There’s no wrong way to decorate for the holidays. At my house, we let multiple cultures and traditions shine through, making this season especially meaningful for us. Here are a few of my favorite tips for making your Holiday Decor personal and playful.
Incorporate Family Memories
Family memories make for great holiday décor. Argentina celebrates Christmas Eve more than Christmas Day. Since I married an American, now we celebrate both. Christmas Eve is all about honoring my Italian roots with homemade pasta, which becomes an all-day affair. Christmas Day is more traditional, with ham and turkey on the menu.
This duality is secretly my favorite because I get to dress up the dinner table twice! On Christmas Eve, I bring out a few serving dishes handed down from my grandmother, and on Christmas Day, we use the fine china we got from my husband’s family as a wedding present.
Designer Tip: Include items and traditions that will honor your parents or hometown. On our Christmas tree, we have ornaments from Buenos Aires and other travel destinations. Every object evokes sweet family memories we love to visit as we put the tree together.
Select A Color Combination
If bold colors aren’t your thing, try a simpler color palette. Stick to a color combination or go monochromatic. For a glamorous or elegant touch, use a mix of fine white china, crystal, and silver.
You might have several color combinations in mind, and that’s okay! Remember that it’s fun to mix things up. You could use only your red and gold decor one year, keeping the rest in boxes, and just blue and silver the next. Let the mood and memories of the year influence the colors you pick.
Designer Tip: We all have sentimental, hand-made ornaments from our kids or items we feel we feel obligated to put up. But they might not go with our theme. You can put those on the less visible side of the tree or put up a smaller children’s tree and let them decorate.
Set The Holiday Scene
A touch of natural greenery complements store-bought pieces and makes your home’s aesthetic feel more organic. Incorporate moss, princess pine, and berries throughout your décor. Also, place cozy, textured blankets around your space for that ultimate rest and relaxation mode.
Designer Tip: Repeating design makes a serious impact. If you decide to put a wreath in a window, then put matching wreaths in every window. Or, you might repeat a plaid textile or ribbon pattern throughout the house to create a magical and consistent holiday look.
Amp Up Your Tablescape
You don’t need to purchase a whole new set of holiday china to make the table feel welcoming. A few strategic festive additions, like vintage glassware or serving platters, can bring the Christmas cheer. Make sure to dress your table for each occasion to add layers to the dining experience—and always use candles.
Designer Tip: Don’t forget the importance of fragrance to set the holiday mood! Smell plays an important part in getting folks into the holiday mindset. Try freshly cut evergreen branches and burning wood, or try mulled wine with cinnamon.