Every space in the home becomes a gathering place when the holidays arrive. Slowly, they fill with people, and with people come memories; memories like holiday films snuggled on the living room sofa, thoughtfully prepared meals splayed across the dining room table and cups of cocoa passed between dear friends under a starry sky.
Consistency is key when creating an enchanting atmosphere to hold these memories. Leave no space untouched by festive adornment. Decide ahead of time on the ambiance you want to permeate your holiday memories, then stick to it.
The Living Room: Holiday cheer starts in the living room, a hub of fireside chats, sofa snuggles and excited faces tearing into well-wrapped gifts on Christmas morning. This is primarily thanks to the crown jewel, the Christmas tree. Whether you're a real or faux tree fan, the tree is the centerpiece of the home during the holidays. Most of the time, a classic green tree with warm white lights is the way to go. It doesn't clash, instantly adds festive flare and can be customized to any preference with ornaments and embellishments.
But the living room holds one other holiday attention grabber: the mantel.
For the minimalist, a few white vases stuffed with Holly Sprigs, layers of tall pillar candles and simple stockings will do the trick. Or, opt for eclectic coziness, and pack your mantel with candles and greenery, balance it with stockings and pull up a big, comfy reading chair draped with a flannel blanket for a reading nook.
The Dining Room: The masterful art of a stunning tablescape finds a place to shine in the dining room. Not only does it showcase the holiday feast, but it sets everyone's mood for the meal.
Whether you opt for a standard runner or make a statement with colors and fabric that pop, table runners are the canvas of the masterpiece that is your tablescape. Build on the elements present in your runner and dishes to create a truly magical dining setup. Accentuate holiday china with fanciful napkins and rings, gold utensils or a sweet memento such as a jingle bell, mini wreath or name card on every plate, paying close attention to detail.
Flora is a fundamental centerpiece of the jubilant meals shared here by loved ones. Whether it's a vase bursting with blooms, a string of tinseled garland or a bundle of mini Christmas trees, breathe life into the dining room with boughs of greenery. Then, add mood lighting for a finishing touch. Holiday gatherings are intimate, and candlesticks, twinkling lights and lamps can make guests feel more at home around the dinner table.
The Guest Room: Sometimes comfort precedes style, which is always true in your guests' living quarters. Make the bed with soft flannel sheets and a stockpile of fluffy pillows for keeping warm through the night, then add a few throw blankets or place a blanket ladder in the room for even more coziness.
Don't hesitate to sprinkle holiday charm beyond the main rooms. Before guests arrive, prep a wooden bed tray with festive blooms, a candle or two and some light reading; twist a garland around the bed posts or bed frame and complete the look with a mini Christmas tree on the bedside table or TV stand for a personalized holiday touch you can't find at a hotel.
Outdoor Spaces: It may get chillier every day, but that's no reason to neglect your porch or patio. Trade your pumpkins and hay bales for lanterns and firepits to create warm outdoor spaces that can be used all winter. Functional pieces that offer warmth and style, like floor pillows and blankets, are crucial when it's cold.
Bring the romance with a sprig of mistletoe and a string of lights, whether lanterns, snowflakes or traditional Christmas lights, hanging from your porch, awning or gazebo. Then, complete the look with a symbol of the season. That can be a small Christmas tree, a vintage sled and a pair of ice skates, a wreath or pops of flora like Holly and Poinsettias.
When all is said and done, each seasonal space should work together, creating a gorgeous holiday experience for every family member and friend who passes through your front door. Then, confidently embark on holiday hosting duties, having transformed your home into an enchanting escapade and accommodated your loved ones well, and rest when it's all over, knowing the holidays are more magical at home!
Jan Britt of Jan Britt Interiors has been helping her clients decorate their homes for over 20 years. She is an award-winning interior designer, educator and professional stager. As an interior design professor at Kennesaw State University, Jan strives to help her interior design clients reach their goals by providing clear communication, budget flexibility and years of expertise.
Jan's top tip for styling mantels is to "Purchase a 9-foot garland (sometimes you need a larger garland for larger mantels) to attach to the mantel on the fireplace. . . you may lay your garland straight across the mantel or swag or droop the garland evenly across the mantle.
"Holiday decorations bring a smile to almost everyone's face when they see the colors, theme, and creativity the holidays can bring." - Jan Britt