Easy and Elegant Christmas Decorating Ideas

It is so hard to believe that Christmas is less than two months away!  This whole holiday season is my favorite time of the year.  Being able to share so many special events and gatherings throughout the season is what makes me so eager for the days to arrive!  Today, I wanted to share several easy and elegant Christmas decorating ideas as you plan for your own holiday decor.

I am in the process of planning my decorations for this year, but I thought I would take the time to share with you some of the ways I decorated for Christmas last year.  Grab a glass of wine, put your feet up and let’s dig in!

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Easy and Elegant Christmas Decorating Ideas

Having only started my blog one year ago, please keep in mind that these are some of my very first photos so some are not my best work.   I had ZERO photography skills when I started this journey.   I have learned a lot this year about improving my skills so please consider this as you peruse these shots. Smiley face.

1.  Utilize Apothecary Jars

You can use apothecary jars for all sorts of holiday decorating projects.  Besides, filling them with Christmas decorations as I did here, you can add in a variety of other elements to create a festive holiday look.  I love how they help “feature” your decorations.

Using Apothecary Jars for Christmas Decorating

You could use pine cones, Christmas ornaments, holiday candy, Christmas-themed figurines…you name it!

They are also great for creating vignettes for your countertops or tables.

This is one of the very first photos I took for my blog before I started it!

               

2. Mix Metallics – Silver, Gold, and Copper

For this table setting, I used an abundance of tones of silver, gold, and copper.  The layers and combination added a level of elegance to some of the more casual features of the table, like the logs and pine cones.

Christmas Home Tour – Winter Glam Dining Room

I implemented the same mixed metallic theme with my Christmas tree in the same room.  It all ties together.

Christmas Home Tour – Winter Glam Dining Room

Also, consider carrying through the same theme with your gift wrapping for an added touch of elegance.

For this table setting (that could be used for Christmas or New Year’s Eve), I used a combination of silvers, gold, and whites to create this elegant look.

Gold and Silver Table Setting

3. Incorporate Natural Elements

The inspiration for this Winter Glam Table Setting began with the birch logs and the multiple types of pine cones.  Believe it or not…you CAN dress up pine cones!!

I used three types of pine cones for added texture.  A lot of them actually came from my own yard.

To see all of the details of this table setting, click HERE.

In the living room, I used natural cuttings from own trees.  Combined with the birch logs (coordinating with the dining room), I achieved a very fresh and natural look.  I simply placed the greenery and then topped them off with a festive mixture of ornaments.

We did not have room in our living room for a Christmas tree, but it still looked festive for the season with the pops of red and cedar cuttings I used in this area.  And, don’t worry, I was able to squeeze in a Christmas tree in the entry area right next to our living room.

Christmas Home Tour – Living Room

Again…pine cones and natural greenery…

Decorating a Tray for Christmas Six Ways

Decorating a Tray for Christmas Six Ways

4. Utilize Trays to Create Holiday Vignettes

If you want to create holiday-themed vignettes throughout your home, using a tray provides a perfect foundation for your designs or collections.  You can also use platters, mirrors or even books as alternative bases. Here are a few examples from some of the vignettes I designed last year.

Rustic Winter Christmas Centerpiece

Rustic Winter Christmas Centerpiece

                        

5. Use Christmas Ornaments in other places besides your Christmas trees

Look, another tray idea!

Adding a few Christmas ornaments to a vignette adds such a nice little holiday flair without much fuss.

For this table setting, I set a large variety of ornaments throughout the centerpiece.

For this vignette for my buffet, I also used a mixture of ornaments to complete this look. The more variety the better!!

And, again here, a few tiny ornaments topped off this little centerpiece.

Tiny Christmas Centerpiece

For this Rustic Winter themed table setting, I featured ornaments throughout the centerpiece.  Additionally, I sent my guests home with these cute acorn ornaments (from Hobby Lobby) as a party favor.

Rustic Winter Christmas Table Setting

 6. Choose a color palette and stick with it

Our living areas are very neutral, so I chose to add a bright pop of color and carried it throughout the spaces.

In our basement, we have our “traditional” family tree with all of our personal and sentimental ornaments.  My daughter prefers the “traditional” Christmas colors of reds and greens so I continued the same color palatte down there.

Hopefully, there were some helpful ideas for you here today!

Happy decorating!

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