Everyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE Christmas. If it was socially acceptable, I’d start decorating right after Halloween (hello HAPPINESS!) The style I love most is a pulled back version of a very traditional Christmas full of classic components but styled in a fresh way. Think lots of green, pops of red, twinkle lights and cozy textiles. Here are my Christmas decorating tips.
Strategic Christmas Decorating
To make the traditional feel more up to date, think less is more. Not every corner has to be dripping with lights, snowmen and reindeer. Pick a few areas to dress with decor and keep them refined and simple. When it comes to holiday decorations, think strategically: a mantel or a console table vignette, a staircase and entryway.
On the mantel, I like to put a simple garland and a few candles (if you want to keep it more elegant) or swap the candles for some nutcrackers (if I’m decorating my family room). All the fireplace needs beyond that are some stockings. Pottery Barn sells some really pretty ones you can personalize. The garland is probably the easiest way to bring in some greenery. It feels festive and adds color. Bring that same greenery over to the staircase and keep it simple. Some garlands come with the built-in lights but if yours doesn’t, add some fairy lights and you’re done! Remember don’t overdo it, keep it simple and tasteful!
Decorate with Touches of Greens and Reds
I like to use green as the base with touches of red to keep the look classic. The green comes from the greenery, like the tree, garlands and wreaths. When it comes to decorating with reds, it is important to keep in mind that red is a powerful color so don’t overdo it. Use it sparingly to achieve a more refined look. In order to get that updated traditional look, pair those red and green moments with a lot of neutrals—whites, blacks, woods and oatmeals ground everything and feel fresh and sophisticated. Bonus, if you stay on the classic end with that color palette, chances are it will never get old! I like the way Joanna Gains has styled this living room. A perfect mix of green and with a few touches of red. Remember use green as the base, accent with red and work in neutral colors to match your space.
Best Way to Decorate Your Christmas Tree(s)
We can’t talk about Christmas without mentioning THE TREE! I am slightly over the top and have not one but two Christmas trees in my house because frankly, why not? I like to have one real tree and one that is fake. The real tree makes the whole house smell like a forest and the faux tree has built-in lights. Added bonus, you don’t have to worry about cleaning up all the fallen needles. I got mine at Costco (bless that store) a few years ago and have been loving it since.
For anyone who is looking for some fresh Christmas tree decorating ideas or starting from scratch, here are a few things to keep in mind when decorating your tree:
- Pick a color palette and stick to it.
- Vary your shapes and sizes. Bring in some big round, some small round, some teardrops, etc. Some of my personal favorites to use in our family room are wood or fluffy ornaments. Plus, I don’t have to worry about glass shattering and little fingers getting hurt.
- Mix different materials and finishes. Have fun with it.
I love trying out new trends throughout the entire year, but when it comes to Christmas décor, I like to keep it simple, fresh and cozy. There is something so nostalgic and warm about the classic traditional Christmas that makes me feel grounded, thankful and if it doesn’t sound too dorky, like I want to be a better person.
Merry Christmas everyone and Happy decorating!
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About Magadalena Oshana
Magdalena is a space curator, who at an early age had expressed an interest in design and interior styling. European born, Miami trained and Greenwich adopted, Magdalena is the founder of home staging company, StellarStage. Magdalena sees potential in spaces and homes beyond the existing furnishings and is able to declutter and align proper dimension and design. She has an eye for simplicity and tradition combined with classic and interesting pieces of furniture and lighting. Website: www.stellarstage.com
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About Suburbs 101
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