Let's face it: there's nothing subtle about the holidays. In all arenas there seems to be a "more is more" attitude that has come to reign supreme. This is especially true when it comes to decorations. But with some restraint, simple seasonal additions can transform a home without going overboard.
I've always felt that a Christmas tree looks most beautiful before it's been ornamented. Why not keep the trinkets off the tree, or pick a few of the same color? The same is true for wreaths and outdoor decorations. A boxwood wreath without the cheesy red bow or fake fruit applications is a sophisticated take on exterior season's greetings.
Some twinkle lights here, some branches there, maybe a small topiary placed to the side that's shaped like a pine tree. The point is, going the simple route provides a livability and peacefulness to your space without compromising on celebrating this time of year.
FIRST ROW
1. Greige Design
2. A Few Things From My Life
3. Boxwood Terrace
4. Home Design Decorator
5. Lux Interior Designs
SECOND ROW
1. Space For Inspiration
2. House and Home
3. House and Home
4. Greige Design
5. Space for Inspiration
Images: As credited above.
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Except for the second one, these don't seem very holiday at all.
I definitely like the idea of simplicity but this just seems like an everyday piece of greenery rather than holiday - like oh we forgot to do that this year oops
A silver bow on the wreath in the first pic would top off the look nicely, I think.
charlie brown's tree always did it for me.
Sorry, guys, but to call some of this stuff "holiday" is just laughable. Great rooms, great photography, but there is nothing that even hints at the holidays in a few of them.
Okay, I could find Holiday in most of these. However, I totally failed on #5.
These are subtle, in some cases to the point not feeling celebratory. I'm a big fan of not going overboard, but to me holiday decorations should feel special in a once-a-year kind of way, not what you'd do for a dinner party.
Why decorate at all if you want to be THIS minimalist? I have had one small tabletop tree with white lights and red cardinals before. But at least it had some color and some sparkle!
These just look like early starts, not finished decor!
Funny, how I almost thought they were kind of neat at first till I read your comments... lol
I really like these. I don't think I'd put a wreath out anytime other than the holiday's, and the simplicity offered is perfectly understated. I really don't decorate with evergreens except during the holiday season, and these examples are perfect representations of what I go for. Especially 1 and 2! Of course, Charlie Brown's Tree always has it's place too.
Thanks for posting these lovely decorating alternatives.
Evergreens are the perfect choice if the holiday you celebrate in December is the Solstice -
The first pic is nice, rather like it. Some of the others remind me of The Shining.
I like simple holiday decorations, but these seem a little depressing to me.
It's pretty, yet for the holidays it leans more toward sad and cold.
OrangeLily, that is Funny!
Is this a trick, or perhaps "Find the holiday item in the Picture" game? If so, I failed. I swear I didn't see anything holiday-like in a couple of them.
So . . . thought I'd pipe in. Perhaps a few of these are a bit on the austere side? I probably should have entitled it "Wintery Decor" as opposed to "Holiday". I'm glad it's inspired some pretty entertaining and clever comments!!
Cate, I think you're right that they transition well to January, which is something I've been thinking about in the last few weeks. I feel like my holiday decor has been much more minimalist, but it's still distinctively red and green. ;) But I do like a lot of them as everyday winter decor, and #8 just makes me want to go skiing!
These are the equivalent of children getting coal in their stockings.
I just bought my tree and opted for one in a pot. I'm planing to keep the tree but changing the decorations after christmas but let's see how it look when january comes around and it has endured a month of pets.
I gree with everyone else. I'm all for subtle holiday decor, but I don't see any here. OK, maaayyybe photos #1, #2, #4 and #9.
I generally like not decorating with lots of itsy baubles but these seem unfinished and forlorn, maybe because I very much like bright colors.
Can't tell you how good it makes me feel to know I'm not alone in thinking these settings and the accompanying advice are depressing. Excuse me while I unpack my boxes, ribbons and bows!
hmmm... I LIKE cheesy red bows and fake fruit - this anti-decoration look is just empty and sad. It seems half done, as though you're weren't too enthused about the holidays and grudgingly did only the bare minimal!
I really appreciated this post. Because I live in an apartment, keeping the Christmas decorations from overtaking our space is a yearly challenge; these photos provided great examples of simple and CLASSY decorations. And even with more space, I love the less-is-more approach shown here for the holidays. It's fresh!