Dressing your home for the holidays doesn't have to be an expensive endeavour. Nor does it necessarily have to encompass Santa Claus motif dinnerware and over-the-top seasonal decorations. A Christmas décor can be elegant, understated and affordable if you know where to shop.
For those living in a smaller space or who prefer a 'less-is-more' décor, this downtown loft is a testament to a demure but stylish seasonal look. This lovely room (photograph courtesy of Walmart), encompasses sleek, elegant furnishings along with stylish accessories that can work in a holiday décor and also for every day use.
From this photograph, one can assume the inhabitants of this space enjoy a clean contemporary look. Therefore, it goes to reason dressing this room for the holidays should follow suit.
To find a seasonal colour theme for this particular space, you need only look at the every day accessories and finishes this room encompasses to find your colour clue. The shimmery George brand curtain panels and silk throw cushions bring a subtle metallic energy to this room. Set against the warm wood tones of the furniture, the silver-tone accessories add a touch of glamour to this highrise loft.
So to find suitable holiday decorations, one could add to that sparkling facet by incorporating a simple, elegant tree adorned with silver and pewter ornaments. Boxed ornament sets from Walmart are around $10, so purchase additional sets to use in unusual ways. In our feature room, a clear fish-bowl style container filled with ornaments sits on the bookshelf while a wide serving dish holds similar decorations on the opposite side of the bookcase.
Tree ornaments don't always have to go on a tree. The large Décor balls bring a bit more drama via their size and can be used as every day accessories after the holiday season is over. Other pieces like the leaf tray, silver charger under the coffee table and mirrored cones have a seasonal flavour but again, can be dressed down to be used as everyday accessories. A touch of metallic red via a candlestick, rectangular serving dish and square bowl add that understated touch of holiday style.
To finish off the seasonal touches, a lovely metallic inspired wreath lets you know it's holiday time. Many of these items can be brought into the dining room if you're hosting a dinner this year. Use a wreath as a centrepiece and add a simple pillar candle to its centre. A trio of the mirrored cones placed on decorative boxes at varying heights on the centre of the dining table will add simple yet elegant drama or you could hot glue together a pyramid of the tree ornaments to create your own unique centerpiece. Wind a length of the organza ribbon loosely around your masterpiece for added drama. Use lengths of wide ribbon to dress up the backs of the dining chairs so that each one is wrapped like a present.
You could also hang one of the large deco balls from a length of decorative ribbon from the ceiling so it is suspended at the centre of the table. Using these same items in different ways each year will keep your holiday décor fresh and inviting. Out of all of these 'seasonal' items, only the wreath and the tree with trimmings need to be put away after the season is finished. This beats my routine of packing and unpacking boxes and boxes of ornaments and accessories each holiday season. Paring down is looking more attractive each year.
Oh Christmas Tree
Traditional trees are great but if you don't have the space for a large tree or simply want a change there are many alternatives that will save time and storage space. Pre-lit items like topiaries in free-standing urns can be used in place of a large, traditional tree. You can also purchase smaller trees in several seasonal colours like silver or gold that can work well in a small space. Even a tabletop tree on a mantle or entry table can create a seasonal setting without a lot of fuss. A set of three cone trees, like the ones seen in our photograph, are another elegant option to a traditional, space-eating Christmas tree. These items can be purchased at most department stores and they don't require watering, which is another bonus.
You can certainly make your own holiday decorations from many traditional and non-traditional items. A simple wreath is a great holiday addition to the home but can be made out of everything from actual real pine boughs, old-fashioned rags strips or a glamorous wreath fashioned from white craft feathers. Wreaths are great hostess gifts as well, so if you're being treated to a Christmas dinner, consider making a wreath specific to the hostesses tastes to bring with you.
Less is more
Having a holiday décor that is easy and inexpensive takes a huge burden off your shoulders during the busy holiday season. Simple elegant touches are all you need to create a space that is enjoyable for yourself and for everyone who visits you.
Seasons Greetings
Connieoliver@shaw.ca
