Christmas celebrations always convey a certain magic and serenity. In fact, they are synonymous with a break from any daily hustle and bustle. Cities are lit up like never before, and store windows sparkle with themed decorations and ornaments.
To give our home the right Christmas and holiday tone as well, we can decorate it with anything that reminds us of the holidays and the joy of experiencing them, in keeping with tradition and in harmony with the decor of our home.
In this article we will give you some tips on how to decorate your home for Christmas and make it cozy throughout the holiday season. In addition, we will see some ideas of Christmas decorations that can be easily applied in any environment.
Tips for creating the right Christmas atmosphere
We must first consider that no matter what kind of decorations we choose, the house will change its appearance for about a month. In fact, the canonical Christmas season runs from December 8 to January 6. Therefore, in order not to get bored with festive decorations too soon, we need to think of a Christmas look in line with the style of the room to be decorated while trying, while respecting traditions, not to weigh it down too much.
Therefore, in decorating a house for Christmas, both the choice of decorations and their arrangement in the room are rather important steps to achieve an optimal result.
To avoid mistakes or unsatisfactory outcomes, it would be more appropriate to first study the exact area to be decorated (near the fireplace, a corner of the living room, etc.), the type of decoration to be included (Christmas tree, candles, lanterns, etc.), and what style the decorations should have overall to be in harmony with the surrounding décor.
A final piece of advice is not to go overboard with decorations. Better a few Christmas decorations taken care of in every small detail than a house filled with decorations in bulk and without harmony.
Decorating home for Christmas: symbols of tradition
Christmas, whether marked by religious faith or more pagan customs, is represented by typical decorations, objects and colors, which are themselves symbols of Christmas.
DECORATE WITH MISTLETOE
It is a bushy evergreen shrub with oblong leaves and red berries. Although all parts of the mistletoe plant are toxic, in addition to herbal purposes, it is also grown for ornamental and decorative purposes.
Traditionally, mistletoe sprigs have been considered good luck and good wishes. The custom of giving each other a kiss under the mistletoe to greet the arrival of the New Year is widespread.
To add a touch of originality or to fit better into the environment, we can decorate the mistletoe sprigs with gold or silver paint, or weave the sprigs with ribbons (red, gold, silver).
Where to place mistletoe?
Traditionally, arrangements (most often wreaths) are created with mistletoe branches and hung on the front door so that the whole house can benefit from the good wishes it conveys. Or, small arrangements with mistletoe we can use for our Christmas or New Year’s table settings. For example, you can create candle holders, place cards, or we can use mistletoe as a component of a more complex floral arrangement to be placed in the center of the table.
DECORATING WITH CANDLES
When you have to create a magical atmosphere, you cannot miss candles. In all shapes and sizes, candles are capable of bringing warmth, just the right amount of romance, and instilling a sense of serenity and joy to their surroundings.
Where to place Christmas candles?
Candles can be placed in themed candelabras or candle holders, or placed inside a lantern that reflects the style of the room (great for shabby chic and Provençal).
If we have a fireplace certainly a few candles on the top shelf and the bottom shelf doesn’t hurt, or we place them near the tree. In the living area, we can place a few candles on the coffee table as well.
Finally, a Christmas table, or one set to greet the new year, cannot do without a warm, joyful and romantic atmosphere, which only candles can instill.
Read this article if you want more ideas for creating atmosphere with candles.
THE CHRISTMAS TREE
Traditionally, it is the star of every Christmas. So how to choose a Christmas tree and decorate it according to the environment in which it will be placed? Just follow some simple rules.
If the tree is to comply with a shabby chic or provençal style, we can aim for the prevalence of soft colors (the white, ivory, pink, silver, wisteria, teal, etc.) and natural colors. Therefore, we opt for a Christmas tree with branches and leaves in a light shade (white, silver) and with light-colored decorations, perhaps even in transparent material. Some white lanterns and a few silver candles will complete the festive atmosphere.
While, in a modern setting we can opt for a tree in Nordic or Scandinavian style , with dark green branches and leaves and minimal decorations. Also worth considering are eco-friendly decorations, perhaps made from natural materials(cork, wood, etc.) and essential lines.
If the decor of our home has a classic style, the Christmas tree should also reflect the same style. Then, green branches and leaves with traditional red and gold decorations. A touch of tartan wouldn’t go amiss.
MORE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
There are numerous Christmas decorations from which we can choose. For example, stars (comets and otherwise), bells, hearts, bows made with ribbons, Santas with reindeer and sleigh, as well as anything reminiscent of the winter season such as snow crystals (very common and particularly evocative).
Among the flowers, besides mistletoe, poinsettias are always welcome. In either case, it is always best to opt for cool and use plastic solutions only if strictly necessary.
Decorating home for Christmas: colors
The traditional colors of Christmas are red and gold, combined with the green of fir and mistletoe. As we have seen, this is a particularly suitable solution for a classic environment.
Even if you prefer to opt for something modern and more in keeping with the style of the decor where the Christmas decorations will be placed, remember that red is a symbol of rebirth and love. So, maybe it will not be the prevalent color, however, try to somehow include it among the decorations for Christmas, but especially for New Year’s Eve (I remind you that the color red is auspicious).
White is always on trend, a symbol of purity, reminiscent of snow and easy to match in any context. For example, if you want to opt for a Scandinavian-style Christmas tree, a few white or silver decorations on a fir tree with green branches and leaves is an elegant solution and does not weigh down the environment in which it is placed.
More challenging colors, such as green, purple or blue, can be paired easily with gold, silver and white. Also very interesting is the combination with natural colors such as beige, ivory and brown.
Conclusions
So if you decide to decorate your home for Christmas in order to make it more pleasant and cozy, just follow a few simple rules. Remember that it is essential to plan in good time the spaces to be occupied and decorated, as well as to choose carefully the decorations best suited to the environment to be adorned.
Happy decorating and … merry Christmas!
