Holiday Decor: Transform Your Home for the Season
The holiday season is a time to get together and celebrate, and what better way to get in the spirit than with festive, cozy lighting and decor? Here are a few thoughtful and easy ways to bring holiday cheer to your home.
Create a Cozy Glow
Candle holders are versatile year-round, but they especially help bring a warm, bright touch to the holidays. Place candle holders on sideboards, shelves, or tables and pair them with sprigs of evergreen. Consider using colored votive candles or tall tapers in deep red, winter white, or forest green. Scatter some pine branches or holly around the base to give the display a wintery look for a warm, inviting tablescape.
Merry Sideboards
Sideboards make a great foundation for winter greenery arrangements. Arrange evergreens along the top, and mix in small ornaments, pinecones, or string lights for an extra glow. Place a small table lamp at one end to highlight the arrangement and add warmth.
Magical Mantel
Your fireplace mantel is the perfect place to create a standout holiday focal point. Drape it with lush greenery like garlands of pine, cedar, or eucalyptus, and intertwine fairy lights. Add height and interest by including items like candles in candle holders, stockings, or small figurines. Add framed family photos or seasonal artwork that ties in with your decor for a more personal touch.
Seasonal Stained Glass
Tiffany-style stained glass decor and lamps add an unexpected elegance and can become the highlight of your holiday decor. Place a holiday-themed Tiffany-style stained glass decoration in front of a prominent window to catch the natural light and create beautiful colors that will fill the room.
Cozy Up a Bench
Benches are often overlooked, but can be instantly transformed into cozy, welcoming seating. Add a plush throw in a wintery hue like burgundy, forest green, or snowy white, and layer with a few throw pillows in holiday-inspired colors or textures like velvet or wool. Lay a small tray with a candle and a sprig of mistletoe or pine. This cozy corner is festive and inviting whether in an entryway, dining area, or living room.
Pillow from the Celebration on Ice Collection by Elk Home
Festive Bar Cart Setup
Bar carts offer more than a place to set drinks – they’re perfect for a decorative display. Add seasonal elements like a small vase with pine branches, a bowl of cinnamon sticks or cranberries, and some sparkling glassware in holiday colors. Add colored votives or candles to illuminate the cart, turning it into an inviting focal point.
To complete the look (and the experience), include a signature holiday drink for guests to enjoy. This holiday-ready recipe is a team favorite!
Sparkling Cranberry Citrus Fizz (Mocktail or Cocktail)
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 bottle (750ml) sparkling water (for a mocktail) or champagne (for a cocktail)
- Fresh cranberries, orange slices, and rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
- In a pitcher, combine the cranberry and orange juices. Chill until ready to serve.
- When serving, pour the juice mixture into glasses, filling about halfway.
- Top with sparkling water for a mocktail or champagne for a cocktail.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries, a slice of orange, and a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.
This vibrant, flavorful drink not only looks on-theme but also offers a refreshing way to toast the season. Cheers!
These simple yet joyful touches will help you create a warm, inviting atmosphere that blends with your home’s style. The best part? These decorations are easy to transition back to everyday decor after the holidays, making them both stylish and practical. Happy holiday decorating!