by Blake Herzog
Holiday decorations have such a limited annual lifespan that it’s hard for some people to invest too much in them, either financially or emotionally. Before you know it you’ll be boxing them up again and have to face the rest of the long, gray winter without the cheer they provide.
Decking those halls with more homey and natural adornments, on the other hand, can be the key to keeping the spirit of the season going until spring comes prancing onto the scene!
A great compromise between going all-in on the holiday and instilling a more understated winter vibe is to display a fully ornamented tree, menorah or other observance-bound totem through December, then putting it away while keeping the more neutral decorations up as long as you want. You might even be able to leave the tree up after removing the ornaments to serve as an evergreen symbol of life enduring through the cold.
A color reset could be in order as well if your holiday palette is heavy on the deep Santa-suit reds. Red velvet bows and stockings, crimson dishware and berry garlands are self-contained decorations that easily can be put back into storage after shining in front of a more subdued background.
Vintage and retro stylings
Winter holidays are imbued with tradition, and we can carry that inspiration through the rest of the season in our homes with vintage or retro figures, fabrics, housewares or even larger items like signs, sleds and fireplace accessories, which are evocative even if you don’t have a fireplace.
Even if most of your year-round home furnishings are contemporary you can integrate throwback items such as these into your décor. In some cases it can help to surround the vintage piece with more modern counterparts to emphasize the differences.
Chrome accents
Gold and glitter are inextricably woven into the fabric of Christmas and can seem a little bit out of place once we get past New Year’s, whereas the bright silvery tones of chrome ornaments reflect and enhance the light of every room they’re in without overpowering the scene.
Chrome snowflakes, reindeer, vases or other ornaments of any size can add a futuristic gleam to any tableau, making it easier to look into the new year with anticipation.
Layered textiles
You’re going to want to have a bunch of blankets, quilts, afghans, comforters or any other comfy textiles you can find to wrap around yourself and your loved ones during chilly mornings and evenings. When they’re not in use they can be layered onto your sofas, chairs, benches and beds to amp up the toastiness factor throughout your home.
Don’t forget your floors! Rugs can be layered to elegant effect, as long as you can do it without throwing off the balance of any furniture that’s sitting on top of them.
Natural wreaths
Wreaths fashioned from plastic limbs just don’t have the iconic aroma and aura of an authentic wreath of pine, fir, boxwood, grapevine, grass or other species of vegetation. Fresh, green wreaths may be the most aesthetically pleasing but can take a little more maintenance and will last about one or two months.
Dried wreaths can last for many seasons under the right care and conditions and can be especially vibrant during winter months when adorned with colorful dried flowers and fruits.
Candlelight
Candlelight, both the flame and LED varieties, is a facet of holiday décor that holds onto its power from January through March or April as its glow melts the frozen sea many of us feel inside of us as the winter drags on. Any type of candle can be used to add a little bit of brightness and heat to everyday living. Scented or not, they elevate a living or family room with the purity of simple light.
Following the Season or Festival of Light you may want to tone down presentation of the candles, muting the radiance a bit behind frosted glass, mercury glass or wrapped mason jars.
Moody florals
Fresh florals may be harder to find this time of year, but dried and preserved flowers in deep, dusky hues bring unexpected drama to winter interiors. Think plum-toned hydrangeas, preserved eucalyptus or black-tinted baby’s breath in matte ceramic vessels. These textural bouquets hold up beautifully through the cold months and offer a romantic, old-world vibe that pairs well with rustic or minimalist palettes.
Consider arranging a mix of preserved blooms and branches for dining tables or fireplace mantels. Their sculptural silhouettes create interest even without bright colors — and unlike fresh flowers, they won’t need water or frequent replacements.
Soft lighting layers
After the sparkle of holiday string lights fades, subtle ambient lighting can help preserve a sense of magic. Swap harsh overhead fixtures for layered lighting — floor lamps with warm bulbs, battery-operated fairy lights in cloches or LED-lit paper lanterns. The soft glow adds warmth and intimacy to rooms still touched by winter’s chill.
Dimmable table lamps and sconces are ideal for adjusting mood throughout the day, especially as the sun sets early. Consider warm-tone smart bulbs to shift from cozy afternoon glow to evening relaxation, giving you control over your environment with just a tap.
