By SUZANNE SPROUL • Photos by WILL LESTER

BRING HOME the warmth of the holidays.

You can do that by pulling out the decorations, both store-bought and homemade, carefully unwrapping them and then displaying them throughout the house. The process can be as comforting as covering yourself with a warm blanket in these uncertain times.

“Holiday decorating brings back wonderful memories for most people. They remember good times with family and friends. Many of us follow the traditions passed down to us by our parents,” said Dee Lopez, who owns Windsor Cottage in Rancho Cucamonga with her husband, Bill Shea. “Christmas is just the favorite holiday for so many.”

While many seek her professional advice this time of year, Lopez uses the yearly decorating task as a way to bring a sense of calm to her life.

“When I unwrap my ornaments, I remember when I received them — whether they were gifts, family heirlooms, purchased on a trip or bought just because I liked them,” she said.

And while some believe holiday celebrating comes too early each year, Lopez is not one of them. Decorating the house is therapy that can renew your spirits — whether you decorate everything in sight or simply arrange a small tablescape.

Traditionally, the holiday decorating season begins the day after Thanksgiving, but there’s no need to limit yourself, Lopez believes. Decorate when you find the motivation. Take your time. Immerse yourself up in the fun. Involve your family and friends. Cherish the time spent together.

“I have one client who puts up seven trees, all with a different theme,” she said. “But I think the reason we decorate in early November and on is because we want Christmas, and the feelings it brings us all, to last as long as possible.”

Decorating tips

Windsor Cottage owner Dee Lopez has time-tested suggestions for holiday decorating:

Check decorations early to allow time to make any needed repairs and to buy new items. Rearrange furniture or temporarily store some pieces to avoid clutter and have enough room to work with.

Incorporate all of the senses. Make your home visually appealing; remember to add music and special seasonal smells to the mix. “Finish” a look by starting with artificial florals and then filling in any gaps. Never underestimate the visual “wow” of a tree topper. Don’t stop at a tree. Deck the halls and everything in between if you have the time and energy.

Starting early? Begin with a fall theme that can easily transition into a winter holiday look. You’ll have more time to enjoy your handiwork. Remember to share. Talk about the decorations and what they mean to you. If you visit someone else’s home, ask them about their decorations. It’s the memories that are golden.

For more ideas

Windsor Cottage will host a reception followed by a self- guided tour of three homes on Dec. 11. The event is free, but reservations are required. Maps will be distributed at the reception, with the tour starting at 6 p.m. Windsor Cottage is at 8976 Foothill Blvd., No. B-10, Rancho Cucamonga. Information: (909) 987-4601, www.windsorcottage.net.