Two Classic Holiday Decor Themes, and How to Decorate for Them
There’s always a moment of surprise when you meet someone whose idea of a classic holiday is the exact opposite of your own. You grow up thinking that everybody puts up a [insert seasonal decoration] around which they drink [insert decadent tipple] and sing [badly—that one is universal].
There are two styles we love for holiday decor: One that’s more classic, and one that’s a bit more modern and colorful. When you find your style, you can get a few pieces that fit in with the theme and easily decorate a festive house that has a little bit of design narrative. Society6 has long been one of our favorite sources for unique but affordable home decor since everything is designed by independent artists and always one-of-a-kind—for any kind of style.
To figure out which of the two holiday decorating styles you should go with this year, just answer one simple question: What are you wearing? The classic, warm flannel, or the very modern, a bit glam, favorite caftan?
I’m wearing flannel.
Your classic style is Cabin Cozy. The holidays are all about hunkering down, whether your windows are covered in frost or frost-like spray paint. The look is all about reds, greens, and whites and big lights. You probably practice hygge all year long, but for these few weeks, pile up extra throw pillows (pictured here: The Bear throw pillow by Laura Graves) and blankets (Cabin in the Woods throw blanket by Urban Wild Studio Supply). Maybe even a floor pillow (Aztec Wood floor pillow by Zoltan Ratko) for watching classic TV specials.
Textured wall hangings (Classic Red Plaid by bndesigns and Over the Mountain and Through the Woods by Stay Positive Design) warm up a space year-round. And swap in some themed wall art for the season (Feeling Small clock by NDTank and Winter Canvas Print by Pretty Bird Paper Co.).
And even if you live in Florida, at some point this season you’ll be sipping hot cocoa. Some festive mugs (Christmas Robin by Anna Deegan and Baby It’s Cold Outside by Patrice Horvath) somehow give it that special once-a-year taste.
I’m wearing a caftan.
Your classic style is Bungalow Breezy. Your woodsy winter-loving counterparts might choke on a marshmallow on hearing this look called classic, but people in Palm Springs celebrate the holidays, too. Your mid-century-inspired look uses bright colors and fun patterns for a chill holiday. A comfy floor pillow (pictured here: Tex-Mex Xmas by Susana Paz) on a retro rug (Girl Boss by charliza) is actually a good idea year-round. And extra soft goods in punchy pink (L to R on the sofa: Deserted Cactus by Gale Switzer and Modern Christmas watercolor by Girly Trend throw pillows; Petaluma throw blanket) balance a prickly holiday centerpiece.
If you like your holiday throw pillows a little more on the nose, Hipstory by Amit Shimoni (left) and Merry and Bright by Allyson Johnson (right) both bring in some unmistakably seasonal cheer.
Whether you’re serving hot cocoa or yerba mate, a swinging service set adds a little pop with a Poplar serving tray and desert-vibe mugs (Aztec Babe by charliza and El Cacto by J3 Productions).