Tips from our Design Team: Thoughtful Holiday Decorating

The holiday season invites us to infuse our homes with warmth and holiday cheer.  As designers, we revel in the opportunity to put our decorating skills to work during the holidays. Whether you are a Christmas decor fanatic, or you appreciate more subtle holiday decorations, these ideas from our team will help you create a more thoughtful and personal approach to decorating your home for the holidays.

REBECCA'S DECORATING TIP
“You cannot have enough candles in my opinion! I love lighting candles, especially holiday scents, this time of year.”
~ Rebecca

Rebecca encourages us to ‘savor cozy’ using candles. Setting the mood with candle light is a must during the winter months! Slow down and revel in the little opportunities to make your space feel special this time of year. Light several taper candles on your dinner table or your mantel, or adorn your tablescape with small votives to create a subtle glow at your table.

Photo via Room for Tuesday

Photo via Brit + Co

ASHLEY'S DECORATING TIP

“I aim for lots of layers! Things like a linen or gauze table runner, garland and greenery, fruit (fresh or dried), pinecones, ornaments, tea-lights and candlesticks really add elegance to a tablescape. It can be done up and very layered or simplistic and sweet.” ~ Ashley

Setting the table for the holidays is a huge opportunity for creativity! There is a lot to consider...floral arrangements, place cards, napkins, runners, decor...the list goes on! Don't let it overwhelm you, instead, lean into the little details and try to create layers. Get creative with what you incorporate! Writing your guest's names on something unexpected, like a candle or a little party favor is a thoughtful way to make your guests feel special. Create height on your table with a statement centerpiece, like festive branches, or extra tall pillar candles, to add an interesting and sculptural element to your table.

Photo via Half Baked Harvest

Photo via Jenna Sue Design

JENAE'S DECORATING TIP

“I really get into gift wrapping! I think a gift feels so special when it has a handmade bow on it. I like to include an ornament or handwritten tag to add personality.” ~ Jenae

Thoughtful gift wrap is something we always strive for at The Phinery! There is nothing sweeter than a beautifully wrapped gift. Including something handmade always makes a gift more special. Using beautiful ribbon for a large bow immediately makes a gift feel more grand!

Check out this video for a great ribbon tying tutorial. 

Photo via We Are Flower Girls

Photo via Pinterest

BECKY'S DECORATING TIP

“My favorite area to decorate is always my staircase, and I do it the same way every time – wrapping the banisters with garland, adding the white lights, fussing with the branches to cover all of the wires, and then decorating the posts with huge crimson red velvet ribbon.” ~ Becky

Our founder Becky, has childhood memories of wrapping the staircase banister with a lush, faux garland and mini lights. She has continued this tradition all the way through her adulthood, now its not the holidays without it!

Pro tip! A great time to buy garland and ribbon is after Christmas at any craft supply store. The ribbon is an essential element, and a way to add your own personality to the overall look of your staircase.

Photo via The Phinery

Photo via Studio McGee

KIM'S DECORATING TIP

“Last year I bought wreaths from Trader Joes and hung them on each front window with red ribbon. I realized the front porch needs to be as full of holiday spirit as the inside.” ~ Kim

It can be easy to get caught up decorating the inside of our homes, but the front door is an area that begs for holiday cheer! Of course, we all love Christmas lights, but touches of greenery outside our front door really bring the whole look together. A few wreaths can transform your whole exterior! 

Photo via Pinterest

Photo via Pinterest

Holiday decorating can be overwhelming, but it is also an opportunity to be creative - that is what we love about it. Sharing amongst our team got all of us excited about decorating this year! We all walked away with a few things we wanted to try, hopefully you feel the same!

Other resources for holiday decorating: 90 DIY Christmas Decorations to Create a Winter Wonderland in 2023 | How to Hang Christmas Garland on the Staircase | Holiday Decor That Lasts Through The New Year | 14 Easy Holiday Decorating Ideas That Take 5 Minutes Or Less | 45 Very Merry Christmas Table Decorations + Settings to Recreate This Year