I’m looking for fresh ways to decorate my house for the holidays. Could you share some ideas? Isabel, U. City
Veronica from 10 years ago would say that it’s way too early to start thinking about holiday decorations. Growing up, and later with my own family, we waited until the middle of December before gussying up the house for the holidays. But with every year that goes by, I’ve come to accept, and even appreciate, decorating the house earlier in the season. Doing so not only gets us into a festive mood, but allows us to live with the tinsel and the tree for a longer stretch of time.
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To answer your question, I called interior designer Ash Leonard, of Ash Leonard Design, for her expert advice. Here’s are five of her top tips:
Do have a theme. Tell a single story throughout your home with a cohesive theme or color scheme. Think Nordic fresh whites with pale wood accents, traditional vintage wares, or a fun multicolor aesthetic. Make it so that each layer—the tabletop, mantelpiece, entryway, centerpiece, tree, and wrapping—talks to the another.
Do use natural, in-season foliage. There’s nothing more festive than the fresh scent of the season. A beautiful centerpiece anchors the dinner table and sets the scene. Add scented candles and fresh flowers around the house, combining rich lush reds and oranges with fresh greenery, or simple whites and greens. Invest in a wreath for the entryway. It’s the first impression, so make it stand out.
Don’t feel obligated to keep it traditionally red and green. Add sparkle, silver, and gold to a monochrome theme. Blue and white, blue and green, tangerine and wine are also great combinations for the season. Be inspired by the colors in your house. There are no rules against using pink and yellow, for instance. Have fun and make it your own.
Don’t sacrifice style for kid-friendly pieces. Enjoy your children while they’re young. Let them decorate the tree or give them a special tree of their own. Display the holiday gifts (and ornaments) they’ve made for you throughout the years. These are the special pieces that mean so much more than a $3 piece of plastic bought in a rush at the store.
Most importantly, do make it personal. We don’t live in a magazine spread. The holidays can be messy and those are the moments when memories are made and that we’ll remember the most. Add sparkle and joy where you can, whether it’s through decor or the embrace of holiday traditions.
