Decorating ideas create stylish homes for the holidays

For those who want something a little less traditional, the design team offers a rustic atmosphere with traditional elements. To dress up this mantel—a sparse wooden beam—the designers first tacked metal shelves to the front. “The rustic beam is very shallow, so we just increased the depth with some metal shelves. It adds a different texture and it gives you more depth to work with,” says Heather Yates, an interior designer with Village Gift Barn.

Yates also recommends layering things, “I like doing a layer design, it adds texture and interest. So, I’ll layer things with maybe a mirror behind it and then throw some art or a clock up there.”

In a season known for roasting chestnuts and nailing stockings over a roaring fire, a surprising number of people don’t have functioning fireplaces. To that end, these designers recommend placing an assortment of candles in front of the grate. In addition to an eye-pleasing accessory, homeowners can light these candles to get the much-desired warm light.

For those whose design taste strays from sleek and modern, there’s the lodge style. A design that radiates warmth and comfort year-round, this style can easily transition from an everyday design to one fit for the holiday season by adding a little pine.

Here, designers created that look by covering the mantel with silk flowers in darker, fall colors. Candles held aloft in stands pop out from behind the flowers, offering a different texture and a soothing background light.

To complete the look, a sign dangles from the bottom of the mantel. “Signs are just such a popular item,” says Yates.

Dining patterns differ depending on the time of year—and the preference of the homeowners. “You’ll get those people who enjoy using their dining room on a daily basis, but then you’ll have those people who only use it on special occasions,” says Yates.

For something a little more fun and less ceremonial, the design team recommends forgoing the tablecloth. Doing this creates a highly sought after industrial look and keeps the atmosphere fun and light.

“My go-to for a simple place setting would involve just doing a runner versus place settings and napkins, and doing a dinner plate with a nice salad plate,” says Yates.

For something a little more elegant, they recommend linens, upscale wine glasses and water goblets and a charger (a plate that can be used functionally, but is usually more of an decorative statement) for each place setting.

Centerpieces are encouraged, but not necessarily required. These can be anything at all, but should represent the homeowner’s personality. “I love using things from nature, but sometimes it can be fraught with peril,” laughs Yates. “You really have to plan it. It can be messy.”

For a more intimate setting, try skipping the large dining room table altogether and going for a round, high-top table with seating for two. Drape a tablecloth or two over it for a quick elegant look.  Our team used two tablecloths: a plain brown one that dangles to the ground and a shorter beige one that is decorated with circles, which sits on top. The brown sets off the beige nicely, while the circles add an interesting texture.

While your whole house gets a lot of attention, it’s really the door that makes the first impression, so make sure not to overlook this space. A door should be welcoming, but should still say something about you. A traditional wreath is a timeless classic that you can never go wrong with. Add some fall foliage—leaves in colors like burnt orange, a deep auburn, and maybe a dijon yellow—and this wreath can transition from the time when leaves begin to flutter to the ground to the first couple of snowfalls.

A wall pocket is another eye-catching option for door décor. “I think this is for somebody who is looking for something out of the ordinary,” says Yates. “Something with a twist. Or unexpected.” Use any color that you prefer for the basket, and fill it with leaves for the season. Keep it tight or let the plants dangle, either option works, but remember to keep the functionality in mind. When placing anything on your door, you need to consider how often that door will be used and if that accessory will cause any damage after an extended period of time.  

If there’s one piece of advice that the design team from the Village Gift Barn preaches it’s that you always need to remember your likes and dislikes when decorating your home. Yates, who frequently mentions that it’s a personal preference, says that décor varies with each owner’s style.  Warm and quaint, contemporary and funky, no matter what your style is, just remember that good conversation and laughter go with everything.