By Jane Bartnett

December is a very merry month. It’s time to decorate,entertain,gather with friends and neighbors,and celebrate the beauty and wonder that is Siesta Key.When it comes time to decorate and deck the halls, there are several ways to show your holiday spirit. And during this time of year, when food and drink take on added importance, it can also be overwhelming.As the winter season begins, we have some tips and guidance from Siesta key experts who know a thing or two about decorating and creating appetizing offerings that will make this month more joyous and less stressful. Dixi Robertson, an interior designer and owner of the popular shop Boca Boutique in Gulf Gate on South Tamiami Trail, has shared her ideas on decorating your home for this happy and celebratory time of the year.[Image of Charcuterie board with caption “Charcuterie Board”]

Tana Anderson, co-owner of the Crescent Beach Market on Siesta Key, offered her ideas for having a stress-free cocktail party and also her own Christmas recipe for a delicious gluten-free dip that will have your guests raving.

A bit of planning, both recommend, will help make the season worry-free. With Thanksgiving behind us, the December holidays lie ahead. Let’s start with decorating your home to create a happy and festive setting that you, your family and your friends can enjoy this season.

“Decorating for Christmas means different things for different people,” Robertson says. “Whatever brings you joy during the holiday season is what you should focus on.” First, she says, “decide what your holiday style is.”

[Image of Siesta Key decoration]

Simple Holiday Decorating and Entertaining Ideas

The holidays are a fantastic time to celebrate with family and friends. But they can also be stressful, especially when it comes to decorating and entertaining. Luckily, you don’t have to spend a fortune or hours to create a festive and welcoming atmosphere. Here are some simple ideas to help you enjoy the season.

Interior designer Heather Robertson, of Heather Robertson Interiors, suggests starting with natural elements. “Bring the outdoors in,” she says. “Use pinecones, greenery, and branches to create a warm and inviting space.” You can arrange these items in vases, bowls, or on mantels. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

For a coastal Christmas vibe, incorporate seashells, starfish, and even small boats into your décor. Display these treasures alongside customary ornaments, pelicans and shorebirds with ornaments, bits of driftwood and shells.

Add a white birch tree with permanent fairy lights to a corner. It’ll brighten your whole space and remain all year round.

Don’t forget the door – a wreath is a must. Let it introduce your holiday theme inside your home.

“Decorate your home with things that you love and colors that make you happy,” Robertson says. Now that your home is beautifully decorated, it’s time to have a party.

Entertaining expert Sarah Anderson takes the same approach to entertaining as Robertson does to decorating. “Entertaining doesn’t have to be stressful or difficult,” she says. “It should be fun.”

Rather of planning a complex dinner party, she recommends inviting a small group of neighbors or friends and family over. Make it an appetizer party. “People love to sample and try different tastes.”

“Have a main appetizer that is not only tasty but appealing to look at.add colour and make it seasonal.” To add some of the season’s traditional colors of red and green, Anderson chooses the deep