These are some of the items I’m using for holiday décor this year — they’re my faves. Hopefully you can also find something for decking your halls! This year, I kept things simple. In fact, if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably only use a third of your décor. After all, it’s the little things that make the biggest statement when decorating your home for the holidays. Of course, your tree is the star … so make that fabulous! I found the most beautiful glass balls (see below) to add to our tree, and along with special family ornaments, they nicely compliment the beaded garland and pinecones.
Once you’ve set the stage with your tree, you can add other festive touches here and there. Bowls of pinecones, small “tabletop” faux trees, accents of vintage ribbon tied around vases or candles, beautiful wrapping paper for presents under the tree, new hand towels at the ready for bar clean up … you get the idea. Switch out a few things and your home will feel ready!
Clouz Houz Tip: One of the easiest things you can do to make your home feel festive is use cut fresh greenery. Mix it in with faux stems for arrangements all around the house. This helps the faux look more real, AND you don’t have to worry about the entire arrangement drying out and looking horrible by Christmas!
Next week on the blog, I’ll be sharing more tips and pics for the holidays, as well as ways you can bring little festive touches to your home this holiday season.
1
8' Faux Tree
This is our first year with a faux tree, and we must admit, it's pretty nice! No debating about the tree being too small or too big, or straightening it in the stand, or untangling and adding lights, etc. What a major production! This year, it took me all of 30 minutes to assemble and fluff the branches -- gotta love that. We purchased this pre-lit, 8' King Noble Fir and it's very realistic. I do miss the smell of a fresh tree, but we added plenty of fresh cut cedar throughout the house ... and besides, that's what candles are for!
2
Faux Wreath with rope
This wreath is soooooo good for the price! I added a few clippings of real cedar and pine to each one to fill it out a bit, but otherwise it's realistic and cute. Hang it in a window, over a bed, or in a bathroom for a festive touch.
3
Buffalo Check Wrapping Paper
I'm all about wrapping pretty packages! I typically try to find a color palette that I also want to use for under the tree. This year, I went with navy and white buffalo check paper from the Amber Interiors Collection for Etsy. I also used mustard yellow velvet ribbon, and brown butcher paper with navy velvet ribbon. And, I found the cutest little green pine sprays from Amazon to add to each package's bow.
4
Iridescent Glass Ornaments
These ornaments are the perfect addition to our Winter Wonderland-vibe tree!I wanted something that was subtle but pretty with the white lights. This set comes in varying shades of white, light brown and the prettiest blush color. I ordered two sets, and they really don't disappoint.
5
Tabletop Tree with Lights
This tree is the perfect size for tabletop. We installed it on the table in our office/dining room, and it's so pretty when lit up! It also looks great in a basket with nothing else. It's all about simple greens and white lights in this case.
6
Tree Collar
In years past, we have wrapped the base of our tree in a blanket or tree skirt. But, this year, we finally decided to try a tree collar. This one is simple yet gorgeous, and we're really happy with it.
7
Kitchen Dish Towel
I bought a couple of these kitchen dish towels to have on hand at our bar and sink area. They come in handy, and don't feel so holiday-ish that you couldn't extend their use beyond the holidays. I could see also using them for wrapping a bottle of champagne as a holiday party hostess gift!
8
Mohair Throw Blanket
This blanket is super soft and cozy. It comes in a beautiful green as well, but I chose the charcoal grey since I knew it would go the distance beyond the holidays. These blankets are the perfect accompaniment for curling in by the fire and watching a good Christmas movie.
I used this ribbon everywhere, from wrapping packages to tying bows on wreaths. It's the perfect weight, and easy to tie. And, I LOVE choosing a color that is a bit out of the "norm." Although this reads somewhat gold, it gives a more current look to an old time, traditional holiday color.
10
Beaded Garland
We love the natural quality this garland added to our tree! It would also look equally beautiful strung on a mantle with garland. I used the natural color (which is now sold out), but the brown color is really pretty as well. In fact, I may have to snag some to add to the garland I strung on our living room fireplace.
If you’re going to be creative, you have to be willing to stay in a bit of a playful mindset... not everything can be overthought or perfectly safe, because that’s usually when things start to fall flat. I see this all the time, even in my own home, where the moments I almost didn’t do something end up being the ones I love the most. The same goes for our client work. The best spaces don’t come from playing it safe, they come from trusting the process and being open to ideas you might not have considered at first. That’s really the point of hiring a designer, especially at a higher level. You’re not bringing us in to repeat what you already know you like or to be directed every step of the way. You’re bringing us in for our perspective, our resources, and the ability to see things a little differently. We’re never going to lead you in a direction that doesn’t work, but we are going to push you a bit, because that’s where a space starts to feel more thoughtful, more layered, and ultimately a more thoughtful, refined version of your vision. Brought to life with a level of detail that’s hard to achieve without a clear plan behind it.
If you’re thinking about hiring a designer but not totally sure where to start... this is your sign to not overthink it. The best advice I can give you is to trust who you hired for a reason. And if you want to dip your toe in, try it on a smaller scale first.
That’s exactly why we offer our Designer-for-a-Day + Consultation services. It gives you a chance to see how we can help, get a feel for our process, and start making real progress in your home without diving straight into a full-service project.
Whether it’s one room that’s been driving you crazy or just needing direction to make everything feel more cohesive, it’s such a good starting point!
It’s truly one of our favorite ways to work with people. Inquire today on your website. Link in bio.
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Kaylei in the Oregon studio, while I’m in the Tennessee office together, collaborating on building out a client’s space... this is what our Premier Virtual Design actually looks like behind the scenes.
Most virtual design services stop at a moodboard, but we’re thinking through how you actually live in your home... what’s working, what’s not, and how every material fits together before you ever click “add to cart.” From detailed floor plans and elevations to fully curated selections and a complete spec guide.
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There’s a lot of conversation right now about bringing back more enclosed, traditional rooms... and I understand the appeal (tbh, probably what I prefer). But let’s say you have an open layout like our last house...you can still do it with intention and create that cozy, defined space you are wanting.
In this dining space, the goal was to create a place that feels defined in a quite small space right off the kitchen. I wanted it a place to linger, host, and gather.
The banquette (a @ciscobrothers piece I recovered in @schumacher1889 ‘Camden Check’ in “Java”) helped anchor the room, giving it a sense of structure and traffic flow, but also a cozy, intimate feel.
It’s less about open vs. closed, and more about how each space transitions into the next.
Because when it’s working, you don’t really think about it. You just find yourself staying a little longer.
Are you team open concept or team enclosed, more traditional rooms?
Work in progress but here’s a closer look at our living room and some of the pieces that make it sing!
Come back for part 2 to round out this space. I love being able to candidly talk about the progress and special elements that went into designing this room.
Clouz Houz Tip: One of the easiest things you can do to make your home feel festive is use cut fresh greenery. Mix it in with faux stems for arrangements all around the house. This helps the faux look more real, AND you don’t have to worry about the entire arrangement drying out and looking horrible by Christmas!
