Twinkling lights, garland, cranberry sauce that comes in the shape of a can. The holidays are here, and for many of us, that means staying inside and being warm and cozy. We asked our interior designers for their inexpensive tips to bring the spirit of the season to your home.
Dress up
Holiday parties are few and far between this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress up. Schedule your own holiday party with your household or with loved ones over Zoom. We’ve all been wearing athleisure for many months, and it feels really good to dress up and get fancy, even if you aren’t going anywhere.
Add some greens
Greenery is a classic staple of holiday decor. Use garlands to accent details like fireplace mantles, dining tables, door frames, or a staircase. Garland doesn’t have to be the traditional pine. Eucalyptus, magnolia, palm — whatever local foliage you can find will work. You can also sprinkle in flowers or dried slices of seasonal fruit, such as citrus, for some added color and scent.
Create centerpieces by filling a decorative bowl full of pinecones or vibrant pomegranates, or make your own bouquet of winterberry branches mixed with more local greenery.
Rethink the traditional Christmas tree: use a live one and plant it after (many companies will do this for you), or spend the money on a large houseplant and decorate that instead. Norfolk Island Pine and Weeping Figs make good candidates.
Enhance your coziness
Scatter candles and simple string lights throughout the house to create a perfect holiday atmosphere. White candles, varied in height, are our go-to — you can never have too many.
Add things throughout your home that bring people together. Stack up some board games, get out the oversized blankets and some textured pillows, and you’re guaranteed a good night. Don’t forget to decorate the kitchen. Wreaths work well here, as well as more garland.
Hopefully, we’ve inspired you to craft some of your own decorations. It’s so much more rewarding than buying them at a big box store. Put on some holiday music, make an afternoon of it, and forget about what a strange year it’s been.
From our family to yours, happy holidays.
Photography by Chloé Crane-Leroux