Working with your Establishing Decor

It seems like every year when the holidays roll around, my kids are thrilled to pull out all the stops and turn our house into Santa’s Workshop. But what about all that work I’ve put into getting our house to look just-so? How am I supposed to fit in all those decorations with the decor we sport the other eleven months of the year? It can be a real challenge to decorate for the holidays so that everything comes together in a festive way without clashing with the remaining decor.

Every year when we pull out the Christmas decorations, it seems we have tripled our collection. Between parties, gifts, crafts and shopping, it is way too easy to build up a huge stash of holiday ornaments, knick-knacks and fanfare without noticing how they may or may not suit your over-all style. While prepping for the holiday season, take some time to think about what your style is, and don’t be afraid to be specific or picky. Browse magazines, blogs, and stores to find decorations that fit in with your color scheme, and come up with a plan. If all those holiday trinkets cluttering your attic don’t mesh with your personal style, don’t be afraid to toss them out (or donate them). Stay true to your style-- regardless of who gave you that hand-painted Santa collection.

If your house is full of bright and lively colors, you can play to your whimsical leanings in your holiday decorations with brightly colored lights, fairies, elves and tinsel. If you favor traditional decor, opt for holiday colors of burgundy, forest green, gold, and silver. White lights and elegant topiaries will accent your established decor with a classic holiday touch.

If your kids want brighter, more playful decorations, don’t feel pressured to sacrifice the decor of your home. Help your kids identify what would help them feel most festive, and let them decorate their rooms for the holidays. Include them in decorating the tree, or, if you choose a more classic tree with conservative, artful trimmings, have a smaller “kids” tree in the playroom for their homemade ornaments.

Don’t forget to shop the sales after the holidays for next year’s decorations, too. Building up a good supply of quality holiday decorations that truly match your style can take time, but it’s so worth it to feel happy with your holiday decorations. Embrace the joy of the season by adding festive touches that complement your style.

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JENNIFER MANGUM AND SUZAN MEREDITH are interior designers with an expertise in creating beautiful spaces for others. They run a successful design business at Redecorate Today serving clients throughout the metro Washington, DC area. You can reach them at redecorate-today.com or 571.333.0222