We’re still a day away from December, and I’ve already taken out the holiday decor.
I know, I know – I surprised even myself!
I fully blame my 16-month-old; she’s so mesmerized by every candle, ornament and garland she’s laid her eyes on thus far that I can’t help but want to add more and more and more!
Nothing quite like rediscovering Christmas magic through a child’s eyes – and not just any child, but your own. Such a sweet and sentimental experience!
Speaking of sentiment, this year marks the third Christmas we’ve spent in our little bungalow (my goodness, how time flies!). Each year I challenge myself to get creative and not revert to the same decor as last year. So come October, I start brainstorming (and pinning) new ideas – except instead of going out and buying all-new holiday decor, I prefer to mostly repurpose what we already own.
Much like the general aesthetic of our home, when it comes to holiday decor I am drawn to a “less is more” approach. Think simple, refined, intentional – in a word: Scandinavian. There’s just something so nostalgic about simple holiday decor, would you agree?
Besides, I’m fully aware of my perfectionist tendencies (as I’m sure you are too if you’ve read the blog for some time). So, it’s a surprise to no one that ultra-traditional holiday decor is not my cup of tea.
I’ve yet to add a few festive touches (as well as the tree to decorate!), but today I’m partnering with Wayfair to share a few simple (but gorgeous) holiday decor ideas with you – in case you too like to get creative every year but are in need of inspiration.
No.1 | Add warmth with simple, white candles.
Since the northern hemisphere doesn’t get much daylight during the winter season, lighting is a crucial element of Scandinavian decor.
Simple, white candles are most versatile. Arranging a few here and there is the easiest way to add a touch of Scandinavian warmth to your home. Display them on coffee tables, windowsills, fireplace mantles, credenzas, dining tables and just about any other surface.
Just don’t forget to actually light and enjoy them!
No.2 | Bring the outside in with fresh greenery.
Pine, cedar, holly, spruce and fir are the traditional greenery choices for the holidays. But if you want the flexibility of displaying it after the holidays, may I suggest boxwoods, bay leaves, eucalyptus and ivory?
Don’t limit greenery to wreaths and garlands. Arrange a stem or two in a vase, fashion a wall hanging from branches, tuck a few pieces into your gift wrapping… The ideas are endless, but more importantly, they’re versatile enough to last beyond December 25.
No.3 | Drape a faux fur throw across the sofa.
With the colder weather comes the growing desire for coziness, so bring out those faux fur throws!
Textiles are a big part of Scandinavian design, with cozy faux furs being especially fitting for the holidays. A faux fur throw is useful practically in every room. Even in a less conventional setting like the dining room it adds texture and warmth when draped casually across a chair.
No.4 | Hang a DIY snowflake garland from the ceiling.
Snowflakes and stars are two of the most prominent elements of Scandinavian-inspired holiday decor, and there’s a million different directions you can take them.
I had this last-minute idea to string together snowflake ornaments into a garland, and I love the results!
No.5 | Display metallic accessories you already own.
I’m a huge proponent of utilizing existing home decor and accessories as holiday decor.
Our house has a lot of metallic accessories, so when time came to decorate for the holidays, those items fit the holiday color scheme perfectly. Talk about super simple and super pretty!
Scandinavian design is simple, but not austere. So don’t be afraid of a little sparkle and shine!
No.6 | Add texture and pattern with cozy throw pillows.
I realize I’m the minority here, but I generally forgo throw pillows because they clutter up the sofa.
However, I do like to bring out one or two during the holidays. Mixing textures and patterns creates a casual warmth and ups the coziness factor without being in-your-face Christmasy.
No.7 | Display lanterns by the front door.
Much like candles, lanterns add a certain welcoming feeling to a room, making them perfect for displaying in an entryway.
Opt for woven or wooden options for that added texture (not to mention the fun shadows on the wall!)
No.8 | Hang a Moravian paper star.
Scandinavian decor is often associated with a neutral color palette and geometric elements, making this Moravian paper star very appropriate. You can hang one from the ceiling, display it on a console table, or use it as a tree topper.
I love that it’s versatile enough to use after the holidays, too. I plan to hang it in the girls’ playroom once that’s finished.
No.9 | Forage your yard for natural elements, like pine cones.
Natural elements is a running theme you’ll encounter when sourcing Scandinavian holiday decor ideas.
Take pine cones, for example. You can string them on a garland, arrange them in a bowl, use them as filler in a candle hurricane, and make kissing balls out of them. The best part? They’re free!
No.10 | Bring in baskets for added texture.
While not necessarily holiday decor, baskets are another way to up the coziness factor. The natural texture and rustic warmth help balance out any modern or metallic elements in the room.
Have you started decorating for the holidays? Are you team traditional or minimalistic? Which of these ideas appeal to you?
Thank you to Wayfair for kindly sponsoring this post. All writing and opinions are always my own and never influenced by any type of compensation. I only work with brands that we truly love, so thank you for supporting the companies who make FOXYOXIE.com possible!
Wow, everything looks amazing! I absolutely love that lantern on the floor!! :)