Use Christmas lights for foreground and background

Nikon D750, Nikon 85mm ƒ/1.8G, ISO 900, ƒ/1.8, 1/80

Wrap your subject in light. I shot all of these photos wide open to get the out of focus lights.

Nikon D750, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 560, ƒ/1.4, 1/80

I just created this setup to show how putting lights in front of these nutcrackers and using the Christmas tree in the background gives a great use of perspective.

Nikon D750, Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM, ISO 2500, ƒ/2.8, 1/80

I think I liked the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM shot at 200mm the best.

Nikon D750, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 4000, ƒ/4, 1/80

The wide shot here shows the setup.

Another idea is maybe use candles.

Nikon D750, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 100, ƒ/1.4, 1/500

I also stopped and smelled the flowers today in our yard. Just a parting shot for this post.