Designer-Approved “Tricks” to Make Your Holiday Decor Look Great This Year

This cool silver fireplace needed cool silver stockings, and that’s how Tartt Elias decorated it. With unusual colors like purple and pink, the designer shows how you can bring the holiday spirit while maintaining your personal style.

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If you think you need to take down your Christmas home decorations just because your interior is already colorful and bright, think again. In the home of designer Emily June Spanos, she isn’t shy about “adding more colors, lights and sparkles during the holidays,” says Emily June Designs founder. “I’m also a fan of using holiday heirlooms for spring decor, even if it’s kitschy.”

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“Don’t be afraid to mix high-end and low-end pieces on your table or as decor,” Will Hunt Lewis of Hunt & Bloom says. “A few new pieces here and there can help update your holiday decor while letting your existing treasures shine.” Think of creative ways to combine pieces you already have.

Mixing modern Christmas decorations with traditional items is a great way to create a unique holiday home, Hunt Lewis says. Doing so can add visual interest to your decorative space, such as a mantel, counter, or cabinet. “Think of wrought iron Christmas trees mixed with traditional clothing and greenery—the combination is sweet and fun!”

For Michelle Morgan Harrison of Morgan Harrison Home, the porch is one of her favorite places to decorate for Christmas. She says: “I go with a natural wreath made of pine bones and decorations that depict nature – like birds, bird nests and snowmen in the snow. “An important tip is to stand your tree on the porch to help keep it strong from strong winds and storms.”

Of course, your Christmas tree serves as the centerpiece of your holiday decorations, but make sure you don’t forget to dress up the little details. “I love using plaid ribbon to dress up the green,” says Sherrell Neal, founder of Sherrell Design Studio. “In this drawing room, we added ribbon and a small wreath to add some holiday cheer to the sconces.”

In the home of Renee DiSanto, co-founder of Park & ​​Oak, she chose to keep things neutral and earthy for her Christmas decor. From the natural green wreath to the fire-woven Christmas trees, to the stockings, everything is very quiet and elevated, perfect for the busy season.

Speaking of bows, how cute is this Gwen Hefner tree decorated entirely with colorful ribbons? So if you don’t have enough baubles to cover your tree, don’t worry. There are other options for your Christmas decoration idea. Don’t forget to turn on a few twinkle lights to make them shine.

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Christmas may be known—among many reasons—for its red and green colors, but there’s something to be said for going the metal route. Mixing sounds ups the sophistication factor without losing the fun and festive feel of the holidays.

There’s nothing better than a bonfire on Christmas Eve, so if you want to bring warm and cozy sounds, put some wood in front of the fireplace and keep it burning (almost) all night. Make sure you time it for Santa to come down the chimney.

If you’re hosting a large Christmas party this holiday season, give guests even more reason to love the dessert station by decorating it! Rachel Barrett wove some branches around her plates and scattered a few ornaments to match the crown ribbon. We also love how she placed the cake toppers to vary the height of each one and add visual craziness!

In this room designed by Jim Dove, a period wreath enlivens the door and smaller wreaths dress the display cabinets. A small collection of holly brings a lot of joy to the kitchen counter.

Elizabeth Pash hangs small stockings and fringes on the tree. To spread happiness around the house, consider hanging baubles on doorknobs. Party favors decorating your doors, desk, or chest of drawers can be the ultimate budget-friendly item.

Visit the Whole Home

If you have a backyard playhouse, don’t forget to decorate it for the holidays, too! Since that’s where the kids go to play, Rachel Barrett went all out on the whimsical decor with rainbow lights and a giant crown with a vintage red velvet bow.

“There’s something,” says Matthew Bees, the decorator of this amazing Christmas decoration idea. “Holidays are meant to be fancy! Instead of a tree coat, try an old fish dish or farmer. It elevates the tree and gives you more space for Santa’s surprises,” he adds.

It’s Christmas, so anything and everything can be spoiled with extra sparkle. In this timeless bathroom designed by Rachel Barrett, a sparkling gold crown brings the magic of Christmas to the bubble bath.