Hi everyone, I am so excited to be posting for Diapers-n-Heels today!
My name is Amanda and I'm an interior designer and I am lucky enough to count myself among Alli's best friends. I am so looking forward to creating some fun posts for DNH on all kinds of design topics over the coming months.
For today I have put together some quick tips on making the most out of your holiday decor.
Every one's approach to holiday decorating is different. Some stick to one area or, if you are like me, the whole house gets a little (or big!) dose of holiday.
My first piece of advice is to set the stage(s).
Before you drag the boxes out of the garage, start with a clean slate. Clear out dedicated areas for your decor, set aside your usual accessories so that you have some blank areas to fill back in. I like to put away everything on the mantle, console tables and empty some bookcase shelves.
Before you drag the boxes out of the garage, start with a clean slate. Clear out dedicated areas for your decor, set aside your usual accessories so that you have some blank areas to fill back in. I like to put away everything on the mantle, console tables and empty some bookcase shelves.
This brings me to my next point, make a statement with vignettes.
Now that you have some clear space, use your favorite decorations in groupings to get the most visual impact and help keep the house from feeling cluttered. Mixing natural elements into your vignettes adds interest and smells good too.
Now that you have some clear space, use your favorite decorations in groupings to get the most visual impact and help keep the house from feeling cluttered. Mixing natural elements into your vignettes adds interest and smells good too.
Some great examples of simple holiday vignettes inside and outside:
| images via 1-2-3 |
Choosing a color palette and general style will also help keep your holiday decor from becoming overwhelming. Pick two or three colors that you love around the holidays and go for it. They don't necessarily have to "match" your home either, this is the time of year to indulge and mix it up.
- Speaking of mixing it up, don't be afraid to move around or stow away some of your furniture.
- Make room for that tree! It's the centerpiece of Christmas decorating, let it shine and don't scrimp on the lights.
- Twinkle, sparkle and glow!
My true three must haves for any holiday decor.
Here are some of my favorite images from around the web that illustrate these points:
| Notice the vignette on the table & mantle, the warm glow and the use of natural elements. Beautiful! |
image via
| Gorgeous vignettes & beautiful soft color scheme. |
image via
| Lots of room for the tree, great colors and a cute beach theme. |
image via
When it's all said and done, holiday decorating is about celebration and family so there really are no wrong answers. Happy trimming!!