Tag Archives: Holiday Decorating

Cozying Up During the Post-Holiday Months

Just as the holiday season is here before we know it, in a flash it’s over and a new year is upon us. I often struggle with the balance of wanting a fresh start with my home in January, and being saddened by the storing of our family’s colorful, warm, holiday decor. The months of January through March can be difficult to tolerate, especially in Minnesota, but I’m starting to find beauty in this dark, cold season, and a certain comfort and coziness I can create in my home to cradle me until spring finally arrives.

The idea of hygge has become known and popular over the past eight years or so, and continues to be especially helpful for folks living in winter climates. Hygge is the invoking or fostering of a sense of coziness, contentment and well-being; a Scandinavian state of mind to survive the long, cold, winter. I love this concept and how it can guide us in decorating our homes in a season that is usually forgotten or overlooked. Here are a few, simple ways to create a winter respite for ourselves and our loved ones this season.

When deciding on holiday decor, include accessories that remain relevant throughout the winter season, not just during the holiday months. Winter greens, natural wood, bottle brush pines, dried branches, ceramic houses, and apres ski will act as reminders to embrace the winter season.

Source: Forbes Homes

Source: Forbes Homes

Source: Forbes Homes

Source: Crate&Barrel

 

Cover throw pillows for a quick, inexpensive decor update. Add faux fur, velvet, knit and other soft fabrics to your collection in warm, wintry colors such as midnight blue, forest green and an abundance of creamy neutrals.

Source: Crate&Barrel

 

Swap out bright colored artwork with a similarly sized piece more suitable for winter. Rustic wood pieces, or nature inspired prints, work well during the winter months.

Source: Urban Outfitters

Source: Kohl’s

Source: Arhaus

 

Add extra throw blankets to a basket in your living room, and even consider providing slippers to guests when they come to visit!

Source: L’ESSENZIALE Home Design

Source: Anderson and Grant

 

Keep a special set of linens just for the winter months. Flannel sheets, velvet quilts, and fluffy feather beds will ensure a good night’s sleep.

Source: Pottery Barn

Source: Pottery Barn

 

You can never have enough candles or firelight when practicing hygge! Whether using faux candles and fireplaces, or the real thing, fill your home with the natural feel of flames. Practice safety, of course, and never leave a room with burning candles! We especially love our locally made Koselig candles, another Scandinavian idea meaning a feeling of deep contentment, provided by a person, place or atmosphere.

Source: Room for Tuesday

Source: Koselig Candle Co.

Source: Modern-Glam

 

Winter can be a wonderful time to simplify and organize. What can you live without? Gift to others? This is another wonderful Scandinavian concept, lagom, which is being in perfect balance; just the right amount; not too little, not too much; the state of being, having or doing just enough.

A final encouragement from Scandinavian wisdom is to practice fika throughout this season. Fika is a coffee break with friends, often accompanied with pastries; a moment of quality time to appreciate the good things in life. What better way to practice fika than with locally roasted Fika coffee from the North Shore of Minnesota!

Source: Fika Coffee

Source: Taste of Home

 

This winter season, I hope you find time to rest, renew and refresh. Take the opportunity to slow down, reconnect with yourself and others, and prepare to bloom in the spring!

 

Guest Blogger: Katya Larsen, Stager, A Home Revival

 

 

Holiday Decorating Elements

Are you looking for a new element to add to your holiday decorating repertoire?  Here are some of our favorite elements.  We hope you try one of them this year!

White décor

If you have your base décor in a monochromatic pallet such as white, you can add in a different accent color each year (think emerald, crimson, gold or blue).  Or let it all stay white like a Winter Wonderland!

randigarrettdesign.com

lovegrowswild.com

Natural & wood décor

We love layering in natural and wood elements to our décor to warm up a space.  We do this not only at Christmas but throughout the year!

greenweddingshoes.com

crateandbarrel.com

Real & faux stem decor

Add wreaths, garland or stems throughout your home.  Some unexpected places are on the backs of chairs or stools and on your light fixtures!  Add touches of ornaments and velvet ribbon for elegance and sparkle.

alimanno.com

bluegraygal.com

We wish you a warm & full holiday season.  May you be able to slow down a bit and take part in things that you truly enjoy.

 

 

2022 Holiday Gift Guide: For the Home

We’ve entered November folks, so that means thoughts of holiday gifting are upon us!

Here are a few of our favorite items For the Home:

The Polished Jar – Custom Soap Bottles

These elevate your bathroom or kitchen instantly they are so beautiful!  Pick your bottle, pump, and label to customize your own look.

Boll & Branch – Luxury Bedding & Towels

Do you need to splurge on yourself this holiday?  You will not be disappointed with this bedding or towel upgrade.

Crate & Barrel – Belgian Flax Linen Quilt

While we’re thinking about our bed, more layers are always good.  Here’s one of our favorite quilts – it’s warm without being hot.  Use it add a textured layer in the same color as your other bedding, or a contrasting color.

Magnolia – Holiday Wreaths

Wreaths can be used in so many places, not just your front door.  Layer one on top of a mirror in the foyer or dining room.  Add one to your mantle or above your kitchen range hood for the holidays!

Crate & Barrel – Salt & Pepper Mills

Upgrade your seasonings with new salt and pepper mills, like this marble and wood option.  If they’re pretty enough, we say leave them out on the counter like decor!

Magnolia – Gatecrest Metal Candlesticks

These are my go to candlesticks that work with any style decor.  They are simple yet beautiful.  Use all 3 sizes together for the best impact.

Joss & Main – Bubble Pots

We always say that plants are welcome decor in any home of any style.  Elevate your plants by swapping out the pot with one of these adorable bubble pots.  White is timeless and goes with any season, while the dots give off a playful vibe.

Gathre – Leather Table Runner

The cutest scallop table runner that’s also wipeable leather?  Yes, please!

Anthropologie – Flatware

Sometimes your table needs something different or that extra sparkle for the holidays.  Most people don’t think to swap out their flatware, but this can add a surprise twist to your hosting game!

We hope this inspired you as you begin making your list or shopping for loved ones this holiday season!