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10 WAYS TO DECORATE FOR CHRISTMAS

Hellooo, December! I've admittedly been cranking holiday music for weeks but for me the start of the new month means it's officially fair game to decorate for Christmas. If you're anything like me, you'll nix the traditional red and green palette in favor of something a little more elegant. Here are ten of my favorite ideas for holiday decorating (pin the image above to be able to find this list later!).
1. A plain boxwood wreath is never out of style. I love this West Elm option that's preserved for use year after year.
2. Bring the evergreen indoors! Spice up your classic silver candlesticks with a small circle of greenery at the base of the candle. Bonus points if you use candles in one of these punchy colors!
3. Live in a tiny apartment or spending the holidays away from home? Treat yourself to a mini Christmas tree to get yourself in the holiday spirit with minimal effort and expense — this Target option costs less than $20 and it's already lit!
4. Use your favorite colors! Our Christmas table a couple years ago featured hot pink dinner napkins and silver painted pine cones in addition to my parents' crystal candlesticks and traditional silverware. Any color will work with a little sparkle and winter white!
5. Hanging wreaths in your windows? Forgo the red ribbon in favor of something a little more fun. I love this Anthropologie ribbon in chartreuse velvet! 
6. Decorate beyond the room where you'll actually be opening presents come Christmas morning. How pretty is the garland in this kitchen? I'll bet it makes washing dishes feel a bit more festive!
7. Speaking of garland, this magnolia garland is a fresh take that makes use of what you've got on hand and won't require a vacuum for clean-up.
8. When in doubt, light a candle. There's no quicker fix for a simple tablescape than beautiful candlelight! Psst, wouldn't a few of these quartz votive holders be gorgeous on a dining table?
9. Have a very preppy Christmas! Leftover grosgrain ribbon from gift wrapping makes for adorable tree trimmings. The more polka dots and stripes the merrier!
10. Hey, the classics are classics for a reason. Go all-out with garland on your mantel, mistletoe in your foyer, and a crackling fire in the family room. That's what the holidays are for!

*Images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11

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18 comments:

Chelsea Mac said...

Magnolia leaves are my favorite this time of year! I love how festive and classic they look!

Chelsea
Haute Child in the City

Unknown said...

Loving that magnolia garland! Happy December! xoxo

Chelsea said...

I love Magnolia leaves for the holidays. We have used them and just lightly sprayed the edges gold- the effect was amazing! xo

Diana Teodoro said...

Great tips.;)
I do live in a tiny apartment and always go back home for Christmas, but I never give up on Christmas spirit. We have a tiny tree and a tiny Nativity scene to keep the festivities mood alive.:)
Love,
Diana from http://thegirlwhocouldntbeafashionista.blogspot.ie/

Stephanie said...

Definitely pinning these ideas...love, love, love the pink tablescape you whipped up, and ohh, the candlesticks with the greenery! Such fresh, classy takes on tradition!

NIKA said...

WOW:) Such great ideas - how to style your homey or outside with a special and highly glitter glimmery christmasy:)

Love your ideas:)

Bye and have a great merry bright time,

NIKA

Lilacandgrey said...

great ideas!!

madeleine said...

I would have never thought of the grosgrain bows! they are adorable

Amy Powell said...

we do a mini tree in our apartment & I love it!

great tips!

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

I love the gilded pinecones!

Coordinately Yours said...

Thanks for including my magnolia garland! I love working with anything I have on hand, that I can achieve quickly.

palmandpineblog said...

Such a great post! Thanks for the tips :)

xo, tasha
Enter to win a monogram pendant necklace


Anonymous said...

Oh I love the hot pink and gold tablescape!

Amberly
www.asliceofglam.com

Sal said...

Loving all these ideas- I'm with you on the classic boxwood wreath- hard to beat, particularly when tied up with a vibrant red ribbon. Hope you are having an amazing holiday season Mackenzie! xx Sal

www.bluebonnetsforsal.com


Bluebonnets for Sal

j whitney nic said...

Gorgeous! Love all of these ideas!

Anonymous said...

Christmas season is in the air! This post totally gave me creative ideas on how to manage my little christmas tree in my apartment for rent in makati.

Kelly | Fabulous K said...

Such amazing inspiration! I especially love all the greenery.

Unknown said...

I love the leftover Christmas ribbon bow tree. It's adorable and such a cute idea!