Fall is a time when we take out the decorations and welcome the holidays.

A recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive found that 92% of adults feel happier in a clean home during winter months. That makes sense because who wants to be cooped up with clutter all season? Cleaning your home and adding your own personal touch is a win-win situation that will enhance your mood and make your guests feel welcome. Decorating for the holidays is a time when we can step away from the stress and demands of work and spend some quality time with friends and family.

Here are some fun and creative holiday decorating ideas.

Visit your favorite craft or hobby store. Places like A.C. Moore and Michaels sell fabrics, decorative appliqué and tote bags in a variety of colors. These items are perfect for creating custom seasonal décor and even Trick-or-Treat bags with the kids. They are durable and can be used more than once.  Festive tablecloths and fabric centerpieces can add some excitement to a room. Use decorative appliqués such as classic Halloween patterns or autumn leaves. Be sure to select popular seasonal colors like black, orange, red, brown, yellow and green. Raised embroidery is another option. This technique is used for a more detailed design, like adding a variety of colorful leaves and vines to your table linens for a more classic seasonal look. Create matching placemats and napkins to bring everything together.

Looking ahead to winter, think of using colors like white on white with glitter or gold details combined with patterns like snowflakes, a snowman, stars, ornaments and Christmas Trees. These are always popular designs.

Today it’s easy to just go to a fabric shop and pick out exactly what you like and create many different color and pattern combinations for any occasion. However you choose to decorate, be creative, and above all, enjoy yourself!