Five Things Every Home Needs for the Holidays

Decorating for the holidays can be a tricky feat, with a fine line separating classy and chintzy. It may be hard to determine exactly which items to draw out from the back of your custom storage closet, and with such expert organization it is tempting to leave them all in their place. But, don’t let fear trump your holiday spirit. Follow our simple rules to make sure your home looks festive while maintaining its sophistication.

1 – A Simple Wreath

For chic and glamorous door décor, simply hang a basic wreath, perhaps with Christmas lights or red berries to accent. Bows and bells are a thing of the past, and scream department store Christmas. The trick is to add subtle decorations around the house, creating a festive atmosphere while avoiding anything too store-bought or cheesy. What succulents are to a summer suaré a good, basic wreath is to a Christmas party.

2 – White Christmas Lights

There is something about Christmas lights that are effortlessly romantic, adding a festive charm to every home. Colored lights can seem out-of-place in your expertly decorated abode, better left for toy stores and college dorm rooms. Go for a white string to let everyone know that your taste doesn’t go out the window with the arrival of Christmas. Bonus points if you choose a non-traditional bulb for an added rustic charm.

3 – Cranberries

The ultimate Christmas berry, cranberries are the perfect way to spruce up your home without going overboard. Alluding to the holiday season without appearing overtly “Christmasy”, Cranberries add a dose of winter with a sophisticated touch. Put branches in a vase to create a seasonal replacement for fresh flowers, or create a wreath to hang above the fireplace.

4 – Candles Galore

You can never have too many candles at Christmas time. White, red, gold, silver, or blue, any color will work as festive décor. Whether it harkens back to candle-lit churches or simply generates illusions of warmth, candles work year round, but are a necessity when decorating for the holidays. Fill an unused fireplace with white candles or create a display incorporating holly and ornaments. Either way, you are sure to class-up your Christmas.

5 – Metallic Paint and Glitter

And when all else fails, simply add paint. We swoon over a gold accent year-round, but December is the time to go crazy. Transform your Halloween pumpkins into Thanksgiving and Christmas décor. Paint your candles, fruit, even leaves gold and silver. And when you’ve warmed to your newly metallic home, it may be time to add glitter. The perfect decoration for any Christmas card or holiday china, you can even use glue and sparkles to adorn a bottle of champagne for a quick and easy hostess gift.