A wreath on the door and every window, red velvet ribbons, big bows, Tartan ribbon running down trees, fresh flower arrangements, candelabras, bowls of vintage Christmas ornaments, garland running down a staircase, and of course poinsettias, all these elements can be seen as people deck the halls for a Southern Christmas.
Christmas in the South is truly unique, marked by long standing traditions and an abundance of Christmas cheer displayed for all to see. If you have spent anytime in the South, you know this to be true.
As the first state to celebrate Christmas in the United States, I think Alabama knows how to create that special charm.
The Rules of Southern Christmas Decor:
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You can never have too many Christmas trees.
This is a fact universally recognized across the South. It doesn’t matter if the trees are 12 foot tall or table-top size, more than one Christmas tree is a must in a Southern home.
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Drape greenery around anything that will stand still long enough!
Use greenery to adorn mantles, stair rails, columns, and really anything that is not moving. Be sure to mix your evergreen boughs with classic Southern plants like boxwood and magnolia.
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Flowers in winter.
Bring on the flowers with planters of paper whites, orchids, amayrillas, and poinsettias. If you love flowers, visit your local florist and create beautiful floral arrangements with fresh cut flowers to compliment the decor of each room.
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Citrus fruit as decor.
Citrus fruit was once a rare and prized commodity in the South usually arriving from tropical ports in the winter months, so many Southerners gave oranges as gifts and treasured this once a year treat. This tradition continues by adding fruit into floral arrangements and creating beautiful intricate citrus topiaries.
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Around here we add a bow!
Embrace your creativity and add a touch of Christmas whimsy even if you are a traditionalist. Bows are a big trend that add a lot of flare. You can find them on traditional wreaths, but also the 'bow tree' is a way to make a statement and have fun. For that added little touch, tie a bow to a scone or chandelier.
5 Holiday Decorating Tips to Add Southern Charm:
1. Create Balance
When decorating your Christmas tree evenly distribute ornaments, lights, garland, ribbon around the tree.
Even if a tree is in a corner or against a walls, make sure to add some ornaments to the back. This creates balance that the eye can see.
Play with the main decorative elements before making any permanent decisions about placement. Think about:
- Proportion
- Symmetry and asymmetry
- Height and depth
- Remember the rule of three
When you think you are at a stopping point:
1. Does it feel balanced?
2. Are the objects close enough to create flow but far enough to avoid crowding?
3. Does my eye naturally move from one element to the next?
2. Get Creative
Decor from big-box retailers can look a bit too mass produced, so add your personal touch. Make it reflect your style.
Get creative with the decoration itself:
- Put it in an unexpected location.
- Add a bow.
3. Use the Rule of Three
The rule of three is a classic decorating rule that we often forget about. Basically, it means that objects look better in groups of three.
Three also creates a pattern. Patterns are essential to creating flow that looks pleasing. Your decor should be a festival for the eyes, not too much, not too little.
4. Color Scheme
Break out of your comfort zone and try other schemes not just traditional colors. Pink, orange, and blue can create a very soothing pastel Christmas theme. In the dining room you can see this color scheme throughout the room from the tree to the dining table to the sideboard.
Make sure that your holiday color scheme works with the existing colors in your house. Your existing decor in each room is a backdrop, compliment it with colors that look good with what is already in place.
With so many choices it is easy to get overwhelmed and use too many colors. Choose two or three main colors to decorate each room.
Metallics add texture without being too busy.
Be sure to consider how these colors make you feel. If you want a serene winter wonderland in your living room, don’t choose bright colors. But if you want to pay homage to your Scottish heritage, red, green, and blue plaid create a cozy, more traditional feel.
5. Layer Texture
Use ribbon, gold bells, and pine cones to add texture Christmas decor.
Little touches of evergreen to everyday items like this plate stand coupled with the change in china to a Christmas pattern make the house feel especially festive for the season.
Variations in surface will help make your holiday decor more interesting and appealing to the eye. Textures add depth and dimensionality. You can both see and feel the difference when you are in each room.
Adding texture can be as easy as mixing fabrics like silk and velvet.
Now get ready to hang those wreaths and tie those bows, it's time for Christmas in the South.