20 CHRISTMAS DECORATING IDEAS FOR EXTRA STYLISH SEASONAL CHEER

Vancouver Realtor-Carmen Leal

The holidays are meant to be a time to enjoy precious moments spent with family and friends, but all too often we find ourselves rushing to decorate our homes perfectly. The good news is a few garlands of evergreens, a colorful wreath in the window, or an arrangement of simple votives flickering on the mantel can create an abundance of cheer. Here are some quick and easy ways to make your home stylish and festive.

1.  Start with the dinner table

The easiest way to test out dramatic holiday decor is on your table. Dress up a dinner party with lush garland, silver candle holders, and wood chargers. Complete each setting with golden flatware and a cinnamon stick.

Vancouver Realtor-Carmen Leal

2. Make white your base color

 The white fur tree dressing, white walls, and plenty of fake snow make for a wintery wonderland, and make the bold pops of red even more dazzling.

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3. Gift with Greenery

Ditch the usual ribbon and top your gift with a pretty piece of greenery. It's an unexpected but beautifully rustic look.

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4. Decorate Every Nook and Cranny

Don't reserve your best Christmas decor for the living room, let the festivities overflow into every part of the house. This entryway makes sure you get in the holiday spirit the second you walk in the door, with evergreen clippings, pine cones, and a cozy hanging blanket.

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5. Opt for Modern Ornaments

Give your tree a fun, minimalist twist with geometric gold ornaments, like this one. 

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6. Use Presents as Decor

Why spend all that time on wrapping gifts to perfection if you aren't going to show them off? Line your staircase with presents in various fun patterns for a simple but chic decor idea.

Vancouver Realtor-Carmen Leal

7. Go Vintage

Make use of your favorite antiques by styling them for the holiday season. In this living room the sled was an incredible vintage find and the burlap sack filled with Christmas tree clippings adds a rustic touch.

Vancouver Realtor-Carmen Leal

8. Use Wallpaper as Fancy Wrapping Paper

It's a bit of an investment, but if you have an especially important gift to wrap, use wallpaper. "More expensive, but, there are amazing pattern options. The wallpaper is a much stronger weight than regular wrapping paper, so there are never any issues with the paper tearing.

Vancouver Realtor-Carmen Leal

9. Go Natural

Take inspiration from nature for your decorating scheme. Use fresh evergreen boughs, garlands and wreaths combined with in-season citrus like lemons, tangerines and oranges. It will give your home a beautiful natural look, and it smells heavenly.

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10. Don't be Afraid of  Artificial Trees

If a real tree leaves a mess in your living room, don't feel married to it. Besides, artificial trees often have wires that are easy to curve and bend to better hold ornaments. Miss the scent of pine? A few scented candles (just not too close to the tree!) should do the job.

Vancouver Realtor-Carmen Leal

11. Stage a Holiday 'Shelfie'

Shelves beg to be a holiday vignette, so turn your attention toward organizing them with seasonal cheer. Use your bookshelves as an opportunity to inject a bit of holiday flair. Mix in bowls of ornaments, tabletop trees and other holiday accents into your bookshelves for the ultimate holiday 'shelfie'. 

Vancouver Realtor-Carmen Leal

12. Add Sparkle to Unexpected Places

Deviate from the norm when it comes to hanging your outdoor lights. Try draping them around trellis, birdbaths and other landscaping features to illuminate your yard/balcony - not just your house. (If you live in a warm climate, this also makes for gorgeous outdoor entertaining.)

Vancouver Realtor-Carmen Leal

13. Don't Shy from Green Decor

If filling bowls with pine cones is beginning to get boring, check crafts and home stores for natural ornaments, and display them with seasonal greenery. Added perk: The greenery, such as pine needles, will add a fresh aroma to the room.

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14.  Go For The Glitz

Accent a neutral color scheme with gold. For holiday decorating, I love incorporating natural elements, lights (candles or simple Christmas lights) and a little gold (be it in the ribbons, ornaments or objects). Magnolia leaves are always a favorite of mine, especially in wreaths strewn with beautiful gold ribbon. These make for an elegant statement and you can add some great glass pieces or ornaments to really make it gleam.

Vancouver Realtor-Carmen Leal

15. Give A Little Quirk

Add an unexpected element to your traditional decor scheme. With Christmas decorating, you have to give it a little quirk... a little personality. One thing which always stirs conversation is hanging ornaments from chandeliers. It's easy to do and adds some great color to the room.

Vancouver Realtor-Carmen Leal

16. Seasons Greetings

Looking for a clever way to display the holiday cards that come your way? Use clips or clothespins to string them along the staircase.

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17. Beautify a Bar Cart

Gilded accessories and pretty bottles of your favorite alcohol will look decadent and festive when left on display during the holiday season. And when an impromptu visitor comes to your door, you’re ready to entertain.

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18. Color Play

Opt for non-traditional colors. Instead of the typical red-and-green palette, mix metals with retro elements, like the pair of little gold votive lamps.

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19. Try On Some Tassels

Hang red and green tassels on your doors, desk, and chest of drawers. They're a finishing touch that's totally budget-friendly.

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20. Treat-Filled Cornucopias

Little paper cones overflowing with truffles? Yes, please! The decorations double as easy party favors for guests - or a welcome treat for Santa.

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Please share your Christmas Decoration Ideas in the comment below or on my social media.

Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area!   604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

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