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.
One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a designer is that you need to be planning an entire home renovation.
Sometimes you just need someone to look at your plans, selections, and budget and tell you whether you’re heading in the right direction.
After renovating homes for over 20 years, I’ve learned that the biggest mistakes usually don’t come from choosing the “wrong” tile or cabinet color.
They come from investing in the wrong things. Spending money where it won’t make an impact. Overlooking details that become expensive to change later. Or simply not having a clear plan before moving forward.
That’s exactly why we offer one-hour design consultations.
Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, selecting finishes for a new build, furnishing a room, or trying to determine where to invest your budget, we’ll use the time to answer your questions and help you move forward with confidence.
Sometimes one conversation can save months of second-guessing.
Comment ‘LINK’ and I’ll send you the consultation booking form to get started.
One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a designer is that you need to be planning an entire home renovation.
Sometimes you just need someone to look at your plans, selections, and budget and tell you whether you’re heading in the right direction.
After renovating homes for over 20 years, I’ve learned that the biggest mistakes usually don’t come from choosing the “wrong” tile or cabinet color.
They come from investing in the wrong things. Spending money where it won’t make an impact. Overlooking details that become expensive to change later. Or simply not having a clear plan before moving forward.
That’s exactly why we offer one-hour design consultations.
Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, selecting finishes for a new build, furnishing a room, or trying to determine where to invest your budget, we’ll use the time to answer your questions and help you move forward with confidence.
Sometimes one conversation can save months of second-guessing.
Comment ‘LINK’ and I’ll send you the consultation booking form to get started.
Comment ‘LINK’ and I’ll send you the consultation booking form to get started.
One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a designer is that you need to be planning an entire home renovation.
Sometimes you just need someone to look at your plans, selections, and budget and tell you whether you’re heading in the right direction.
After renovating homes for over 20 years, I’ve learned that the biggest mistakes usually don’t come from choosing the “wrong” tile or cabinet color.
They come from investing in the wrong things. Spending money where it won’t make an impact. Overlooking details that become expensive to change later. Or simply not having a clear plan before moving forward.
That’s exactly why we offer one-hour design consultations.
Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, selecting finishes for a new build, furnishing a room, or trying to determine where to invest your budget, we’ll use the time to answer your questions and help you move forward with confidence.
Sometimes one conversation can save months of second-guessing.
One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a designer is that you need to be planning an entire home renovation.
Sometimes you just need someone to look at your plans, selections, and budget and tell you whether you’re heading in the right direction.
After renovating homes for over 20 years, I’ve learned that the biggest mistakes usually don’t come from choosing the “wrong” tile or cabinet color.
They come from investing in the wrong things. Spending money where it won’t make an impact. Overlooking details that become expensive to change later. Or simply not having a clear plan before moving forward.
That’s exactly why we offer one-hour design consultations.
Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, selecting finishes for a new build, furnishing a room, or trying to determine where to invest your budget, we’ll use the time to answer your questions and help you move forward with confidence.
Sometimes one conversation can save months of second-guessing.
Comment ‘LINK’ and I’ll send you the consultation booking form to get started.
Comment ‘LINK’ and I’ll send you the consultation booking form to get started.
One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a designer is that you need to be planning an entire home renovation.
Sometimes you just need someone to look at your plans, selections, and budget and tell you whether you’re heading in the right direction.
After renovating homes for over 20 years, I’ve learned that the biggest mistakes usually don’t come from choosing the “wrong” tile or cabinet color.
They come from investing in the wrong things. Spending money where it won’t make an impact. Overlooking details that become expensive to change later. Or simply not having a clear plan before moving forward.
That’s exactly why we offer one-hour design consultations.
Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, selecting finishes for a new build, furnishing a room, or trying to determine where to invest your budget, we’ll use the time to answer your questions and help you move forward with confidence.
Sometimes one conversation can save months of second-guessing.
One thing I don’t think I fully understood when we made this move was that reinvention isn’t one big moment. It’s a thousand small decisions.
When we left Oregon, I wasn’t running away from something. I loved our life there. I loved our clients, our community, our routines.
What surprised me was realizing that gratitude and restlessness can exist at the same time. You can be deeply thankful for the life you’ve built and still feel pulled toward something new.
For me, that feeling showed up long before we packed a single box. It showed up in quiet moments. Little questions I couldn’t shake. Curiosity about what else might be possible if I stopped choosing the familiar answer every time.
Moving across the country, renovating a nearly 100-year-old home, rebuilding community, growing a business in a new place—it all sounds very exciting when I list it out now.
Living through it felt much messier. There were plenty of moments where I questioned our decision. Moments where I missed what was comfortable. Moments where I wondered if we were crazy. But I’ve learned that growth rarely feels certain when you’re in the middle of it.
And if there’s one thing I hope people take away from this, it’s that you don’t need to have everything figured out before taking the first step. You just need enough courage to trust yourself with what’s next.
I’d love to know—have you ever made a decision that scared you but changed your life for the better?
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!
