I just love this time of year and the holidays, and honestly, the biggest reason is…Christmas decorations.
I like my Christmas decor to be tasteful and elegant. I enjoy curating a collection of holiday decor that feels thoughtful and elevated, rather than a collection of random tchotchkes collected over the years, stashed into every nook and cranny of my home. That, my friends, is called clutter.
Now, granted, I believe everybody has to find their own style of holiday decorating, and this can and should evolve over the years. Otherwise, you will fall into the category of random tchotchkes and clutter everywhere. And if that’s just your approach, that’s fine- there is a definite charm to this style in my opinion! It’s just not my personal aesthetic style.
Eliminating Christmas Clutter
Yes, the holidays are sentimental and full of memories. For example, in my own experience, by the time I graduated high school and was leaving for college, I already had amassed 7 storage bins of holiday decorations. Seven! And I didn’t even have a house yet! Can you imagine?
Truth be told, I had actually been decorating my childhood bedroom for Christmas since I was in 3rd grade. And I loved it! I had a small tree, ornaments, lights, and I really loved to create holiday vignettes with my “Santa Bear” stuffed animals. By admission, both of my stylish and loving grandmothers, my mother, and aunt also loved decorating for Christmas.
I also come from a very “gifty” family-- our love language is definitely gifting: the more thoughtful and personal, the better. As you can imagine, each of my loved ones has gifted holiday décor, as well. My dad is a big Disney fan, and he even subscribed me to a Disney Ornament of The Month Club for a few years when I was in elementary school!
As you can see, I started life with bins and bins of Christmas decor. Now, I realize, this is definitely not the worst thing in the world, but I feel like I have been battling the Christmas clutter my entire life! Over the years, I have had to let some things go. I do still hold on to most ornaments-- I figure that they are small enough to stash away, and they can be so sentimental and special.
The decor you choose to put up in your home does not need to include every holiday item you have ever owned. I really believe it is okay to purge sometimes to make space for the decor style you really love. It’s okay. Go ahead. Let it go. Take a photo if you must… donate it. I give you permission-- it is a liberating feeling (trust me)!
Establishing cohesiveness matters if you are going for an elevated and elegant Christmas decor look. I am going to share 3 tips for curating a collection of classic Christmas decor.
Tip #1: Choose a Specific Color Palette
First, select a color palette, and then actually stick to it and thread it through your overall decor plan. Yes, red and green is the easy go-to scheme, but what about white and silver with pops of color instead? Or neutrals for a natural look?
Tip #2: Vary Your Materials for Interest
Next, once you have landed on a color scheme, you are going to want to mix in different materials to allow a variety of textures. Think: some wooden objects, some shiny or matte metal, felted decor and some glass, or for a more glam look, a touch of feather or fur accents.
Don’t be afraid to go big and bold with some objects that will have impact and take up space. I prefer fewer large decor items than lots of small clutter-y items on every surface.
Tip #3: Style Your Space Thoughtfully
The main thing to decide first is where your focal points will be. Some examples include a table centerpiece, a mantle, a fireplace, a credenza, or a coffee table. Thoughtfully design a vignette for each.
Since you’re choosing some larger pieces, you’ll want to vary the heights of objects. Think of where you are drawing the eye and where you want the eye to land. You don’t want to overwhelm the eyes visually by having something to look at everywhere. Give your eyes the chance to rest by also allowing some blank spaces. It will make the areas you decorate pop even more when done right.
It may be good to start with some inspirational photos to get you started. Try to choose images of a home that relates to your decor style colors, so you’re sure the decor would look right in your home.
Soak In the Merriment of the Season
Overall, try to enjoy the process! Give yourself some time to pull the look together. If you are shopping for new items, it is helpful to start earlier in the season before the holiday decor is too picked over. Conversely, you could also save yourself some money if you start planning for next year’s holiday decor in January, when everything is on sale (although, I’m usually all Christmas-ed out by that point!). If you need any help in the process, schedule a Discovery Call with us!
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Cheers,
Laura