Decorating with Nutcrackers This Christmas

The widespread appeal of Nutcrackers as holiday decorations makes them available almost every where you shop during the Christmas season. These wonderful wooden soldiers and kings can be purchased at department stores, drugstores and even grocery stores. I have been collecting Nutcrackers for several years now, and enjoy adding to my collection each holiday season. If you share my affinity for these traditional holiday decor items or are just looking to switch up the usual look of your home during the Christmas season, consider using Nutcrackers to decorate your home with this year.

Line them up on the Mantel. A row of the boldly colored soldiers will look wonderful over your fireplace this year. Add some holiday greenery to the space behind the Nutcrackers add some additional appeal. Place a pine cone in between each one at different angles to create a stunning focal point of the room.

Use a Nutcracker as a Table Centerpiece. Choose the tallest and most attractive of your collection and place it in the center of your holiday table. A few sprigs of Mistletoe or branches from your tree can be placed at his feet. This simple but lovely centerpiece will surely give your table a brand new look and get all your guests in a very festive state of mind.

Use your Smallest ones as Table Place Settings. The smallest of Nutcrackers can be used to mark the seat of your Christmas dinner guests. Cut out a small piece of white card stock and use a black felt tip marker or pen to print the name of the guests. Slide the card stock underneath the soldier's foot at an angle. If you desire, you can send your guests home with the place setting to start their own collection.

Hang them on the Christmas Tree. Your small and medium sized Nutcrackers can be easily hung on the holiday tree. Simply use a small length of cord or raffia to make a loop on the body. Experiment with different places to add the loop so that the soldier or king will hang either straight or at an angle. Let your wooden decorations beautifully dress up your Christmas Tree for the season. When January arrives and it is time to pack everything away, simply cut the loops and return them to their original state.

Add Nutcrackers to a Seasonal Wreath. The little tiny soldiers look terrific affixed to a holiday wreath. Since this decor item is somewhat permanent, be sure to only use those that you don't mind not being able to display in any other way next season. Use craft glue to attach the miniature Nutcrackers to an artificial evergreen wreath.
Fill in the other spaces on the wreath with miniature pine cones, velveteen bows or any other seasonal decor items that mix well with the colorful wooden men. Finish off your holiday wreath with a large red or green bow on the bottom and hang it proudly on your front door. Your guests will love being greeted by this handmade wreath that features these whimsical little symbols of the season.