My holiday decorating style has always leaned toward natural, winter-inspired looks rather than the more traditionally themed designs. While I fully appreciate nutcrackers, I leave that for the ballet. I get excited by pine cones and fir trees, icy sparkles and silvery greens. 

Table Decor

My holiday table this year will have a mix of burlap, vintage ornaments and white flowers.  

Dramatic Decor

Quite the opposite end of the scale is full on color, which can also be great.  

I am a maximalist at heart, and when it is done right, over-the-top holiday decorating is just plain happy. No one does it as well as 34 Mayfair, the super chic London restaurant. They celebrate every holiday in outrageous style.  

It might be a little much for the whole house, but I want to try this idea in my entry hall — load up the ceiling with masses of Christmas balls (I’m going to need lots of little tiny tacks!) in a pretty mix of colors. It’s the perfect way to welcome guests.

Earthy Inspo

And since things are looking up, I love this idea from Zara Home. Spray a branch with some gold or sparkly paint and string lights or ornaments on it then hang it from the ceiling. 

It wouldn’t need to be over your dining table if you already have a chandelier. It would be amazing in the middle of the living room or even the kitchen. And there are so many ways you could take this: edgy like the Zara image, or  homier with birch branches and paper snowflakes. 

Garlands Galore

One of my Christmas decorating caveats: Every tree needs garland. No matter your ornament style. 

I go back and forth between the “pretty” tree and the nostalgic tree with baubles made of egg cartons and glitter; adding garland creates unity and flow. I’ve used sparkly ribbon, strips of burlap and even popcorn in years past.  

A favorite crafty way to create garland in a snap is to make it from leftover bits of wrapping paper. Simply cut the paper into strips and create circles with double-sided tape. Nothing could be faster. And depending on the paper you choose, this can look casual or more fancy. Just make sure you choose a heavier stock of paper so that it doesn’t sag. Papersource carries some great choices. 

One of my favorite memories is sitting around the living room coffee table with my family making this garland on Christmas Eve.  

Creative Cards

Wondering what to do with all the cards you receive at the holidays? My husband’s favorite decoration in our entire home has become the swag we do over our living room door. We drape a pretty ribbon over the top and down both sides of the door trim, and as cards come in the mail, we attach them to the ribbon. We layer the cards over one another a bit and hang them at different angles so that each card stands out.  

It is fun to see it develop as the holidays progress, and by New Year’s Day, it is filled with all of the happy photos of friends and family (alongside a snowman or two). It is truly a joyful way to celebrate our friends and the holiday.