Patrick Wages has assisted customers at Porterfield's Flowers and Gifts for almost three decades in decorating their homes for the holidays. When it comes to his own abode, he enjoys enhancing his beautiful decor instead of packing it all away for the season. This allows him to enjoy the pieces he loves while making them festive for himself and his guests.
"I have lots of beautiful antiques and clocks, and I have plates and sconces on the walls and lovely lamps," Wages says. "There are things you can do to make your house seasonal. You don't have to wipe out an entire counter. You already have pretty stuff there."
Wages suggests starting with your senses. He notes people want to be greeted with the sight and smell of something beautiful. They enjoy the sound of lovely music and the feeling of warmth and welcome. And, of course, everyone delights in a delicious beverage and tasty holiday morsels.
Then, look at what is already on display and think about how to dress it up for the holidays. In Wages's home, he likes to add a beautiful garland over mirrors and his wall-mounted plate collection. Then, he'll attach a touch of greenery and ribbons to sconces, candlesticks, and lamps. He uses artificial greenery so it doesn't shed everywhere while placing live evergreens in vases for the aroma.
Lighting is essential to Wages. He will only use lamps instead of overhead lights and likes to light up artwork. Candles with real flames and battery-operated ones are spread throughout, with rechargeable light strands woven through garlands and draped on tables.
"I love my house at night. I work all day, so I don't get home until the evening. So, I decorate my house according to when I will be there the most. I want it to be the prettiest when I'm there. And with winter, it gets dark so quick that I think it's beautiful to play into that," he says.
One of Wages favorite spots to decorate is his dining room table because it's easy to set up but makes the most dramatic statement. He utilizes his collection of lovely dinnerware, silverware and crystal. Then he upscales the look with metallic chargers under the plates and candles, greenery, and flowers down the center.
"You know, I have found in this paper-plate world that people are just blown away when they come to your home and the table is decked out," he says.
What about those sentimental decorations that must appear each year? Wages says, "Don't always put the same thing back in the same place yearly. Switch it up. Say you put your reindeer on the mantle every year. Switch it up by putting them on the coffee table or entryway. Because it should be new for you, too!"
Wages and the staff at Porterfield's are willing to answer questions about holiday decor. It's common for people to bring in a pot, vase, or other item and look for suggestions on how to make it look festive. The shop itself is a wonderland full of decorations ready to inspire visitors.
"Decorating should never be a burden," Wages notes. "It should be a joy. It should bring us happiness. Your home is your sanctuary. Your place of refuge. You need to make it you."
To learn more about Porterfield's, visit PorterfieldsFlowers.com.