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The Makerista

I'm Gwen, a modern traditionalist who isn't afraid of color. Kansas City.

Simple Decor Additions for Christmas

I’m thrilled to be a part of The White Buffalo Styling Co.’s Blogger Styling Home Tour today!  If you’re coming from Nesting with Grace, welcome!  How was your Thanksgiving?  I hope it was the best yet. We had a great holiday and a really nice and easy break.  Post after post on social media this weekend included beautifully decorated and wonderfully illuminated Christmas trees.  I LOVE looking at other people’s trees.  There’s something about a tree that brings joy no matter how grand or small, how over-the-top or simple.  They always get me.  

So because of my love for trees, you’d think I’d have one to show you today.  Nope.  I like to leave our tree up through January the lights bring such warmth and cheer during the more dreary months so I’m never the first to have mine up.  We’ve also started a renovation that makes a tree a bit more tricky – more on that soon.  I definitely have plans and have started decorating one tree already so be sure to check back shortly for more holiday cheer.  While we don’t have a tree up yet, I’ve taken some time to infuse Christmas in a few spaces.

The entry can always use something festive, but I don’t mind things a bit understated here.  The painting says a lot, it doesn’t need competition.  The space was still lacking some key pieces, but I finally found a rug on Craigslist, ideal for loved one’s damp shoes to gather.  It’s like a tray for your floor – things always look nicer collected on a rug.


I added this antiqued mirror I’ve had since our last house above the secretary for last minute checks and reflectivity, some black candlesticks to set the mood, a boxwood wreath on a velvet ribbon and poinsettia stem for that touch of holiday.

Quick tip: pick up a poinsettia plant from the grocery or hardware store (mine was $3.99 from Walmart) and enjoy big, beautiful blooms for a fraction of the price of traditional stemmed flowers.  





Fresh greenery can’t be beat, and while it takes a bit of maintenance, the smell and look are totally worth it.  I spray mine down with a water bottle every few days to keep it looking fresh, but even as it drys out, it still looks pretty good.  It’s worth the $15 price tag at Costco.  
These stockings from Frontgate are certainly an investment, but I’ve honestly never seen a more beautiful place for Santa’s treats.  I’m a big believer in saving/thrifting here so I can splurge there, and these are definitely worth it.  They are on sale now and you can get an extra 25% off +plus free shipping using code XXW62873 until midnight tonight! 
The hand beading is exquisite, and they’re a timeless piece that I can see being passed down from generation to generation.  I just can’t get enough of them, and I love that their neutrality will go with whatever harebrained color palette I have each year.
Color or not, the holidays are about bringing in texture and sparkle.  This faux fur throw has been a staple for several winters now, and the beaded pillow adds more of that glisten.
This time of year is filled with nostalgia.  Traveling to grandparents and sneaking a candy out of the colorful, cut glass dish is a memory that comes back every time I reach for a carmel or root beer barrel more often then I care too admit out of this thrifted, emerald beauty.

Fresh greens don’t have to lay on a mantle or hang over your doorway.  I picked up a bag of myrtle at the grocery store almost a month ago and have only had to top the water off a few times.  Unlike flowers, this stuff can last for an incredibly long time and check out all of that new growth!  It seems very happy and smells really nice too.  
But of all the simple holiday decor, ornaments in a bowl or compote can’t be beat.  It’s just a beautiful statement that takes no effort yet says a lot.  Do you have any simple decor tips?  I’d love to hear how you easily decorate for the holidays!  
And don’t miss the rest of today’s tours, head on over to see Summer at Simple Stylings for more wonderful decor ideas!
       
*This post contains affiliate links and some gifted items but all items were handpicked by me and all thoughts are my own.  
Keep on reading...
Laying Things Out: Traditional Living in a Modern Context
The Hicks Family + Domino’s Name
My Go-To Pillowcase DIY with Striped Pompom Trim

Comments

  5. Amanda says

    Great tips for plants! I never even heard of myrtle before but now I might have to give it a try. Can't wait to see more about the renovation!

    amandakatherine.com

  8. Whitney Shortt says

    Your art work above the fireplace and in the entry are just so beautiful and the greenery is the perfect touch! Really love your home <3

    Whitney
    whitneydonae.com

  12. Megan // Honey We're Home says

    Ah that fresh greenery looks divine on your fireplace Gwen! And thanks for the tip about how to care for it and where to get it. You know I'll be hitting up our Costco soon! You get such pretty light in that room! The pictures are stunning!

  19. Emily Kuhlman says

    "It's like a tray for your floor – things always look nicer collected on a rug…" for some reason I totally read this in the voice of Elle Woods. "Orange is the new pink!" 🙂 Love it all as usual!

  22. Ipek Rm says

    Dear Gwen, you are such a stylish woman! Of course, your Christmas decoration is super stylish and I think it is a little bit … sexy. I have never thought that I will say that Christmas decoration is sexy but your delicate manner impressed me so much!

    Happy Holidays,

    Emma

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