HOME STYLING FOR THE HOLIDAYS

PHOTOS BY MAIDEN AND MOON PHOTO CO. BY MEREDITH JOI

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and the old familiar song rings true—there’s no place like home for the holidays. So, why not make it fa-la-la festive at home, right? If you’re wanting a fresh approach for decking your halls this year, consider a few helpful tips for thinking outside the box with your holiday decor.

1. SHOOT FOR COMFORT AND JOY

Have you ever been in a beautifully decorated home duringthe holidays but just couldn’t find a way to relax and enjoy it? Well, believe it or not, there’s a way to have both comfortand joy when it comes to holiday decor. When shopping fordecorative holiday elements such as pillows, throws, towels,and table napkins, look for soft holiday-themed textiles thatoffer practicality for everyday use. You don’t have to switchout these elements when company comes over. You can find aclever balance of aesthetics and comfort that will bring lots ofjoy to you and your guests.

PHOTOS BY MAIDEN AND MOON PHOTO CO. BY MEREDITH JOI

2. AIM FOR MERRY AND BRIGHT

Whether you are choosing tree ornaments, garlands, or mantle and tabletop decorations, marry messages paired with the soft glow of candles can really brighten spirits during the holiday season. Don’t be afraid to go outside the box when it comes to your tree and decor colors, too! You will never go wrong with a classic red and green, but don’t rule out nontraditional colors that coordinate nicely with your home’s year-round color palette.

PHOTOS BY MAIDEN AND MOON PHOTO CO. BY MEREDITH JOI

PHOTOS BY MAIDEN AND MOON PHOTO CO. BY MEREDITH JOI

3. THROW IN SOME HOLLY TO KEEP IT JOLLY

Greenery is one of the easiest ways to cozy up a home for theholiday season. With your tree as the centerpiece, you can bring atouch of nature’s beauty indoors with some boxwood, evergreen, pine, or spruce in the form of garland, tabletop centerpieces, andwreaths. Add in a sprinkling of holly and magnolia branches, andyour space will look and smell heavenly throughout the season. Ifyou are worried about seasonal allergies or don’t like the smell ofreal greenery, there are so many wonderful faux greenery optionsout there to choose from these days. All in all, go green!

PHOTOS BY MAIDEN AND MOON PHOTO CO. BY MEREDITH JOI

PHOTOS BY MAIDEN AND MOON PHOTO CO. BY MEREDITH JOI

4. INCLUDE A FEW OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS

While it may be tempting, you don’thave to purchase all new holiday decoreach year to keep up with current stylesand trends. Let’s face it — we all haveheirlooms, sentimental ornaments, andfavorite decorations we can’t wait tobring out and display during the holidayseason. So, even if you are going witha new and specific decorative themethis year, think about ways you canincorporate your favorite decorationswith a few new modern-day additions.

PHOTOS BY MAIDEN AND MOON PHOTO CO. BY MEREDITH JOI

5. ADD A CUP OF CHEER!

If you don’t already have a favorite holiday mug, set of dishes, or serveware, consider adding some timeless holiday-themed dinnerware to use for yourself and your guests. Holiday mugs make those peppermint mochas, cinnamon orange teas, and hotty toddys even more cheerful! And there’s nothing like seeing your table set with holiday dishes! It can bring added joy to gathering and feasting with faithful friends who are dear to us.

PHOTOS BY MAIDEN AND MOON PHOTO CO. BY MEREDITH JOI

PHOTOS BY MAIDEN AND MOON PHOTO CO. BY MEREDITH JOI

WHO'S READY TO DECK THE HALLS?

A bonus tip to prolong your holiday decor all winter long:choose neutral colors with winter greenery and wildlifethat can continue early into the new year.

PHOTOS BY MAIDEN AND MOON PHOTO CO. BY MEREDITH JOI

Remember that it only takes a few subtle touches of holidaythemed colors or decorations to complement the look and feel you have already created in your space. With just a tiny bit of modern decorative magic combined with your favorite timeless pieces, you can dress your home in an unforgettable holiday style!

KATHRYN & ADAM YORK are the owners and curators of Smith & York Company, a modern home boutique located on the square in downtown Columbia, Tennessee, and Lime & Loaf, a kitchen shop located at New South Marketplace in downtown Columbia. Open seven days a week at both shops, Smith & York Co. offers a diverse selection of home goods, including tabletop accessories, barware, lighting, textiles, planters, and gift items, while Lime & Loaf offers a wide selection of kitchen essentials for cooking and baking. Learn more at smithandyork.co and limeandloaf.com.