Exercise Restraint A little décor goes a long way, so don’t feel obligated to spruce up every room in your home. “It does not take a lot to establish a ‘story,’” Molly says. She recommends limiting strung lights to strands with white bulbs, and keeping plants to a palette of green and white. “Amaryllis and paperwhites always feel festive.”
Consistency Counts “Establish a theme and keep it simple,” Molly advises. “If you are using vintage mercury-glass ornaments on the tree, for instance, choose one or two colors to complement the silver decorations and the green of the tree. If you choose one element with a strong personality, like a palette of peacock blue and fuchsia, keep the ornaments and other décor quiet so they don’t compete.”
Don’t Stray Stay true to the aesthetic you have already established in your house. “Creating a holiday theme that is consistent with your home’s design is always best,” says Molly. “Minimalist décor in a contemporary setting or traditional trimmings in a classic setting will feel the most organic.”
Contain Yourself Avoid the pitfall of choosing holiday accents that look predicable and store-bought. “Use items around the house to hold decorations,” Molly suggests. “If you collect china, place greenery or flowers in that instead of leaving it in the packaging it came in.”
Palette Cleanser Cherished ornaments that you bring out year after year will look fresh when displayed on a new backdrop. “If you usually use a green tree, try one in flocked white,” Molly says. “Your ornaments will take on a whole new look.”
1. In a light-catching mercury glass jar, Anthropologie puts its "Volcano" candle scented with citrus and mountain grass. The mottled glass and tooled metal lid give it an antique look; $28. 2. The “Roman Holiday” bouquet from Teleflora features hydrangea, phlox, carnations, and freesia. The glass vase measures 12” wide and 14” high, $119.95. 3. This 9” vase from Anthropologie features a ceramic chrysanthemum decoration, $28.
