Holiday home decor that sleighs.
I never really related to memes about the November 1 rush to take down Halloween decorations to put holiday items in their place – and that’s even more true now that I’ve moved from chilly New York to the perma-spring city of Los Angeles. In fact, I don’t think of myself as someone who decorates for the holidays at all. That type of person, I surmised, loves an over-the-top Home Goods haul and eagerly researches obscure-but-loved pie recipes and takes special care to get her family’s names embroidered on brightly coloured stockings.
I can’t bake, nor can I tolerate a bright accent colour all over my home: The over-the-top reds, greens, and blues seem to clash with each other, let alone my own oasis of neutrals. And sure, I could purchase a faux tree in a beige colourway, but I’m not particularly religious and prefer to celebrate the season non-denominationally. So finally – after nearly a decade of eschewing all seasonal decor – I’ve found a minimalist way to decorate my home for the holidays in a more subtle, quiet way.
Ahead, your five-minute guide to minimalist seasonal decor for the holidays, no matter what you celebrate – including nothing at all.
1. Make A Festive Centrepiece
Even if you don’t use your formal dining area every day, a festive centrepiece can change the look and feel of the room quickly. Start by grabbing an Art Deco vase and throwing in a few holly sprigs at varying heights. It’s likely best to be conservative here; I found that using any more sprigs pushed my arrangement into Macy’s-store-display-circa-1997 territory. The bright red berries usually look more maroon in practice, and they’re offset by the surrounding scene of whites and metallics. Bonus points if your vase is mirrored, which always lends a uniquely holiday feel.
While you can absolutely let the vase shine on its own, I like to give the table a little height variation by adding another shorter vase with eucalyptus or acacia. Finish by swapping the fruit in a pedestal bowl for metallic ornaments, pinecones, or pine needle stems – and if you’re feeling particularly fancy, add in a table runner to keep it cohesive.
2. Pillow Covers
My absolute favourite way to bring the holidays into my home is also the simplest: with pillow covers. Not only does a simple swap from white throw pillows to a deep, jewel green give the room a festive feel, but it also looks sophisticated and intentional all year-round. These Bed Threads Cushion Covers are two-toned, and the Sage is perfect for spring months, too. I loved the colour so much that I grabbed a second set for the bedroom, which really grounded the rest of the space.
If you’re not afraid of a more-is-more vibe, try mixing three or four pillows in a traditional holiday hue like red or green with something slightly more subdued, like Pink Clay or Terracotta.
3. Garland on the Mantle
Growing up, my dad always hung a string of green garland around our front door. Mind you, we lived in a red brick house, so the two contrasting colours just made it all feel too garish. Still, I appreciate the sentiment, so when I found these subtle branches with small LED lights, I knew they’d be perfect for the mantle – especially mixed with the candlesticks that already lived there. You can also create this effect by mixing string lights with any ornamental branches you may have lying around. You can find those at most farmer’s markets, and possibly even a Trader Joe’s this time of year and use them in place of actual florals, too.
