The holiday season is busy and stressful and often adds just that ‘one more thing’ that can send us over the edge. But holiday decorating is like a good book, with every turn there’s something new and surprising.

Kay Habib, of Skill Décor, has some suggestions for ensuring your home takes on a festive feel. “Don’t be afraid of using an alternative colour scheme if you’re tired of traditional. Even using varied new shades of red and green, can freshen it up.” She adds that using plaid touches is an inventive way of employing the usual colour scheme.

Here are some other ideas that Habib thinks will add some sugar and spice to your holiday home. You’ll be back in love with the holiday season before the first note of White Christmas comes across the radio.

Or keep it simple: strings of battery-operated LED lights can be used to add sparkle to glass balls in a vase or anywhere else.

Don’t be afraid of adding personal touches to your regular wreath. Family hobbies can be woven into the décor.

“Plaid adds a cozy, warm feeling,” says Habib. Add it where a touch of colour is needed.

Retro is big in home decorating generally but especially at Christmas because we reflect on happy childhood memories.

You may be gluten and dairy free, but baking cookies for Santa is a must. It’s the one time kids will volunteer for kitchen duty.

Tired of the tree overtaking the living room? Move it into the kid’s area of the house and incorporate their tastes in decorating it.

Furry friends are becoming some of the most gifted members of the family, says Habib. “Many people have trees especially for their pets.”

Dressing up the bar area adds a note of festive fun. Remember to add non-alcohol options for the designated drivers and teetotalers among your guests.

Simple and elegant, this arrangement adds a romantic touch long after the holidays are over.

Go big or go home – if that’s your mindset why not go big at home with over-the top greenery spilling over the mantle and banister, advises Habib.

Your everyday dishware takes on a new identity when paired with festive crimson napkins. Add a touch of holly, and you’re ready to entertain.

No longer worried about combating the spread of the Black Death plague (pomanders original use), these festive balls are now a kid-friendly craft that doubles as decoration.

Create a peaceful ambiance to tackle all of your wrapping. Habib adds that you won’t need to remove this tableau until spring crocuses pop up.

If your Pinterest boards are a DIY dream, it’s time to display some of your homemade goodies during the holidays.

Yummy ready-made options, paired with mulled wine or cider and served on a lovely tray, make pop-in guests feel welcome.

The holiday party season is the perfect time to indulge your secret passion for mixology. Impress guests with signature cocktail concoctions.

Minimalists, overwhelmed by fussy decorations, can display their festive feeling with a simple poinsettia or small pine tree in a galvanized pot, says Habib.

One meal each year demands the very best for your family, and you can impress everyone with your hidden hostessing talents (a la Martha Stewart).

Passionate about purple? Feeling in the pink? Habib thinks you should indulge those yearnings by creating a wreath that reflects your festive best.