Its officially December. You were going to bah-humbug your way through the holidays, but the guilt has started to set in. I hear you. I spent years exhausting myself covered in glitter that I despised and breaking my back holding up plastic shrubbery while crossing my fingers that 3M keeps its promise. I was a holiday decorating machine from October through December and its possible that by the end of January there was still garland draped from doorways and stair rail. Don’t get me wrong; I loved every minute of it. I loved the craftiness. I loved the joy it brought my children. I loved admiring the hard work I put in. But as the years passed, so did my zest for yanking out the dusty totes, climbing ladders to hang tangled garland, unfurling the glittered ribbon, and especially the obligatory day of dismantling all the hard work.
THIS is namely why I don’t offer holiday décor services. I’m tired, man! Now, have I abandoned all efforts to cozy up my home for the holidays? Absolutely not. I’m not some Scrooge over here! I have, however, found ways to simplify. Ways to make my home feel like the holidays are upon us, but without the overwhelm and without the racks upon racks of storage. (Ok, that last half of my last statement might not be totally the truth. Someday I hope to regain that same youthful energy.)
So, what are these easy fixes that will have you running out the door to Home Goods?! Read on.
Pillows + throws: Easy to find. Easy to store.
Throw pillows and blankets are easy to find and add all the cozy you need.
Incorporating texture in white or cream will always do the winter trick. Look for textiles in knits, faux fur, or velvet. I love the warmth a cable knit throw brings to a holiday space. Still have a little craftiness in you and want to do the planet good? Grab some thrift store sweaters, give them a good washing, and make covers for your existing pillows. Uncover at the end of the season and store in a linen cabinet.
Look for simple patterns like plaids or stripes. Perfect for a seasonal change without looking like your sofa threw up sequins and Santas. Seamlessly incorporate seasonal patterns by opting for colors already in your space.
Simple + Consistent Decor
You don’t have to cover every surface of your home with a bell, tree, or angel. Replace existing décor on a shelf or mantel with a special homemade snowman or favorite Christmas candle. (You know, the one with cinnamon sticks that you’ve never burned. Oh, just me?)
Still like a theme? That is A-Okay! No shame in the theme game. Stick with one though. Love the gnomes? Go for it. Hanging on to a nutcracker collection? Paint them a solid color. Have an affinity for Christmas trees? My personal fave. Display until your heart’s content with different sizes, shapes, and materials. But keep it cohesive. Choose one or two (even three) different materials and only a couple different colors. Love color? Keep the material consistent. Don’t want to think so hard? Crate and Barrel has some great sets to snag. Too pricey? Target dollar bins are rocking it this year. Pro tip? Check out a few different Targets. Don’t ask-but I managed quite the collection this year by visiting several locales.
Keep the Vibes
Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean your modern space has to turn into a rustic farmhouse full of pine cones and sleds. Choose décor in the color scheme of your existing décor. Add holiday flair with pattern and texture, even if it is pink, yellow, or grey. Still stuck on themes? Incorporate carved wooden trees or snowmen for a Modern Farmhouse. More modern and less farmhouse? Stick with brass trimmed glass trees. Eclectic your thing? How about some Moroccan star lanterns rather than twinkle lights? Live in a quintessential Mid-Century Modern home? Bottlebrush trees. In ALL the colors.
Still want to add a bit of woodland warmth? Simple greenery on a mantel or a fresh wreath on the front door does the trick. Many local organizations will fundraise this time of year by selling fresh greenery. And if all else fails, Costco greens are great for the whole season.
Whatever you choose to throw on the shelves last minute, or nothing at all, ‘tis really the season of Gratitude. Give gratitude, receive with gratitude, and strive to keep the warm and fuzzies all year long. Happiest Holidays from me to you.