5 of My Favorite Holiday Decorating Tips
As the festive season approaches, the air fills with anticipation and joy, and the desire to transform our homes into magical, cozy spaces becomes even stronger. There are so many different ways to embrace the holidays without being kitschy, or cliche. This year I haven’t really decided what level of effort I want to give to holiday decorating and it feels like everyone around me is already ready to go. That said, I’m sure that I will be doing these 5 favorites at the very least to get in the mood. Beyond the twinkling lights and adorned Christmas trees, this blog aims to inspire you with creative ways to elevate your holiday decor - or at least look at traditional decor in a brand-new way.
From inventive uses of greenery to unique centerpiece ideas and charming village displays, we're here to guide you through creating an enchanting atmosphere that captures the essence of the holiday using my favorite holiday decorating tips and tricks. Join us as we delve into imaginative tips and tricks to infuse warmth, cheer, and a touch of whimsy into your home this season.
Go Green
Greenery is one of my favorite decorations as an adult. Maybe it’s being a Taurus who wants to be one with nature without really being a part of nature or it just looks so freaking cool when done right. Either way, greenery can instantly make your home feel like Christmas. The best part is, that holiday greenery doesn't have to be limited to Christmas trees. There are many more creative ways to incorporate greenery into your home while making it festive and fun—decorate your door with a welcoming winter wreath, display fresh-cut firewood near your mantel, or spruce up a stair railing with an evergreen garland. Not only does bringing the outdoors in add merriment, but it also brings the fresh, crisp scent of the holidays home.
Go for the Centerpiece
Growing up in a Catholic house, we always had a coffee table centerpiece featuring our advent wreath. A tradition we took part in every Sunday night after dinner, but it was always incredibly festive. That’s why I think that any holiday centerpiece is a festive element that every house needs. There are plenty of different ways to create a seasonal centerpiece that captures attention and just feels magical. Everything from a radiant candle to an ornate decorative tray, and an even charming vase filled with seasonal greenery. Kick things up a notch by trying varying heights and objects to bring greater depth and excitement. I, for one, still like to bring out the advent wreath even without practicing any religious traditions. The candlesticks look chic amongst the greenery of the wreath and I love adding a bowl or container of metallic, eye-catching ornaments for a little extra sparkle.
EMBRACE THE QUAINT HOLIDAY VILLAGE
Holiday villages are the things Hallmark movies are made of. They also just happen to be one of my all-time favorite decorations both as a child and now. I loved getting to sit down and put the town together. Making sure all of the little townspeople are enjoying their holiday adventures. My current holiday villages have a much more modern twist, but a holiday village is an easy way to transform your home into a charming winter wonderland.
There is just something fun and adorable about the miniature scenes of snowy landscapes, twinkling lights, and quaint buildings. They evoke the magic of the season and can go anywhere from the mantle to the tabletop. Let the holiday village transport you to a cozy, nostalgic world, adding warmth and cheer to your seasonal decor.
Don’t Sleep on Stockings
Stockings are one of those things that are essential to the holiday season, but don’t really get their due anymore. As a kid, the stockings covering our fireplace were an absolute joy and always had the best treats. Fast forward to now, we don’t really utilize stockings for their intended purpose. But I still love putting them up in various places as a decorative element. Though hanging stockings over the fireplace remains a fairly popular tradition, there are numerous alternative and convenient spots to display them for a festive touch. Consider draping stockings along the banister of your staircase, or exploring creative options such as suspending them from furniture handles. My favorite place is with hooks on my bookshelf or hanging shelves so they are a festive focal point.
TRY DIFFERENT Takes on Traditional Colors
Red and green are the signature colors of Christmas. Growing up I remember nearly everything came in a bright, vibrant shade of Santa Red or classic Evergreen. Thankfully now it seems more and more have embraced the full range of reds and greens when it comes to the holiday season. This means even better options when it comes to decorations and definitely for decorations that feel much more like decor rather than kitschy holiday fare. These days my holiday decor is much more modern and chic rather than mostly kitschy which can be a plus when it stays up so long.
Exploring diverse shades of red and green during the holiday season can add a unique and personalized touch to your Christmas decor. Consider incorporating festive hues that extend beyond the traditional color palette. Choosing something a bit different can infuse your space with bursts of color that harmonize with your room's ambiance and create a festive atmosphere that lasts well beyond the holiday season.
