Have a Chic Christmas
Lean into tasteful festive decorations
Each year I have a bit of a Christmas decorating theme. Don’t worry, I’m not exactly going to Martha Stewart levels - not even close. I’m less about perfection and more about creating a little sense of magic and getting the kids involved.
I must admit that last year I was just focused on surviving! I was working right up to Christmas Eve on design concepts for a commercial client - this year I will try hard for this not to happen. We try our best don’t we!
I’ve had themes with pink ribbon tied in big bows on the tree. I’ve made wooden garlands from beads from Spotlight. I’ve gone gold, rust and silver. So what should I do this year…?
Red
I have decided to lean into the ‘unexpected red theory’ which is actually totally EXPECTED during the festive season.
Red is a colour we hadn’t seen in interiors for years, but over the past few years it has been creeping in. I’m not talking about a bright red splashback here, it’s more nuanced and mixed with warm wood tones.
I want to lean into red because it feels festive and also leans into Nordic Christmas decorations. But I want to try to keep it kind of chic too. Read on for my recommendations.
Here are my best finds…
I’m loving seeing red and leaning into burgundy. This space by Halleroed in Sweden and this fringing looks like a chic Christmas decoration.
The Table
This vase by HAY lends itself to any season or colour.
A table setting dotted with red and white striped trees would be delightful! And you can grab this cute spray of red berries here.
I adore these dessert plates from WestElm. This elf in a glass by Ichendorf Milano is just too whimsical and cute - it has totally captured my imagination.
The Tree and Around the House
My best friend in primary school lived on a Christmas tree farm. So ever since I can remember we always had a real tree. We would visit her place and she take us to where the ‘good’ trees where and cut it down herself with a saw.
Were these trees full and bushy? No
Were the trees in a perfect ‘tree’ shape. Also no.
But did we just love the smell - yes!
It was magic having a real tree inside. Nothing beats it and at least these days there are some pretty sturdy stands available, not like back in the day when the tree would fall over in the middle of the night!
I am thinking of keeping the tree kind of classic with red and white decorations this year. Although I must admit that nostalgia over rides aesthetics and the decorations from Christmas past end up on the tree anyway!
Tonttu tree decoration in maple wood are handmade in Finland and available from Pappa Sven. They are so authentic and charming.
Ferm Living have some gorgeous tasteful decorations. It might be a good time to order them right now! The Set of 4 Twirl Ornaments and Advent candle both by Ferm Living.
Aren’t these felt creatures charming! They are so sweet and the kids and adults alike adore them. These are handmade in Nepal these decorations are made from from 100% felted wool. From Pappa Sven.
Classic and Festive don’t often cross over, but here you go - the Aalto vase by Iittala manages to do both.
I don’t know about you, but seeing the metal stand of the tree base takes away a bit of the magic. This Tree Ring is well priced from Bed Bath and Table.
I think I found my key tree decoration for 2024! The red and clear stripe of this glass bauble is whimsical and stripes are kind of timeless.
I must admit that the thought has crossed my mind to have more than one tree this year - this 6ft paper tree from Country Road is incredible!
This snow globe is just so pretty and feels really chic.
My kids have one of these beautiful velvet Santa sacks by Kip & Co and I’m sure just it’s me that fully appreciates how lovely they are! The kids only care what’s inside.
And I know it’s a bit kitch - but it’s Christmas! These tea-towels by Ekelunds is the oldest weaving mill in Sweden and from Pappa Sven. They’re so cute!
This was fun and I’m inspired. I’ll show my tree on instagram in December and a few festive touches around the house. Let me know what you think!
It may not be perfectly instagram-worthy, but it will it be so fun and I actually can’t wait.
I hope that you have a beautiful time getting ready for this holiday season!
Lauren