This holiday season, my aim is to truly embrace the spirit of the festivities and savor every moment. December tends to fly by, so I've found that creating meaningful holiday memories requires a bit of intention. One of my most cherished traditions is setting up our home for Christmas.
Today, we're decorating for the holiday, a day I've always looked forward to. Now, as a parent, it's a joy to share this experience with my children, making it extra special. Below, I'll share the straightforward elements that help transform our space into a warm, festive haven. I like to keep things simple, focusing on impactful details: candles, twinkling lights, fresh evergreen branches, and layers of texture. And let's not forget the magic of Christmas music; a few tunes can instantly change the atmosphere.
First, check out the video below where I showcase our holiday decor transformation from top to bottom. Then scroll down for details and links to everything I used.
Our Christmas Tree
Every year, people ask about our tree. It's a grand 12 feet tall, perfect for our high living room ceilings. Although it's artificial, it looks incredibly lifelike. I used to be a die-hard fan of real trees, but after switching to a faux tree due to allergies and our tall ceilings about a decade ago, I'm never going back.
Cable Knit Christmas Stocking Ivory – Wondershop™
Shop NowArtificial trees can be pricey, so it's wise to shop around. Ours is from Frontgate and is the Noble Fir Slim Profile Tree in the 12-foot option.
Fireplace Mantel and Wreath
The mantel is the focal point of our living room, and I enjoy using it to experiment with different decor styles each year. My friend Elle has crafted our mantel's garland and wreath for several seasons now. She owns a business called Gracious Garlands that creates stunning live evergreen decorations. This year, we collaborated to make the Casa Zuma Holiday Wreath featuring fraser fir, cedar, and seeded eucalyptus. We aimed for a natural, California-inspired design, and I can't wait for you to bring it into your homes this year. It's currently on sale.
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This year, I'm opting for a natural, earthy look with abundant evergreen. The centerpiece is a stunning evergreen garland created by Elle, using a variety of greens for added texture and warmth. I love the effect of asymmetry; it lends an artistic touch and looks delightful when hanging the stockings.
Shop NowWe secured the garland to the mantel using command hooks and secured it at multiple points for support. I also wrapped fairy lights around the branches to add a sparkle.
Cozy Accents
I utilize our open shelving next to the fireplace as a dynamic space to showcase my favorite items. During the holidays, I clear a few items to freshen up the area, then I add a handful of festive touches to create a cheerful atmosphere. I prefer to maintain a neutral color scheme that aligns with the rest of the year, ensuring the space remains calm and inviting.
Premium Flickering Flameless Wax Pillar Candles – Textured Birch
Shop NowShop NowDecorating the Front Porch
If you know me, you know I take pride in creating a warm and inviting front door that welcomes guests right when they arrive. Last year, I adorned the door with vibrant red berries, and the year prior drew inspiration from a woodland theme.
Our front door is expansive, so it takes a bold statement to make an impression. I've discovered that focusing on a few large elements works best; it's all about scale. For this year, Elle used evergreen garlands and added pinecones with floral wire for detail. She and her husband Regan secured the garland at various points using command hooks.
Shop NowTo attach the Casa Zuma Holiday Wreath to our door, we used two large suction cups, added wired pinecones, and finished with a sumptuous velvet bow for a charming touch.
Shop NowAnd that's how we transform our home for the holidays. The goal? To create a cozy retreat where we can enjoy hot cocoa by the fire all season long. Decorating the tree, reading classic stories with my kids, and sipping coffee beneath the twinkling lights are what truly capture the holiday spirit for me, resulting in unforgettable moments.
Shop NowWishing you all a wonderful start to this festive season! Embrace the little moments with loved ones and enjoy a joyful holiday.
