After all of the time you've spent hoping for even a hint of spring, you'll be happy to realize your long awaited and much beloved May long weekend has finally arrived. If you haven't quite figured out all of those tiny details for your annual Victoria Day celebration, get the party started by sprucing up your space with some inspiring décor. Whether you plan on throwing an outdoor picnic party or an I'm-staying-indoors-in-my-pajamas bash, infusing your day with a nod to the Queen and your country with some festive decorations makes any set of plans feel like a true celebration.
 

 

Red and White Pastries

What better (and simpler) way to decorate than with something edible and delicious? Let's say you're joining an all-day block party or you're barbecuing in your backyard with friends and family – baking cupcakes is a foolproof way of amping up the party's patriotism without going overboard with the color theme fun. Canada-themed cupcakes are a cinch: Bake up a batch of red velvet cupcakes. Top them with vanilla or cream cheese frosting (just make sure it's white and not cream-hued). If you're in the mood to really go all out, print out a sheet of the red maple leaf on white paper and cut around each one in the shape of a rectangle. Glue your miniature flag onto a toothpick and insert it in the center of each cupcake. Display your beautiful pastries side-by-side on a long platter for fantastic visual impact.
 

 

Sparklers

If Victoria Day brings back memories of fireworks from childhood, brighten up your celebration with sparklers instead. Especially exciting if you're spending time with younger ones, sparklers double easily as both décor and party favors. Gather up any random, small vases or prettily coloured bottles you have around your home. Try to collect a medley of bright hues – the contrast is reminiscent of the flowers of spring blossoms and makes the day that much more about enjoying the first days of the season. Place the vases along your table. Once the sun begins to set, turn décor into a glittery light show. Just remember – practice caution when you're playing with those sparklers and keep an eye on the little ones!
 

 
Flowers, Flowers and More Flowers

Whether you plan on spending the day digging and planting seeds in your garden or if spring has not quite sprung and you're a little frustrated over chilly temps, pull together a few flower arrangements in appreciation of the return of spring … even if its arrival is a bit of a let down. Don't worry about creating fancy bouquets. Your picnic or lounging afternoon will look lovely with a variety of pots, vases and even coffee mugs filled up with your favourite blossoms such as tulips, daffodils, morning glories, daisies – as long as they're bright and cheery, you're doing it right. Place your flowers on tabletops, at your front door, on side tables or any place that looks like it could use a pop of colour.
 

 
Play Up the Cottage Theme

Now that the time has finally come to air out your vacation cottage and get it ready for use, Victoria Day is the perfect excuse to play up a nautical-inspired theme to get you in the mood for warmer weather and weekends spent with friends and family. Bring in driftwood or fallen branches from outdoors and place them on coffee tables or your dining table. Light up a few scented candles for a cozy atmosphere and to freshen up your space. Bring along a few red-and-white striped throws and place mats, too. Even if you find that you wish the temperatures were warmer, you'll have a cozy, relaxed time. And remember, if you can't make it up to the cottage for the weekend, you can bring the beachy feel to your home by using the same décor.
 

 
However you choose to enjoy Victoria Day, adding décor unique to the way you've decided to spend your day makes it personal and that much more exciting. So say goodbye to that bitter frost and welcome spring with a smile.
 
By Tarah Damask