The holiday season is upon us, and one of the most exciting parts of it is transforming your home into a cosy, festive haven. Whether you're looking to create a classic Christmas look, a modern twist, or something uniquely personalised, decorating your home for Christmas can be an incredibly rewarding project. As interior designers, we've worked with various styles and preferences over the years, so we've curated a detailed guide on how to decorate your home for Christmas—while maintaining both style and comfort. Let’s get into it!
1. Start with a Vision: Choose a Theme or Colour Scheme
Before diving into the decorations, it’s essential to define a clear vision for your holiday decor. Will you go for traditional reds and greens, or something more unconventional like icy blues and silvers? The theme will set the tone for the entire space and guide your choices when selecting ornaments, ribbons, and other festive elements. Here are a few popular themes to consider:
Classic Christmas: Think of reds, greens, golds, and silvers, with elements like plaid and pinecones.
Winter Wonderland: Whites, icy blues, and soft silvers paired with twinkling lights create a magical, frosty vibe. For this one we recommend adding some warmth through light oak timber ornaments.
Modern Minimalism: Opt for sleek lines, muted tones like deep charcoal or navy, paired with minimalist décor like simple silhouettes, candles, and metallic accents.
Rustic or Farmhouse: Warm wood tones, burlap, plaid, and natural elements like pinecones, and stockings made from jute or wool.
Eclectic: Embrace a playful, mismatched style with vibrant colours, quirky ornaments, and a mix of patterns.
Once you've settled on a theme, stick to it throughout your decor to maintain a cohesive look across your home.
2. The Christmas Tree: The Heart of the Home
The Christmas tree is arguably the focal point of your holiday decorations, so take your time and consider how it will fit into your space.
Tree Size: Choose a tree that fits your room's dimensions. A tall, narrow tree works well in smaller spaces, while larger rooms can accommodate fuller trees. If you're tight on space, consider a tabletop tree or a slim artificial tree.
Artificial or Real: Real trees offer that fresh, pine scent, but they require maintenance and can be more difficult to come by in Australia. Artificial trees can be reused year after year and nowadays often come pre-lit for added convenience.
Tree Decorations: Begin by draping the tree with lights, working from the base to the top. Then, add garlands—whether they’re tinsel, beads, or ribbon—and finally, hang your ornaments. For an elegant touch, balance large statement ornaments with smaller ones. Don't forget a tree topper! Stars, angels, or even a bow are all great options. Consider an oversized bow for the topper - we're loving this trend this year!
Personalisation: Add a personal touch with handmade ornaments, family photos, or custom decorations that reflect your unique style.
3. Create a Cozy, Inviting Atmosphere with Lighting
Lighting is everything when it comes to holiday decor—it can make your home feel warm, inviting, and festive. Layer different types of lighting to create a well-lit, magical atmosphere.
String Lights: Use LED string lights to highlight architectural features, drape over mantels, or line the edges of your windows. We love opting for warm white lights for a cozy glow.
Candles: Real or faux, candles add an undeniable warmth and charm. Place them on mantels, dining tables, and windowsills. Consider a Christmas-scented candle (like pine, cinnamon, or gingerbread) to fill your home with holiday cheer. Glasshouse and Ecoya have Christmas-scented options to choose from every year!
Statement Fixtures: Upgrade your chandelier or pendant light with a festive touch, such as a wreath or garland hanging from the base. Crystal, glass, or gold accents in your light fixtures can add a touch of glamour to your space.
4. Dress Your Mantel and Fireplace
If you have a fireplace, this is the perfect place to go all out with your Christmas decorations. Start by adding a festive garland across the mantel—this can be real greenery, faux pine, or even a blend of fresh flowers and ribbons for a more elegant touch.
Stockings: Stockings are a must! Choose ones that match your colour scheme or personalise them with your family members' names or initials. West Elm have these gorgeous boucle ones. Hang them with coordinating hooks.
Candles and Ornaments: Add candles in varying heights for dimension. You can also add small decorative pieces like pinecones, ornaments, or reindeer figurines for that extra holiday charm.
Wreaths: A wreath above the mantel creates a beautiful focal point. You can go traditional with red bows and pine, or opt for a more modern, minimalist design.
5. Festive Table Settings for Holiday Gatherings
The holiday table is another space that can be transformed into a festive masterpiece. Whether you're hosting a large family dinner or a cozy evening with close friends, here are a few ideas:
Tablecloths and Runners: A luxurious fabric—like linen or cotton—creates a base for your holiday setting. Use a table runner as a focal point, or lay down a full tablecloth for a more formal look.
Centrepiece: Create a centrepiece using candles, florals, or a stunning arrangement of pine branches, holly, and candles. For a modern look, go for a simple yet striking arrangement.
Place Settings: Layer plates with seasonal accents like chargers, napkin rings, and name tags. Use napkins in festive colours or patterns such as checkered plaid, or metallics. We personally love a neutral heavy linen napkin with a muted metal like these gorgeous napkin rings. Or if you're going for a bit more of a rustic theme then something like this would look beautiful complemented with a garland centrepiece.
Glassware: Opt for elegant glassware to complement your table setting. Consider using glasses in different shapes for wine, cocktails, or water, and add a pop of metallic detail. Our favourites at the moment are these stunning Dennis Did It champagne coupes. They're super versatile and can hold drinks, desserts, or even olives for your cheeseboard!
6. Accent Decor: Small Details Make a Big Difference
While large items like your tree or dining table will make the biggest impact, it's the small touches that can bring your Christmas décor to life. Here are a few areas where you can add festive flair:
Entryway: The entryway is the first thing your guests see, so make it welcoming with a festive wreath on the door, a cozy rug, or small holiday figurines. You can also line your stairs with garland or lights for an extra touch of warmth.
Throw Blankets and Cushions: Swap out your regular throw blankets and cushions for ones that reflect the colour palette chosen to decorate your tree. This Adairs throw is a perfect addition that brings a hint of Christmas, whilst still being transitional enough to use year-round!
Bathrooms: Don’t forget the small details in your bathrooms! Consider bringing through some holiday greenery in a beautiful vase for the bench top, and a Christmas-scented soap.
7. Incorporate Scent and Sound
Scent is often overlooked in holiday decorating, but it plays a vital role in setting the festive mood. Candles with warm, holiday scents (think cinnamon, pine, or vanilla) can make your home smell just as magical as it looks. Additionally, playing soft holiday music in the background creates an immersive experience that everyone will enjoy.
Decorating for Christmas is all about bringing warmth, joy, and festivity into your home. The beauty of holiday décor lies in its versatility—whether you prefer a traditional, modern, or entirely unique style, there’s no wrong way to go about it. Embrace your creativity and enjoy the process! With a little planning and attention to detail, your home will become a festive sanctuary for the holidays.
Happy decorating, and may your home be filled with love and holiday cheer!
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