A traditional paper-chain garland gets gussied up with attached paper ornaments. Make the paper chain using red scrapbook or construction paper rings adhered with double-stick tape. Hang paper ornaments using red thread. For the red circle ornaments, use scrapbook scissors to cut out two circles; cut a circular opening in each circle. To suspend a small silver ornament in the opening, sandwich two circles together, with string for hanging the ornament caught between the layers. Decorate the inner edge with dots of white paint, and glue a thin piece of tinsel around the outer edge. For the white paper ornaments, cut four circle shapes using scrapbook punches, or trace around a small glass and use scalloped-edge scissors to cut. Fold them in half, then glue the circles together to form a sphere.

Matthew’s Secrets
A mirror propped on a plate rail reflects the simple beauty of your handiwork. The greenery that underscores the mirror—hemlock and high bush cranberries—are snipped from the backyard. If you don’t have such direct access, any other evergreen or fir variety will do, or check the grocery store floral aisle for seasonal offerings.