This year, I’ve intentionally done less around the house for Christmas. And, I actually like it more. A few weeks ago, I got out all of my Christmas magazine issues from the last several years (pretty much the only magazines I’m saving anymore) and looked through them for some new inspiration for this year’s decorations.
What I kept noticing was that the houses I loved best had very simple greenery, a paper garland here or there, clipped branches and a few wreaths throughout—just a little touch of Christmas in each room without being over the top.
In year’s past, I’ve turned toward catalogs (Wisteria, Pottery Barn, West Elm, etc.) for decorating inspiration where every nook and cranny is decked out. I still think it’s nice, but there’s something that seems all too much about it for our house right now. (Maybe the chaos that’s already going on here on a daily basis?) Of course, I know they’re trying to sell product so there’s merchandising involved, but there are definitely those that decorate their houses in the same way. (Some are really beautiful, I might add.)
What about you? Do you lean more toward the magazine- or catalog-style Christmas decorating?
My house could be a Christmas catalog, ha ha! I do love the look of the simpler décor too, but I have so many nativity sets and Santas from over the years that are sentimental that I have to bring them all out each year. Our house has 3 floors, so we have 3 trees- one on each floor, and we hang ornaments from our stair banister. We also have 6 kids, so our mantel is filled with stockings. I agree that sometimes there is too much of a good thing and homes/yards can look tacky, but I also think beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Merry Christmas!
I agree. (And, I always wish I had more nativity sets when it’s time to decorate…But, I can never remember that in July!)
:)
That’s an interesting way to look at it. I lean more toward the magazine style; for my own house, I like the simpler little touches.
Definitely vote for magazine type of decorator. One tree and little garland or greenery here and there to give the feel of the holidays. I think this is mostly because we do a lot of traveling over Christmas and I never feel like going crazy if we will not even be home. I do think if we had plans to be home or have a holiday party I could totally get caught up in the decorating.
This year I am leaning more toward simplifying and for the first time I’m not pouring over catalogs and magazines for ideas. I have searched the internet for an idea on how to style the dining table with a winter scene as center stage. Needed some images and went from there. Love the laser cut village from crate and barrel which inspired me this year.
I love both, I’ve been in homes that are “catalog”, some are show homes, others are because it’s what the host or hostess loves to do, decorate for Christmas! It’s beautiful, but it takes so much thought and work! I prefer the “magazine” style these days, simple touches are all it takes to bring the merriment of the season.
For Christmas decorating, I’m inspired by bloggers (like you!) who seem to understand the demands on time and budget! I really, really appreciate when my favorite blogs show simple, elegant touches that add a lovely amount of Christmas. I think everyone needs that permission to do what works for them so they can have time to ENJOY the season and not just “work.” Thank you so much for doing what you do! Merry Christmas!
I am hooked on pillow covers this year and the blame goes to catalogs and magazines. But my excuse is “they are my gifts to myself.” I noticed bloggers has used lots of greenery in their decor. I guess if I were entertaining, I would cut some back yard cedar branches for that day, but no way would I cope with the shedding throughout the season. Faux branches work well, but you need to hit the after Christmas sales to counteract their high prices.
Less is More! That’s my motto when it comes to Christmas decor. Our home will be on our Community Holiday Tour and I am predicting a lot of guests will expect more than my restrained decorations. We have a large, live, 9 foot flocked tree in the Great Room. It’s adorned with gold ribbon and gold ball ornaments. Period! On my mantel I have a Santa dessed in white with a gold sleigh filled with gold balls. Other than bowls of gold balls on a couple of tables, that’s it! I’m hoping the “guests” aren’t too upset I didn’t recreate a Christmas shop!!!
We scaled back our Christmas decor this year so that we only have the tree, the fireplace (which just has our stockings and a basket of Christmas books on the hearth), and the nativity. Oh, and a wreath on the door. :) It still feels festive, but it took less time, and I know I’ll be happy about that when it’s time to pack it all away.
I like to look at other’s who decorate catalog style with all the bells and whistles but personally I’m more about the magazine style, less is more, and it seems the older I get the less I put out. I personally like all the items you like, to me it’s become more about making my home extra cozy, candles, greenery and extra pretty blankets and a nice roaring fire with a good cup of coffee and/or hot chocolate. Having a 16 year old and a 2 year old I’m all about holding onto the memories with the oldest and creating ones for the little one!
I prefer magazine, but alas I have two little helpers so am ending up catalog this year (again). They love the whimsical stuff so out it comes. Once it does it does make me feel happy.
