We often put countless time, effort, and money into decorating for the holidays only to put it all away in a month or so. This is particularly true when it comes to styling our homes for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The celebrations are so close together that we barely get a moment to take in and appreciate all the seasonal decor we selected and staged to perfection. Have no fear; The Colella Design Team has the much-needed solution to this annual problem.
Instead of decorating for just Thanksgiving or just Christmas, use these five easy-to-implement tips to neutralize your decor so it can easily transition from one holiday to the next, or even better, be used for both!
Here’s how you can transition your Thanksgiving decor into Christmas:
- Play With Pillow Covers – Changing pillow covers—particularly in a well-worn area like the family or living room—is an easy, affordable, and effective way to add holiday cheer to any given space. That’s because you can subtly introduce new colors, patterns, and textures, which is helpful around the holidays when you don’t want to change your core aesthetic but do want to embellish it a bit. Select neutral colors like whites and creams in warm textures like thick cable knits to ensure the pillow covers can easily transition from holiday to holiday.
- Explore Other Color Schemes – Do not bind yourself to traditional holiday colors. Instead, let neutrals like tan, beige, white, grey, and black be the foundation for all your decorating. These color choices not only allow you to transition between the holidays but from one season to the next! For instance, you might stage a tablescape with simple glassware, neutral linens, and a rustic pinecone place card holder for Thanksgiving. After Thanksgiving is over, you could place the pinecones in a large frosted vase to complement your Christmas decor!
- Add Natural, Woodland Touches – Along with using neutral colors, try bringing in more natural design elements. Deck the halls with lots of greenery by hanging wreaths and draping garlands. Then, stage woodland decor like stumps and raw branches on side tables, bookshelves, or the mantel. There is no wrong place or way to introduce new color, texture, and warmth to your holiday design when you’re using natural, foraged pieces. If you want to use the same greens for Thanksgiving and Christmas, consider using versatile leaves like dark magnolia and silver dollar eucalyptus rather than the traditional pine and spruce.
- Get Creative With Kraft Paper – Although you can be creative and resourceful with all of your seasonal decorations, we love when there are opportunities to reuse or recycle. Instead of throwing away any kraft or butcher paper, repurpose it! The dark brown paper makes for a warm, rustic, customizable table runner at Thanksgiving and can be reimagined as Christmas wrapping paper as soon as Black Friday arrives!
- Carefully Select and Style Candles – Instead of reaching for pumpkin spice and evergreen scented candles, look for options that aren’t specifically tied to one holiday. Crisp apple, mulled cider, cranberry, cinnamon, and clove are scents that evoke the holiday spirit but can be used throughout winter. Set them out as a stylized part of your tablescape, mantel decor, or coffee table, and their soft glow will create an added sense of warmth for you and your guests.
There you have it, five tips to help your holiday decor do double duty! Do you need more guidance on how to transition your Thanksgiving decorations into Christmas? Contact Decorating Den today for your free design consultation.
