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Adorn your outdoor kitchen, decks and porches.
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Take some cuttings from your yard and mix magnolia, pine cones, branches and other greenery into your decorating scheme.
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Rose quartz and serenity blue are softer, non-traditional holiday colors.
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Make your own gift tags using watercolors to make your gifts unique.
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Photography by Bruce Nelson Photography
Brandeis Short and Adrianne Bugg of Pillar & Peacock.
Santa may sport the same look year after year, but that doesn’t mean your holiday décor has to stay as traditional as the jolly old elf. Tired of the same tired red and green decorations you’ve been dragging out of the attic for years? Deck the halls, walls and maybe even your own corner of the great outdoors with our suggestions for new ways to spruce up for the holidays.
Keep it Real
We love the look of décor that is natural, using the bounty of Mother Nature to make the house feel festive. Take some cuttings from your yard and mix magnolia, pine cones, branches and other greenery into your decorating scheme. Evergreen clippings and herbs are easy to shape into wreaths and swags and arrange on a mantle or table.
Add color and interest to your greenery by mixing in fruits, such as oranges, apples, pomegranates and pineapple. Children love to help string cranberries, which can then be used with greenery or on the tree.
Mix it Up
Play with using non-traditional Christmas colors. For example, get away from red and green and try one of the gorgeous new trends. Popular this year are softer colors like rose quartz and serenity blue. Think rose and gray or gold, and maybe mix in a little eggplant or fig—a deep purple shade. That said, make sure to coordinate with your home’s current palette, keeping the color scheme consistent throughout the house.
Make Your Own
If you’re the type who’s handy at crafts, take the extra few minutes to make your own gift tag or add color to a textured paper for wrapping. Watercolors are of the moment and are a great way to make your gift wrap unique.
Don’t Forget the Staircase
So often, the staircase is the grandest element of a home’s entryway, so don’t ignore it. Instead, decorate with evergreens, rosemary, magnolia or any kind of fresh garland to make it special. The bonus? A fragrant aroma every time you climb the stairs.
Embrace Outdoor Living Space for Décor
Even though it may be cold outside, don’t forget to adorn your outdoor kitchen, decks and porches. You can likely see them from inside your house, and if you have an outdoor fireplace, the area can be utilized for décor and holiday parties.
Brandeis Short and Adrianne Bugg are Pillar and Peacock, an interior design firm in Irvington focusing on design that reflects your story. Located in The Shops at Trick Dog, 4353 Irvington Road. 10am - 5pm, Monday- Friday or by appointment. pillarandpeacock.com