Christmas is finally approaching, and with it comes one of my favorite things to do, which is to decorate my home for the holiday! And not only my home, but my garden and porch as well. Who says that your Christmas decorations have to be only inside your house? In this article, I'm going to share a few tips and tricks I have picked up on to hopefully inspire you this coming holiday season, as well as share a few trends that are popping up this year.
Lights, lights, Lights!
One of the less fun things about Fall and Winter is the darkness that comes with the seasons. But why should we let that bring the mood down? The good thing about the dark weather is the fact that we can choose how to get rid of it. By using candles, lights and other light sources, we can bring a much more positive and cozy athmosphere to our houses. But why stop there? Hanging a string of lights outside can be the difference between a slightly too dark and unwelcoming garden, and a happy, warm and inviting garden.
Use it on your patio, put it on the ground to create a lightened path, or why not in your trees? And when the snow starts falling, a string of lights can transform your garden into a winter wonderland.
And using string lights indoors is something I have done for years. It can really help certain spaces get the light needed to bring that cozy feeling. Or why not pin them up on the top edge of your wall?
Scented candles is also a game changer when it comes to bringing that cozy feeling to your home. It brings a pleasant scent to your home while also lighting up the enviroment. If you choose to have a artificial tree, choosing a pine-scented candle can bring that lovely Christmas tree scent into your home that was missing before. Or why not go with a classic, like cinnamon, to really bring that classic, warm scent of freshly baked goods to your home?
So what I'm trying to say with this paragraph, is that lights really make a difference during the darker months. It spreads warmth, joy and a sense of coziness to your home, and who doesn't want that?
Mix traditional, handmade and new
When Christmas comes around, I look forward to finally digging up all my old Christmas ornaments. Each and everyone of them tell it's own story, and is special in it's own way. But sometimes, we want to add new things to our old traditions, and there's nothing wrong with that! I feel like the perfect Christmas decorations are the ones we choose together, and with new decorations, we can create new memories together.
Handmade ornaments really have their charm and history, from the ones you made in kindergarden, or the ones you felt inspired to make something you saw on a blog or social media. Those ornaments truly mean a lot to us, and deserve their place in your home.
When it comes to traditional pieces, a must have for me is the Swedish Christmas deer. Made from straw and tied together with a ribbon. This is one of my favorite traditional Christmas decorations, and really brings that Christmas feeling home for me.
But outside of the nordics, it is pretty much nonexistent. Instead, Christmas stockings might be the thing that you associate with Christmas more than anything. But they are getting more and more popular in the nordics every year. Why not incorporate something you haven't had in your home before, it will not only look good, but can also be a real conversation starter.
And the trend this year seems to be retro, so it is the perfect time to really bring out those traditional and retro pieces.
I like mixing traditional, handmade and new ornaments and decoration for these reasons. It really makes your home feel just the way you want it.
Be creative with your decorations
Sometimes, we do things a certain way because that's how we've always done it. For example, tinsel and ornaments in the Christmas tree, a rug underneath and other knick-knacks placed around the house.
But why not try something new this year? For example, that santa claus patterned rug you always put under your tree can be used as a tablecloth, to create a lovely, new type of table setting. And why not add ornaments to your house plants? In my opinion, the more ornaments, the merrier. Try using tinsel as curtain ties, and attach some christmas balls to the ends. It will give a bit of extra sparkle to any room. You can also try the trend of putting your Christmas tree in a basket! You will still need a Christmas tree stand, but it can really change the vibe of the room.
You can also try having a theme with your decorations, either for all rooms or decorating different rooms in different ways. Try the scandinavian style, of muted colorways in beige, white and light green, for a more modern and minimalistic style.
Try going retro, by digging out those timeless pieces, and chose a classic red and green style with brown and white accents. And maybe add something using traditional materials, such as jute or glass.
Or follow another trend, and go maximalist with bright and bold colors, strong reds and greens, ornaments everywhere and anywhere, and lots of glitter!
Basically, bring Christmas into your whole house, in unexpected ways.
Bring flowers and plants into your home
Just because the garden season outside is over, doesn't mean you have to abandon all gardening for the year. There are a few plants that really bring that Christmas feeling inside, such as poinsietta, hyacinth and amaryllis.
Or try something new and get a Christmas cactus!
But flowers aren't the only plants that have a strong connection with Christmas. Why not try a smaller, potted spruce or firn, and put up some tinsel or Christmas ornaments in it? Using flowers and plants to decorate your home during the holidays can really liven up you home, and also extends the planting joy of the summer.
It can also be the perfect gift to bring to Christmas parties, holiday events and even as a secret santa gift. You can never go wrong with flowers or plants!
These are just a few new ways to decorate your home this Christmas, do you have any other tips or tricks? Comment your favorite creative way to decorate down below!
