By now, you’re used to having snow on the ground, all the Halloween decorations have been stored, the candy has all been eaten and you’ve already indulged in an embarrassing number of hours watching holiday movies on the Hallmark channel.
Yes, it’s officially Christmas season, and it’s time to bust out the holiday decorations and transform your home into a shrine to all things red and green.
Hold it, right there!
It might sound Grinchy, but we’re going to go ahead and say it: We’re kinda over the traditional red and green holiday colours. Sure, they’re festive. But aren’t you ready for something a little less ... expected? Plus, red and green don’t exactly make for the prettiest palette in the world. It’s tough to pull off without veering into sensory overload — sometimes those shades just outright clash.
Thankfully, we’re living in a time when, like skirt lengths, just about anything goes with holiday shades.
We know — it can be expensive to swap out the red and green decor you’ve collected over the years. To ease the burden, consider simple DIY ideas. For example, you can spray-paint items you already own with a single new shade, or throwing a swap party with friends and family.
Ready to make your holiday decor a little less ho-ho-hum? Here are a few new colour ideas for this season.
1. Pink
We’re a big fan of this soft shade, which can easily up the glam factor in your holiday decor.
Pink pairs nicely with white — even silver and gold — and it’s oh-so-feminine.
To get the look: On your dining room table, try a pink ruffle sheet instead of a regular cloth, and place three or four 12-inch white trees in the middle of the table.
You can also add apothecary jars in different sizes filled with pink, white, and silver ornaments.
2. Bright white
Think white is boring? Jamie Novak, author of “Keep This Toss That,” begs to differ. With so many shades and textures, white can be a real standout, she says.
“Plus, because white screams ‘wintry,’ this decor can be displayed well past the holiday season,” she adds.
You might also try a flocked tree —one of those that have been sprayed with a fluffy white substance that mimics snow. And fans of contemporary decor could add black accents to a white design for a modern, streamlined look.
3. Purple (and other jewel tones)
Regal jewel tones, particularly purple, are elegant holiday shades that should get more play (didn’t one of the three kings wear amethyst robes?).
Combine purple Christmas decorations with white ones and leave them up all winter. Continue the royal theme with gold accents, including tinsel, ribbons, and sparkling baubles.
4. Metallics
Silver and gold continue to gain in popularity as go-tos for holiday colours, as they pair well together and can be used on their own.
There’s another big advantage to metallic holiday decor: You probably already own a lot of it. Think: chrome picture frames, copper candlesticks, and silver serving pieces.
Bring out formal silver platters and arrange them as decor, or use as chargers with groups of candles on top.
You can also hang silver and gold ornaments on a plain tree or weave shiny ribbons through everyday items like baskets and chandeliers for some temporary glam.
5. Blue
Elvis was weepy when he sang about blue Christmases, but this colour will make your space look anything but sad.
Bright blues and icy blues offer a gorgeous contrast with typical holiday decor, and also dovetail with the winter weather — and pair beautifully with silver accents.
Opt for a blue spruce tree, which is technically still green but can have a definite blue cast. Or, for a quick solution, find a blue flocked tree in a big-box store.
6. Natural and neutral
OK, this one is more of a look, rather than a colour. But unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you know that all things natural are trending right now (thank you, Scandinavians!)
And it’s easy to keep that decor scheme going into the holidays: Tree branches, feathers, antlers, woodland animals, faux birds, fluffy sheepskin rugs, and other natural elements channel a low-key, but comfortable vibe during the busy holiday season. Throw in some fairy lights and you’ll have a Nordic winter wonderland.
— realtor.com