Deck The Halls With Fresh Ideas

Rachel Cummins • November 9, 2020

Pretty ideas to make your holiday merry and bright!

Glamourous Gold Tones
Using gold in your holiday décor will add subtle glamour to your table. This classic metallic pairs well with traditional crimson red and evergreen shades that will give your home a timeless holiday feeling. Feeling adventurous this year? Gold tones play well with unconventional holiday colors like purple, blue and pastel pink. Using gold will anchor any holiday color palette you create this season.

Delightful Details
Life is in the details! This is especially true if you’re creating a Christmas village in your home. Taking the time to add a special touch to your miniature world will breathe life into it. Placing a mirror underneath an ice skater to mimic a frozen pond, spreading cotton for the look of snow or adding a tiny version of your favorite store will make it that much more special this year. Look for pieces that light up like streetlamps or items that move, such as a train that circles the town. Movement and lighting create atmosphere and personality. Running low on space? Stage your town on stacked wall shelves or a bookcase, which also creates an easy view of your Christmas village.

Wintry Wreaths
Are you hesitant about a DIY project? This may be the easiest one yet. Designing your own holiday wreath is easy, cost friendly and fun! Visit your local craft store for a foam ring, artificial stems, ribbon and ornaments. Buying these items individually allows you to control the cost of the supplies, while also customizing the look and feel of your wreath. To save on the price of artificial stems, buy green tinsel to mimic the look of a full evergreen branch. Take a nature walk to collect pinecones and berries to add texture and dimension. When assembling the wreath, use garden wire or a hot glue gun to secure your pieces in place.
August 29, 2025
As days shorten and leaves begin to change, September invites us to refocus our minds to new possibilities. What better way to grow than by learning a new language?
family
August 27, 2025
Do you have enough life insurance for your family?
August 12, 2025
A handy guide to help you find the best prices on school supplies, electronics, clothing and more.
With some strategic planning, you can easily navigate the back-to-school shopping season.
August 11, 2025
With some strategic planning, you can easily navigate the back-to-school shopping season.
College student standing in dorm room hallway
August 4, 2025
A handy guide to dorm room must-haves that will help you create a cozy, organized and stylish space.
People outdoors exerising
July 31, 2025
August is National Wellness Month, a time to reflect on your health and commit to simple habits that support a well-balanced lifestyle. That’s where Optimity enters.
July 17, 2025
Staying cool in the summer can be a challenge, especially when you're trying to stick to a budget. If you're a GBU member, you have access to a fun benefit!
June 30, 2025
When it comes to planning for the future, there are few things more meaningful than knowing your legacy will make a lasting impact. At GBU, we’re proud to offer members the tools and resources needed to protect what matters most while also providing meaningful ways to give back.
June 26, 2025
Since December 2024, donors have contributed an impressive $1,443,000 to the GBU Foundation, establishing new scholarship, educational grant and donor-advised charitable funds. These gifts help to shape a brighter future for students, communities and charitable causes across the country.
Family playing with a toy truck
June 26, 2025
Legacy giving, also known as planned giving, is a meaningful way to leave behind an impact on the causes and organizations you care about. By incorporating life insurance and annuities into your estate planning, you can maximize the benefits of your legacy gifts, ensuring they are both impactful and tax efficient.