Holiday Traditions & Christmas Decor With Cecelia "Keki" Cannon! by Donna John

‘Tis the season to be jolly, but have you decked the halls to match your holiday spirit? No worries, there’s still time – and we have tons of ideas for you! 30SecondMom contributor Cecilia “Keki” Cannon, home stager and stylist extraordinaire, was on hand recently to help our community dress their homes for the holidays – without breaking the bank! So read on to get inspired with her traditions and creative ideas on a budget!

Q: What traditions do you do to get into the holiday spirit?
The Sunday after Thanksgiving, we have a tree trimming party. Family comes over to help decorate the tree. All extended family comes. It helps any busy mom! During tree trimming party, grandmoms help kids make their gingerbread houses we leave the on display. Tree done, houses done! Each kid each gets an ornament each year. I inherited my childhood ornaments. The tree tells our family story. Early December, we grab dinner in the car and drive around old Chicago neighborhoods to check out lights and get inspired.

Q: Besides the tree and outside lights, what else do you decorate?
If you have a mantel, it’s the easiest place to decorate. You don’t have to hang your stockings there; switch it around. Always do the entry table – play it up with ornaments, pinecones, even a holiday sign. Dining room buffet is third place. It’s easy to add candles, floral arrangements and ornaments for festive cheer. No dining buffet? Use your bar cart or coffee table. Place ornaments, candy canes and candles to make it festive.

Q: How do you decorate for the holidays on a budget?
Always search your house first. You can use anything: lanterns, plaid scarves, glass hurricanes, pinecones from your backyard. Fill glass hurricanes with ornaments, dip pinecones in metallic paint, tie red bows above frames, paint Thanksgiving pumpkins gold. Find deals at garage sales for fake garlands and wreaths. Dress them up with painted pinecones, berries, ribbons, etc. (Here’s how to dress up a lampshade!)

Q: What are some holiday trends for 2015?
Classic is back. There was a time where bright greens (chartreuse) and more modern was trending, but not this year. White with metallics like gold and silver and pops of red from ribbons to candles. Use silver candle holders or a brass figurine. If white tradition isn’t your style, then rustic is also trendy. Use woods and burlap to enhance a classic Christmas table.

Q: What are some other traditions to do with the kids during the holidays?
Always, always eat breakfast under the Christmas tree @Macys! Ice skating outside with friends, then hot chocolate at our favorite bakery. Ride the holiday train from Wilmette, Ill., to Evanston, Ill. So fun!

What great ideas and inspiration to try new traditions and home decor ideas for the holidays! Many thanks to Cecilia for sharing her creativity with us. The holidays will never look brighter! Be sure to follow @homewithkeki and like her on Facebook! To learn more about Cecilia Cannon and her home staging services, visit HomeWithKeki.com!