, SENIOR EVENT DESIGNER
Plan something special at home
Snowed in? John reminds us that date night doesn’t have to involve relocation.
Use a bartender’s recipe book and try some new cocktails to accompany something you cook together.
Turn up the thermostat and dress like it’s July.
Put on some Flamenco music and see where the night takes you.
Create pockets of warmth and light
John also suggests buying simple bundles of fresh Dutch tulips, flopping them into glasses, jars and vases, and spreading them around your home.
You can also round up all of the assorted candles you own and put them together on a table for a more compelling, dramatic glow.
In addition, John recommends stopping by the Gethsemene Garden Center. “Talk to the experts. Tell them about the light in your home so they can help you choose plants that will thrive.”
Some gorgeous flowering plants we recommend for winter, from left to right: Amaryllis, Hyacinth plants and Cyclamen.
The takeaway(s): Adventures can happen anywhere. A little color and light can go a long way.
SIGNS OF LIFE
CASEY COOPER, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Winter can often make us feel like everything has frozen and died, so Casey reminds us to keep signs around that this is not the case. Her two suggestions? Blooming branches and bulbs.
“Buy blooming branches when they still look like sticks with knobby buds. They will bloom, and after the blooms fade, they’ll leaf out.”
Casey also suggests buying bulbs that have a lovely spring time fragrance (such as hyacinth and jonquils) and add them to shallow water. “Watch them grow and be reassured.”
Not much of a botanist? Call HMR. We’d love to arrange a bountiful vase of flowering quince or forsythia to accompany you in a cozy spot in your living or dining room.
Finally, Casey also loves to add a bright spot of color to a table or room with a bowl vibrant tangerines or pears. Simple and multifunctional indeed.
The takeaway: keeping the hope alive will keep your spirits up.
CLEAN SLATES
ALLISON VOLLMANN, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
As we’re often stuck on the inside looking out, Allison recommends washing your windows for a simple boost. Brightening the view might just do the same for your spirits.
She also lightens things up around the kitchen and bathroom with crisp, bright linens and small blooming plants,” I usually choose just simple whites and greens.There’s so much ‘pomp and circumstance’ for the holidays that (after) I crave a clean, unfussy room.”
Keeping bright fabrics and small plants like these around reminds Allison of the promise of spring.
The takeaway: Use the post-holiday quiet time to clear your home and your head.
So, as winter stretches out before us, don’t let the season weigh you down. Rather, lighten things up, and remember that simple, small additions to your home and routine can help make you more happily housebound for the months ahead.
Special thanks to John, Casey and Allison for their contributions.