Decorating for the holidays can be a daunting task, and finding the right balance between festive and tasteful can be a challenge. To help you navigate this seasonal dilemma, we’ve sought advice from some of our favorite designers. These experts have shared their go-to holiday decorations, ranging from sentimental family heirlooms to clever finds from popular retailers like Anthropologie. By incorporating these timeless elements, they effortlessly infuse their homes with a holiday spirit that feels personal and inviting.
Desiree Burns of D Burns Interiors recommends adding a personal and meaningful touch to your decor. She suggests using Christmas tree ball ornaments collected from different countries during travels. Each ornament tells a unique story and represents a cherished memory, making them not only beautiful decorations but also thoughtful holiday gifts. This approach allows for a blend of aesthetic appeal and sentimental value, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for the festive season.
Evergreen Garland and Turned Wood Candles
Anne Sage, co-founder of Rue Magazine and Light Lab, shares her love for evergreen garland as a go-to holiday decoration. She emphasizes the simplicity and impact of evergreen garland, describing how it instantly transforms any space into a festive setting. While she used to opt for real garland in areas like the kitchen window and dining chandelier, she decided to invest in faux garland to eliminate the hassle of pine needles in her food. According to Sage, choosing faux garland was the best decision she ever made, and she proudly advocates for the “faux game.”
Additionally, Sage advocates for buying timeless basics in large quantities instead of acquiring many individual, one-off items. She expresses her preference for having versatile pieces that stand the test of time, allowing for flexibility as personal style evolves. One example she provides is her collection of turned wood candle holders, which she uses in abundance down the dining table or grouped on an entryway table. These items may not explicitly scream “holiday decor,” but when illuminated, they contribute to the magical ambiance of the season.
Architectural Menorahs
The individual, who identifies as Jewish, expresses a love for architectural or sculptural Menorahs as a preferred holiday decoration. Highlighting the variety of incredible Menorah options available, they appreciate the beauty of the Menorah both as an artistic piece and as a symbolic, meaningful centerpiece in the Jewish faith during the Hanukkah ritual.
Emphasizing the potential for Menorahs to become heirlooms passed down through generations, the individual encourages finding a Menorah that suits one’s home and personal style. They acknowledge that, unlike disposable items, Menorahs are enduring pieces that hold unique significance for each family. Ultimately, the goal is to select items that are special, timeless, and meaningful to create a holiday atmosphere enjoyed by the entire family.
Candles and Glassware
As the holiday season approaches, the individual expresses a passion for table decoration, emphasizing the love for adorning the table with beautiful candles and glassware. Their approach to holiday decor is characterized by an enthusiasm for excess and a belief in the mantra “more is more.” Encouraging a personal and dramatic touch, they advocate for unleashing creativity and letting imagination run wild.
The individual offers insights into their design philosophy, highlighting the importance of scale in table decoration. They favor the use of large, oversized candlesticks paired with smaller objects, creating a harmonious balance of details and personality. A beautiful centerpiece, whether in the form of candlesticks or a large ceramic bowl, is deemed a worthwhile investment that can be utilized year-round. The versatility of such pieces is emphasized, as a simple change in candle color or bowl contents can instantly transform the ambiance for the holiday season.
Mercury Glass Trees
For a timeless and winter-themed touch, the individual decorates their mantel each year with a trio of mercury glass trees. Acquired during their time at Anthropologie, these decorations evoke a sense of winter without leaning into traditional holiday colors. The advice is to choose decorations in whites, blues, and silvers, steering away from the typical red and green. Mixing in elements like wood and garland adds a festive touch without being overly specific to the holidays.
Plenty of Wreaths
Expressing a love for wreaths, the individual sees them as a symbol of holiday cheer. The suggestion is to invest in a few quality wreaths that can complement various themes. Whether it’s ornaments commemorating special moments, a versatile tree topper, or core pieces that can be used repeatedly, the emphasis is on selecting items that bring excitement and joy year after year.
Stunning Tablescapes
Beautiful tablescapes are highlighted as a perfect way to blend sentimental dinnerware with new accents like holiday-themed salad plates and napkin rings. The recommendation is to incorporate live or high-quality faux greenery for a fresh and inviting look. Keeping the decor ‘evergreen,’ the advice is to choose items that can stay up beyond the holidays, such as winter-themed touches like greenery, trees, shimmery objects, candles, votives, and winter-inspired jars and vases. The tip is to shop early to secure desired items.
