I love nothing more than when a trend takes something comfortably old-fashioned and turns it startlingly on its head, forcing you to see with new eyes. Thus, the old Colonial tradition of using fruit as decoration (generally apples and pineapples) gets a twist with pomegranates in the image above, as well as a more layered, heavily-swagged look for the entire porch.
Good decor, like fashion, is all about balancing extremes to give the viewer something unexpected and yet calming and “right” at the same time, like balancing a silky “pajama” blouse with skinny jeans and pointy-toed shoes. Like the rustic evergreen tree draped and adorned with its glittering, diamond-like lights, holiday decor right now is all about “gilded rustic” – the yin and yang of glam and rough edges… of gold and burlap, of silver and driftwood, of glitter and canvas. And, especially, of vintage with an ultra-modern twist. The ole Holly and the Ivy are in for a daring sprucing up!
Lets start at the very beginning, [Sound of Music wasn’t running in my kitchen during Thanksgiving KP or anything…] the front door.
I love these looks with the traditional Christmas “potpourri” decked out on the wreath:
Love those magnolia leaves!! I found a DIY for y’all to make a more modern Magnolia wreath below!…
I love the symbolism all things old-timey still have… pineapple, as you know, being the fruit of hospitality. So appropriate for the holidays. Instead of elaborate, carefully constructed urn arrangements, how about these buckets of branches? Keeping it simple is especially refreshing at this time of year. Think of it as Christmas Decor’s take on the Karlie Kloss Chop.
Gosh, it’s like taking a breath of cold crisp winter air to see these clean looks!
NEXT UP, RETHINKING YOUR HOLIDAY MANTLE
If you are dissatisfied with your old decor, if you’re craving something that says, “I am new! I am fresh! I am on point!” oh and “Have Yourself a Merry Christmas!”… Check out these ideas for decorating for Christmas on your Mantels, Tables, Front Door.
MANTEL
As you can see, the new look for the holiday mantel are refreshingly minimalist, drawing your attention to beautifully contrasting colors and clean structured lines.
We also found a sweet DIY for you ambitious types over at Vintage Revivals (seriously my FAVORITE stop for do-it-yourself-home-decor):
Its great to have some little kitschy pieces for the mantle, especially if you’re going for the simple look. A few cool, artsy things will really stick out, and add a lot to the what I am calling “new vintage” feel.
LASTLY, SETTING THE HOLIDAY TABLE THIS YEAR
If you think about it, Christmas is the perfect embodiment of rustic glam – that balance of burlap and glitter that is a huge trend in decorating and perfect for many homes around the Lake Norman area. The Christmas tree itself is both woodsy and flamboyant… it smells intoxicating, it is fringey and showy and yet couldn’t be earthier – and it is decked in diamond-like twinkling lights and expensive ornaments.
You simply can’t throw a Christmas Party this season without bedecking your halls with all that is glamorous, glitzy and nostalgically rustic. With a rich-smelling evergreen garland and candles in hurricanes (also plaid anywhere possible) you can’t go wrong… and you could also make these incredibly easy and totally adorable napkin rings:
Ugh so perfect. The details, the details, people.
Then consider making your own Mulled Wine for a big WOW factor.
Easier and prettier than eggnog.
Plus how cute is this presentation for the side-table next to your bowl of the Mulled Wine? Just find some beautiful vintage cups or glasses, they don’t need to be a perfect matched set.