This year I fall in the category, no decor Christmas decorator. LOL. We are moving in two months and spending the holidays in Sweden. There however things tend to be super simple, candles in the windows and some evergreens from outside. And the random quirky wooden Santa claus. Since we are moving in February in to a new house we are gut renovating I’m looking forward to really exploring Cali Christmas decor, wondering what that will be?
Where does everyone store everything? Simpler here but I don’t if that is really true. Garland on the staircase (fake), mantle done in the family room with fresh greens, outside has to be lit, fresh cut tree in the living room, done. All decor stored in 6 plastic boxes, 2 for outside, 4 for inside and I still don’t use everything. Still want to simplify some more.
I just went through my BHG from Christmas last year too. I took some photos to pin of the first home you shared above, as well, I loved how simple it was.
The man on the sofa with the dog is a friend of mine named Jon Carloftis. He’s a nationally recognized landscaper. His dog’s name is Lily.
Neither! I kind of just do what feels right for me each year. I am doing less and less, and try to zero in on strategic spots like the tree, mantel entry door and porch. I like the less is more but I will have to admit with a 17 ft long mantel less just looks a bit too sparse. It is a lot of territory to cover. ,
Kathysue
I love that you still look at magazines for inspiration and to hone in on your own aesthetic. Sometimes I feel as if designers just know this kind of stuff intuitively! I say I’d tend towards magazine but my own home is definitely not anything close to being magazine worthy! Catalogs are great for giving ideas you might not have thought about before and some things to keep an eye out for the next time you’re in a discount store.
I had the same thoughts this year. I purposely decorated with a lighter touch, using mostly natural or nature-inspired accents. It feels so much cozier than going overboard. You’ve written another post that I can totally relate to!
Less is more for me this year. With 3 small kids it’s just easier. I have our main tree decorated the way I like in the living room (minus the missing ornaments from the bottom, thanks to the baby). Then we have a small tree in the older boys’ room for their “fun” ornaments, and I have a small tree in the dining room for our advent ornaments. I have one nativity set on my mantle, and then we have a fisher price out for the kids to play with. With all the stress of life and small kids, I just couldn’t handle over-doing Christmas this year. I think a simple look is calming which is just what I need in this season of chaos :) I did set out a few Christmasy things here and there, but not too much.
Happy Holidays, Emily! I was so happy to read your post about decorating for Christmas, because I have been struggling BIG TIME with what to do in our home this year…less is more? more is more? I’ve been looking at so many holiday home tours on various blogs and if anything can make you doubt what you’ve done or haven’t done…it’s those tours! Don’t get me wrong…I love the tours and I love the homes that those ladies have put together, but it takes a real effort on my part to realize that what works for them doesn’t necessarily work for me and for my home. I guess I would say I look at magazines, catalog and blogs for inspiration, but I try not to lose sight of who I am and what my style is in the midst of all of it…even though it’s so easy to do!
Amen sister! I think I’m a less is more kind of gal. When I see the catalog images all I think is that’s a whole lot of stuff to have to put away.
Less is definitely more for me this year for sure. I’m not exactly sure why…but I guess I want my family to be the shining stars. This is the first Christmas in four years that we will be together….my oldest son lives in Japan with his lovely wife….and I just don’t want a lot of Christmas clutter around. And, I’m rather liking it…just simple touches are all that is needed! ;)
Totally agree! At this point, I have a real tree and a fake tree up, but they both only have about 10 ornaments and I just don’t really care. Ha. If simple allows me to just enjoy the time with family a bit more, I’m all for it.
I love the coffee table in the first picture. Does the magazine say where it is from? Thanks
Also I used to love catalog spreads but am gradually moving towards the magazine spreads, maybe it is time or maybe it is just less is more, I don’t know.
I’ve been married for 31 years and have amassed only one rubbermaid tub of Christmas decorations. These precious keepsakes say “Christmas” to our family. With our tree (of course), fresh greenery, candles, fresh cranberries. and maybe a homemade gingerbread house our home feels festive, cozy and happy.
I’m definitely in the catalog category. Normally, I question all my decorating decisions, but when it comes to Christmas, I feel confident and love a fully decorated look! I’m hoping I can apply ithat confidence when I pull everything down in a few days and try to decorate for our regular look. Side note: we hosted two parties the first weekend in December. That was hugely motivating in getting the decorating done. I’ve been able to relax and enjoy the holidays because of it. Other years it’s been a dragged out chore, but I work best under pressure and also got to reap the benefits!