Top 2015 Holiday Decorating Trends + Tips For Your Home

The thought of the holidays can feel overwhelming on top of the chaotic lifestyles we live throughout the rest of the year.

That being said, why do we still take the time to decorate our home for the holiday season?

Although the idea of putting up decorations can be daunting, the holiday season is a time to bring family and friends together, and also a time to be more giving to one another.

No matter the holiday you’re celebrating, the memories, rituals and traditions are what keep the holiday season alive.

For some it encapsulates the magic and nostalgia of the season, which makes it worth all the stress and running around.

It is important to understand it is not about making your space impressive or expensive, rather to make it memorable and special in celebrating the holiday tradition.

HOLIDAY DÉCOR CHANGES YEAR TO YEAR. HERE ARE A FEW TRENDS FOR 2015:

Winter Wonderland
It is all about layering in various shades of white, texture and sparkle. You can create a monotone elegant finish, or blend with champagne and/or soft tones such as mint green or pale blue. Elements such as clear and frosted glass, acrylics, icicle decorations, and traditional shaped ornaments are incorporated.

Blue Royal Glam
Create a warmer palette and regal elegance with blue hues and bright gold’s. Use every shade of blue, from pale, turquoise and navy, accented with frosted decoration, champagnes, warm metallic, and browns.

Nature’s Beauty
Bring the outdoors in by creating a textural nature theme. Add natural woods, wood finishes, flowers, and textured fabrics such as burlap. Light wood tones combined with white or darker wood tones with woodland animals such as owls, squirrels and foxes in tones of natural browns and winter whites. Traditional reds and green can be incorporated for a warmer glow.

TO GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE SEASON WE PRESENT OUR TOP 5 TIPS ON HOW TO DECORATE FOR THE HOLIDAYS:

1. CHOOSE A PALETTE
Choose a colour scheme. Keep in mind using 2-3 colours in your palette will make the space look perfectly pulled together. Experiment with colours, you can always change it up when you get bored of the look.

2. BRING THE OUTDOORS IN
Incorporate wood elements and greenery such as garland and trees within the interior space. Adding natural elements will create warmth and bring the fresh scent of evergreens. Don’t be afraid to add some glitter to this look!

3. LIGHT IT UP
Add a twinkle to the season with light. Lighting is one of the most important aspects to holiday decorating. Clear lights add an elegant touch to any greenery part of the décor without taking centre stage. Another way to incorporate lighting is through candles, whether real or fake. The flickering light brings about a festive mood.

4. MAKE IT WELCOMING
Create a warm welcome and spread cheer in your neighbourhood.  Decorating the exterior of your home is just as important as the interior.

Here are a few festive ideas to add to the exterior of your home:

Hang a wreath – Fresh or dry, add embellishments that will compliment your colour scheme.
Drape Garland – Add garland on railings or draped across the entrance.
Pots/Urns – Flank your door with potted greenery.
Ornaments – Decorate any small trees with a single colour ornament.
Lights – Add lights to your home on greenery and through lanterns with battery operated candles.

5. GET THE PARTY STARTED!
Break out the China and shine the stemware. There is no better time to use your special tableware then during the holiday season. Here are some tips on bringing the festive joy to your guests:

Table Trimmings + Setting the Ambience Just Right

1. Incorporate your home’s colour scheme into your table décor – stick with two to three colours.
2. Add natural elements such as twigs, leaves, and pine cones.
3. Add some glamour to your table with ornaments, flowers and candles.
4. Place extra ornaments in a vases to add some colour or hang them from your chandelier.
5. Tree ornaments can be used on the table and not limited to just the tree.
6. Do something special for your guests; add crackers or other favours with a name tag on each setting.
7. Bring sparkle by using candles and holders with mirrors; be sure the candles are not scented.
8. Centre pieces to be at a height that guests can see each other from across the table.
9. Use a table cloth that matches your colour scheme or use a runner with place mates.
10. Add a punch of colour with chargers under your dinner plates.
11. Take out the silver wear, crystal or add a splash of colour with coloured glasses.
12. Have Christmas music playing softly in the background.

Create Your Own Mini Bar
Holidays bring people together, for this reason you may have unexpected guests dropping in for a visit, be prepared and setup a station for drinks. Add decorations that fit the theme of the rest of the house and make the bar apart of the holiday season decor. Also, consider changing up the usual beer and wine and create a more festive feel, offer guests special holiday cocktails or Champagne. Don’t forget to pull out the nice stemware!

Happy Holidays! Happy Decorating!