Many thanks to Evelyn Long for her article, Adding Festive Glamour to Your Home to Wow Guests, right in time for the holidays. 😉 Be sure to read Evelyn’s bio at the bottom.
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As you gather with loved ones during the holiday season, you want them to enter a festive and warm atmosphere. Decorating your home with lights, Christmas color schemes and wintery motifs can set the tone, bringing everyone a sense of joy and peace. Here are 10 ways to impress company with holiday cheer.
Casart Winter Tree Design Source
1. Create a Christmas Tree Theme
Studies have shown that decorating for Christmas early can improve your mood. As psychologist Deborah Serani puts it, holiday decorating with lights and bright colors increases dopamine levels. Many also associate Christmastime with happier memories from when they were younger.
Decorating a Christmas tree can induce this positive mental state. When adding festive glamour, consider a theme — this could entail ornaments in a particular color, such as strictly gold and red. You might also decorate the tree with your kids’ homemade ornaments. However you decide to do it, your tree will wow guests and make everyone happier.
2. Make Your Own Holiday Wreaths
Holiday wreaths are a great way to welcome guests when they arrive at your home. While you can always buy predecorated versions at the store, it’s more fun to make them yourself. Purchase fake winter florals — pine leaves, holly and branches — and a big Christmas bow. Then, lay out how you want them to sit and attach them with a hot glue gun.
3. Display Holiday Dinnerware in Cabinets
Glass kitchen cabinets are ideal for displaying dinnerware and drinkware for the holidays. Swap out your usual dishes for your holiday-themed plates and bowls. If you have painted wine glasses with snowflakes and other winter patterns, glass cabinetry will allow them to shine and create festive holiday glamour.
Even if you don’t have transparent cabinet faces, you can still display some of your favorite Christmas dishes. Use a stand to hold it upright on the counter or create a unique wall display. You can also organize wine and whiskey glasses on an elegant tray on your bar cart.
4. Decorate the Fireplace and Mantel
The fireplace and mantel are classic spaces for Christmas decorating. Drape a holiday garland over the mantel, stringing it with novelty lights and ornaments. You may add red, green and gold candles or sparkly Christmas tree figurines.
For the fireplace, situate smaller, lit trees on each side to frame the facade. If you have a nonworking fireplace, create an elegant candle display in different heights and sizes or stack logs for a rustic aesthetic.
5. Hang Winter Artwork
Replace artwork with winter or holiday-themed pieces instead. A large canvas will make a statement in the living room or bedroom. You could even hang wall art above a console in the foyer.
Casart Winter Forest Canvas Print Source
Consider a unique fabric wall hanging with a winter scene and fringed ends for a different look. This artwork lends itself to bohemian decor and will give your space an organic appeal. A softer color palette will easily blend into various schemes and interior styles, particularly neutral walls.
Casart Impasto Winter Tree Wall Hanging Source
6. Create a Holiday Tablescape
A Christmas tablescape is the perfect way to wow guests at your next holiday party. Set the table with your best china, utensils, sparkly napkin rings and wine glasses. It’s a great way to add bold pops of festive color to glamorous holiday decor or take on a more homey design with plaid linens.
A large centerpiece in the middle of the dining table will catch everyone’s attention. You create one using fresh-cut pine, red berry branches, pine cones, lights, candles and more. Sometimes, a full poinsettia plant is just enough, too.
Casart Faux Glass Mosaic Green Tile Table Runner Source
Casart Winter House Acrylic Tray Source
7. Incorporate Holiday Decor in Bathrooms
Casart Crawfish Cotillion / Red White Bath Towel Source
Remember to decorate the bathrooms when adding festive glamour to your home. After all, your guests may need to use the restroom at some point. Incorporate holiday shower curtains, rugs and towels for a fun presentation. A soft and absorbent hand towel with wintery birch trees is just enough seasonal design to bring into a small powder room.
A reed diffuser or vanilla, cinnamon or balsam cedar candle will help carry the season’s scents into the bathroom, keeping it fresh while hosting holiday guests.
Casart Crawfish Cotillion / Green White Shower Curtain Source
8. Decorate with Throw Blankets and Pillows
Throw blankets and decorative pillows are easy ways to make your living room more festive. The colorful holiday patterns will stand out on the sofa. You could even opt for Christmas pillow covers to envelop your existing ones and save room in storage.
On the other hand, blankets present an opportunity to incorporate soft textures into the space. A wool or cotton fleece throw will keep you extra warm and cozy, while faux fur will infuse elegance. Some blankets even feature holiday festive holiday designs to make your sofa stand out.
9. String Twinkle Lights
Most people would agree you can never have enough lights during the holiday. Twinkle lights, in particular, exude Christmas magic. In addition to the tree, you might string fairy lights in garland, around a centerpiece or along window frames. You could even have them hang down from the windows to resemble icicles.
Twinkle lights usually come with a battery pack and a switch to operate. Some also have different settings to make them flash, change colors, or fade in and out. Try purchasing light-emitting diode twinkle lights, which tend to shine brighter and last longer than conventional bulbs.
10. Incorporate Metallic Accents for Festive Glamour
Shiny, metallic accent pieces deliver a festive touch to every home during the holidays. They’re the type of decor most guests are in awe of when they walk into a room. Consider large, chrome candle holders in different heights next to the fireplace or opulent silvery ornaments in a bowl on the coffee table.
Metallic vases are also a great way to display winter flowers. If you already own a vase, you could spray paint it shiny gold. Mirrors and other reflective surfaces will capture the soft glow of candles and spread warmth throughout the room.
The key is to use metallic accents sparingly or as statement pieces. However you display them, they’ll give your space an elevated, luxurious feel.
Spread Holiday Cheer Throughout Your Home
Your holiday guests will love how you decorate your home for the season. A few sparkly touches and bold pops of red and green can elevate your design and transform your space. Allow the holidays to inspire your design choices for beautiful and meaningful experiences.
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Additional posts & resources:
- 8 Ways to Make Your Existing Decor Feel Festive for the Holidays
- Holiday Mash-Up of 10 Quick Easy Decorating Posts
- 5 Natural Was to Get in the Holiday Spirit as the Christmas Countdown Begins
- What Holiday Decor Works All Year Round
- 12 Ways to Embrace a Warmer Interior this Winter
Many thanks to Evelyn for her article on how to add festive glamour to your home during the holidays.
About the author:
Evelyn Long is an interior design writer passionate about helping homeowners bring life and personality to their spaces.
She is the Editor-in-Chief of Renovated, where she provides interior design tips and guides.
She also contributes to sites like DecorMatters and National Association of Realtors.
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