The procrastinator's guide to holiday decortaing
By TRAVIS SEMMES
Sentinel staff writer

As part of this week's procrastination package, we've interviewed Arthur McLaughlin, owner of a home-decorating and consulting firm in San Francisco.

McLaughlin offers advice for those of us who've waited until the last minute to decorate the home for the holidays and for those of us who could use a guiding hand down the path we've already embarked on.

From the front door to the hearth, here are some tips from a man who knows how to decorate:

What's the general rule when decorating your home for the holidays?

Arthur McLaughlin: The best thing is to pick a theme, whether you want it to be traditional or homey, or all based on one color. It creates an interesting style and it's easy.

Where should people start?

Start at the front door, that's the first thing people are going to see. It also gives a hint of what's inside. If you're going with the color orange, you could tie an orange ribbon or dried orange slices on a wreath on the door. If you want to be wild, you could get little orange balls or children's toys and tie them on the wreath.

Move out extra furniture. You can move it to your garage, your master bedroom or your mother-in-law's house.

If money is not an issue, what sort of decorating would you suggest?

Arthur McLaughlin:Antique Italian Christmas ornaments - like those sold at Sue Fisher King on Sacramento Street in San Francisco. They're European, all hand-blown. You're not going to find them on someone else's tree. They're something that will become a family heirloom. I know my mom has some ornaments that have been passed down generation to generation and buying them starts that tradition.

What if you're on a budget?

Arthur McLaughlin:Just get bright, cheerful plain balls and children's toys. It creates a very flavorful tree and it's very fun. Tie them on with big bows. The children really get into it because it's so personal.

This year my friends and I took pictures of our pets and tied them on the tree.

For the centerpiece on the table it's good to put the extra decorations on a tray with pine branches. You can do that with whatever colors you want. A big white serving platter, or an antique silver tray.

Are there ways to decorate that are more welcoming of other faiths?

Arthur McLaughlin:A lot of times you don't even have to have a Christmas tree or a wreath. You can just have big pine branches tied together. Use silver and blue instead of green and red. You can do big garlands or bowls of fruit, pineapples or things like that. It makes it a very warm environment and it's more inclusive for everybody.

What are some things to avoid when holiday decorating.

Arthur McLaughlin:I hate to say it, but plastic yard ornaments. Stay consistent, and make sure your rooms are pleasing to be in. Don't fill them so full that there's not enough room for your family to come in and for the kids to sit and play by the tree.

If you have a fireplace, now's the time to use it. It's really nice to have a fire every night of the holidays.

Do you feel the holiday season is more sacred this year because of 9-11? Are people looking for a more genuine experience?

Arthur McLaughlin:Yes, absolutely. It's much more about traditional, small family gatherings and much less about large parties. People are taking time to have Christmas with their families. It's really nice because it gives people time to talk and share their experiences.

Contact Arthur McLaughlin and Associates at (415) 673-6746 or on the Web at www.arthurmclaughlin.com.

Contact Travis Semmes at tsemmes@santa-cruz.com.
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/archive/2001/December/20/style/stories/09style.htm