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The essence is restraint. |
Classic New England preppy Christmas decorations have two flavors.
The first is very simple and elegant, erring on solemn. One wreath on the front door, with just a red bow. A few white candle lights in the lower windows, and perhaps the same on the second story. A tree with lights and ornaments.
The second is a variation of the first, but with a bit of wit or whimsy. In my house growing up, all of the stuffed owls and water fowl (given to us by a Yale taxidermist) and decoys (carved by my grandfather) got little Christmas hats.
The essence is restraint. Basically, decorations are done right when they are easy to miss.
Dressing one's house, or heaven forbid one's pets, in such a way that competes with the local shopping mall is as unthinkable as smothering oneself in perfume or cologne and then stepping into a crowded elevator.
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A bit of wit. A bit of ingenuity. |