December has arrived and with it comes the Holidays.   It doesn’t matter what you celebrate or how big or small your budget, bringing the holidays into your home feels good this time of year.  In many families a Christmas tree has become an important part of holiday tradition.  This year we worked hard to find some less traditional options that take on a variety of shapes and forms.  We also scoured the web to bring you the most stunning and creative holiday decor that is fit to adorn your foyer, table, mantle, or wherever you deem worthy.  Begin a new holiday tradition with your family and design something together!  Cheers!

Vintage wood slats offer color and texture while heart appliques give it a personal touch.  A great idea for small spaces and people who love DIY projects.

I absolutely love this idea!  It is an excellent space saver or just a fun twist on your mundane book cases.

An old school shiny tinsel tree adds a touch of glamour to a simple room.  Try this is silver, white, or a bright hue like fuschia for a pop of color.  Wrap your packages in a shade of that color and dress with a contrasting ribbon to complete the look.

A playful take on a tree and a great idea if you don’t have a chandelier over your table.  All you need is a branch, ornaments, and fishing line.

Gather friends at your holiday party and ask them to each write down something they are thankful for and find a place for it on your “paper tree”.

Go natural with fruits and berries that have a rich color and interesting texture.

Give leftover ornaments, candies, or accessories a home!  Fill a glass vase with the colorful baubles.  It makes a beautiful table center piece.

Put your old cupcake tower to good use.  Combine household accents with a few holiday accessories for a festive homemade display.

Make a statement by grouping together candle holders and vases.  Try varying heights to give your display visual interest.  Add an organic element such as faux berry branches for contrast.

Embrace simplicity.  These tables are elegant because they aren’t overdone.

Entice your senses by incorporating potpourri, cinnamon sticks, or scented candles.

Select a color palette and use it for your indoor and outdoor decorations.

Construct your own wall focal point that can be saved for next year.

Who said stockings have to be hung from a mantle?  Utilize the surfaces you have efficiently and creatively.  This piano is a perfect example!

Try combining fresh greens, votive candles, a colorful fruit, and simple ornaments to create your table runner.  Add height with vases, candelabras, or family heirlooms.

Soften a whimsical wintery white palette with cozy fabrics and interesting textures.

Design your own Menorah with family or invest in one that expresses your style.

Work to build a “theme” for your holiday decor.  Select mantle decorations that can easily be mimicked on your table.

Between showroom visits, reading, and retail stops I always stumble across something beautiful.  I wanted to start “Spotted” so that I could share them with you.  Enjoy!

Gorgeous way to never loose your keys and remember to take out the mail.  Made by Dan at Sjotime in Denver, CO this piece is something worth showing off in your entry.   Also check out his “Puffy” ottoman, so fun.

 

Sleek, modern fruit bowl made out of stainless steel.  It also comes in smaller sizes that can be used as a vase or candy bowl.  Can be purchased from Egg & Dart. 

 

I love these graphic dishes that West Elm currently has.  I’m partial to the starfish, dots and zig-zag.  I think I’m going to felt the bottoms of the square ones and use them as coasters.

This year as everyone is watching budgets I’ve decided to talk about how to throw an elegant holiday party on a college student’s budget. While in NY for Thanksgiving I was inspired by the holiday windows at Bergdorf Goodman and my new favorite store ABC Home. I know, that’s not the college budget but the inspiration is! The windows used tones of cream, gold and silver along with amazing textures to create dramatic winter scenes. ABC Home uses many natural elements throughout their store including tree branches, pine cones, etc. So how to use these elements to economically decorate for a fabulous holiday party? Start with items you have around the house or yard. Take those trimmed tree branches or large maple leaves and spray paint them white or dip them in silver or gold glitter. Hang from the ceiling with fishing string or put the branches in vases. Have the young children you know make paper snowflakes and again, dip in glitter and hang. An easy table cloth? Go to the fabric store and get some cream or white batting, tie batting with an oversized ribbon around table legs and display the food on top. Visit the dollar store and see what they have in your colors. Those inexpensive glass balls that people hang on trees can make a graphic statement if used in combination with other geometric shapes.

Don’t forget to think in terms of lighting. Having numerous candles around the room in the same tones along with dimmed lights will hide any imperfections that we are all bound to get when making our own items. Not to mention creating an intimate atmosphere. My favorite item I found to make last year was ice candles. They cost nothing to make and are beautiful outside the house! You can use pots and Tupperware around the house. Try to start a week or so early as it can take time to freeze many of these. Hopefully the weather will be cold the night of your party so they don’t melt. And when they do, they’ve just watered the lawn…

The main thing is keep it simple…keep the color monotone or add in only one accent color of red or baby blue. Don’t mix too many elements. To see the gorgeous windows photographed by Over the Top of NY, click here. They’ve captured the windows beautifully!