Once again, it’s that time of year where in addition to shopping for gifts and planning family gatherings, we begin to feel that added layer of pressure to decorate our homes and create a festive and unique atmosphere reflective of all things “holiday.”
If you are anything like me, it typically starts with “I’m just going to do a few simple things” and before I know it, I’m fighting the urge to literally “deck the halls” and add a touch of Holiday to nearly every square inch of my home.
With time being such a valuable commodity, especially during the holidays, I’ve come up with a few tried-and-true, easy ways to give my home and guests a warm and welcoming holiday feel. All without relying on the traditional and expected elements like red poinsettias or (are you sitting down?) a Christmas tree.
1. Light it up –
Without question, candles are the easiest way to create a sense of warmth and magic in your home. But here’s the trick—it can’t just be one or two candles randomly placed around your space. To make an impact with candles, more is always more. Personally, I prefer simple white candles. If you prefer pillar candles, make sure they are varying heights and widths grouped tightly together on mantles, cocktail tables, dining tables… you get the idea. Two or three candles grouped together won’t cut it. Splurge and make sure that there is a minimum of 7, 9 or 11 pillar candles in a grouping. Always group an odd number. Don’t ask me why, but it just looks better! If I’m not in a pillar candle sort of mood, I will substitute taper candles inserted in simple clear glass bottles. Clear wine bottles work great. Either way, your investment is small—your impact large.
An abundance of tapered candles in clear bottles can be breathtaking.
2. No room for a tree? No big deal.
Instead of spending hours selecting, setting up and decorating a tree, I’ve found that placing long-stemmed cut greens in oversized urns can be a dramatic space-saving substitute. My evergreen preference, Western Cedar mixed with Frazier Fir.
Western Cedar, for its elegant draping effect and wonderful aroma and Frazier Fir, for its ability to remain indoors for weeks at a time and not shed needles. Add some beautiful dried curly willow, a string of strategically placed twinkle lights and “voila”… instant holiday magic! Place a pair of these easy to create beauties on pedestals flanking your fireplace or another focal point in your home and it will blow your guests away.
Western Cedar not only smells great, it lasts for weeks indoors.
3. Leave the Holiday parade to Macy’s
Nothing makes me want the holidays to end quicker than the sight of what I refer to as the “holiday parade.” We have all seen it. A parade of collectable snowman, Santas, reindeer, needle-point pillows all lined up, covering nearly every flat surface. This year resist the urge to display every holiday item you own. Instead, select just a few of your favorite pieces and rotate them from year to year. Think of your holiday décor like your jewelry chest—you would never take it all out and wear it all at once. In this regard, less is more. I can ensure you that the impact will be greater by carefully selecting the pieces that you choose to display.
Just remember that what you should treasure most in your home during the holidays is the presence of your friends and family. So pick a date, send out an invitation, light a candle and know that even without a Christmas tree or a poinsettia, you can create your own unique holiday magic.
Cheers and Happy Holidays!
Warmly, David
By David Lyall, interior designer/owner David Lyall Home & Design
