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NewsDecember 2, 2007

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The holiday season can be overwhelming for some people, especially when it collides with day-to-day activities. That is why some people are looking for outside help with their decorating. Jessica Adams, designer at River City Florist, said convenience seems to outweigh cost when it comes to decorating...

Angie Hutschreider
Mike Moscato, owner of River City Florisit in downtown Jefferson City, Mo., set up displays Nov. 19 in his store. The shop sells everything from floral decorations, ornaments and centerpieces to fully decorated trees. (Stephen Brooks ~ News Tribune)
Mike Moscato, owner of River City Florisit in downtown Jefferson City, Mo., set up displays Nov. 19 in his store. The shop sells everything from floral decorations, ornaments and centerpieces to fully decorated trees. (Stephen Brooks ~ News Tribune)

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The holiday season can be overwhelming for some people, especially when it collides with day-to-day activities. That is why some people are looking for outside help with their decorating.

Jessica Adams, designer at River City Florist, said convenience seems to outweigh cost when it comes to decorating.

"People are busy, and it seems to me that money is not as big of a deal as saving time is," she said.

Pre-lit trees, wreaths and garlands are popular time-savers. So are the display trees at florists.

Jim Price, owner of Price's Florist, said it is not uncommon for people to come into his store and ask for the tree as is.

"They see the tree and like how it is and want it that way -- decorations and all -- delivered to them," Price said.

Other area florists and retailers said they also see the pattern of customers wanting the entire tree as is.

Although they still have customers who have specific themes and colors in mind, Adams said many people will call and ask for their home to be decorated with no specifications.

"One customer called and said that she didn't care how we decorate as long as we could do it while her kids were at school," Adams said. "It took us six hours from start to finish, where it may have taken her several days. She just wanted it done and out of the way."

One reason for having the decorators come to their homes is so customers can get the most up-to-date trends without worrying about being able to recreate the look themselves.

Patty Uffman, custom decorator at Busch's Florist, said themed trees are popular this year.

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"For example, an elegant theme might include red, green and gold colors with velvets and satins for ribbons and bows. The look can be completed by adding a variety of ornaments, silk tree bouquets, beads and sparkling fill," Uffman said.

Price said basically anything goes.

"Decorating really depends on personal taste," he said. "That outweighs trends."

Added Uffman: "Some people like to have different themes in different rooms of their home, take old memories and merge them with the new. You can never really have too many Christmas decorations in you home if well placed."

Earth and jewel tones, especially browns, are popular this year.

"I have seen trees of every color," Price said. "Younger generations seem to be decorating for the holidays using colors and themes that are already in their home. The older generation seems to be more traditional as far as decorating goes."

Keeping time and convenience in mind is the top priority for most this season, and Adams said that tends to also be the trend when customers pick out gifts.

"As far as gifts that also double as a decoration, more people are also going for the bigger items," she said.

Large Santas, silk arrangements that can be used year round, Willow Tree Angles, Christmas collectibles like Jacqueline Kent and Drolleries figurines, candles and more are just a few of the items River City has seen grow in popularity this year.

"We have been doing silk arrangements that come with seasonal and holiday decorations that can be pulled out and the next decoration put in," Adams said. "It can be used year round and is a quick transition from season to season.

"And it is another way to save time -- you have one item that can be used all of the time."

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