Home Style for the Holidays

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Home Style for the Holidays

Interior designer Marie Bishop's advice for making "all things merry and bright!"

The season is upon us... and after the year we’ve had, it’s time to reflect, take stock and celebrate. It’s a time to be mindful of others in our community, enjoy the connections we have with our neighbours and friends and gather together with our families. And even though this year they may be smaller, rest assured, there will be gatherings.

Whether you’re over the top with your Christmas décor or you’re a minimalist, there are numerous ways to make your home a warm and magical place for the holidays. The tree is usually the traditional centrepiece, but there are so many other areas where you can showcase your style and creativity.

Simply placing candles, pine or fir boughs and pine comes in various areas of your home will add a feeling of holiday warmth.

Start with a white linen table cloth, then add groups of three or five white pillar candles down the centre of the table (the battery operated ones with remote control are best). Vary the heights by using white or crystal candle sticks, leaving some sitting on the table, preferably in tall glass vases. The more reflective items there are the better.

Use a sparse garland of cedar or pine woven around the candles. Add touches of white florals, such as white versions of poinsettias, roses, carnations etc. If it’s a setting you plan to keep on display for a week or two, it’s best to use artificial flowers unless you’re good with replacing them every three or four days. Then add groups of small white, silver or gold ornaments throughout, or choose another colour (such as green or red) as the accent and add touches of that. White linen napkins wrapped around the cutlery on white china plates, with water and wine glasses to the side, finish off the look. If white isn’t your china colour, use your accent colour for plates and napkins to give that sophisticated, yet whimsical look.

Rustic, natural, neutral or glam - decide on your look and then run with it. For instance, your dining table: nothing feels more magical than a visual invitation to sit and enjoy a holiday meal with loved ones in whimsical surroundings. It's easy to create an enchanting winter wonderland setting where you can showcase a fabulous meal and relax for the evening with your guests.

Depending on the size of your table you can always add more accessories, such as glass or acrylic reindeer, snowflakes, silver trees...anything that will add more glitz and sparkle. Once the chandelier light is dimmed and the candles are lit, your table will glow and your guests will linger.

A wreath for your door is a given as entrances are a great place to welcome the warmth of the season. If you have a seat or bench, a seasonal toss cushion, comfy throw, stuffed teddy bear and even a Christmas storybook evoke childhood memories. If there’s a table in your entrance, create a Christmas vignette to add whimsy. Poinsettias, pine cones, a few candles and the jolly old man himself, all placed on a round serving tray offer a tidy seasonal greeting. You could add a few vintage ornaments or Christmas cards from years gone by to showcase holiday memories.

Any small side or console table in the house is another excellent place to paint a holiday scene, and this can be repeated in several places. Three or four small boxes wrapped in brown paper and trimmed with plaid ribbon, a sprig of fir or pine tucked into the ribbon and a few candles will brighten a dark corner with Christmas delight.

Whatever your decorating style, remember to enjoy the holidays. Don’t get overwhelmed by your to-do list; buy cookies instead of baking them; use gift bags instead of wrapping paper, or let your locally owned retailer wrap for you. One of the advantages of buying local – most offer the wrapping service for free. Reconsider your gift choices. Friends would probably rather an invitation to coffee or lunch than an object they really don’t need.

As this most unusual year draws to a close, stay safe, and enjoy your friends and families this holiday season.

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