Christmas Decorating Ideas to Sparkle All Winter

From Margaret on November 28th, 2011 in Home Decor

As the yuletide season approaches, we get many requests for Christmas decorating ideas and holiday inspiration. While the tree and exterior lights make for more straightforward decorating, many readers are stumped when it comes to the peripheral décor, such as garlands, topiaries, and wreaths. Where to place them? How to do it? Here are some ideas.

Playing off the colors above, create a distinct and simple flair with white and silver. Design a winter-palette wonderland with white linens, tall branch bouquets instead of poinsettias, and tons of silver tinsel and garland. You can easily amass a huge collection of silver and white elements that are individually cheap but give off a rich and classy holiday glow.

A simple and elegant mantle like this can get a wintery touch to last through the season and beyond. These pine cones add a subtle and appropriate touch. Instead of pine cones, consider stringing along thin branches from a pine tree (scraps are often cheaper or free at tree farms), and even boughs of holly.

For one big, fat (and fragrant) bang for your buck, consider a real and oversized wreath. It will not only fill your home with the sweet smell of the season, it’ll be all you need to bring in the merriment—and will take up no floor space. Wonderful for smaller spaces or places with holiday company.

If you live in a small space like this Leipzig apartment, and still want to feel the season’s spirit, consider placing around non-intrusive but showy details, such as this poinsettia, festive window branch, and glass jar or colorful ornament bulbs. See Prep Your Home for Modernistic Holiday Joy for similar inspiration.

For a cheap and unusual holiday addition, consider turning traditional gift tags into a garland, complete with festive vintage ribbon and your own personal message. String it before a bookshelf, in the dining room, or even across the mantle. In a more whimsical setting, think to go beyond traditional wishes like, “MERRY CHRISTMAS,” and opt for phrases like, “YOU BETTER NOT POUT,” or,” SANTA, BABY.”