End-of-year festivities are upon us, and while the season is full of joy and togetherness, it can also feel overwhelming when deciding on holiday decor.
This year at Kerrie Kelly Studio, we leaned into simplicity with a citrus-inspired theme, featuring vibrant oranges and lush magnolia leaves. From our mantles to the table settings, this cohesive look brought warmth and elegance to our homes. Choosing a theme or palette is the secret to staying grounded amid the holiday hustle, making it easier to create a cohesive and intentional space.
Here are five tips to style your home for the season while celebrating creativity and community:
1. Choose a Holiday Decor Theme or Color Palette
Start with a theme or palette that resonates with you. It could be inspired by nature, a favorite memory, or even a single color. This year, we loved the vibrant contrast of orange citrus paired with the timeless greenery of magnolia leaves.
A theme acts as your guide, giving you a focal point when making decisions and helping to unify your decorations throughout the house.
2. Mix and Match What You Have
Holiday decorating doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Look around your home for pieces you already love – vintage bowls for fruit, brass candlesticks or glass jars for displaying ornaments. Incorporate these with your chosen theme.
For our citrus look, we used wooden bowls to hold fresh oranges and glass vases filled with magnolia clippings, elevating the items we already owned.
3. Support Local Artists and Businesses
There’s something special about adding handcrafted pieces to your home, and the holidays are a perfect time to support local artisans. This year, we added ceramic ornaments from a nearby pottery studio and a wreath from a local florist that featured magnolia leaves.
Shopping small not only adds unique touches to your decor but also supports your community during the season of giving.
4. Layer in Natural Elements
Nature offers some of the best (and most budget-friendly) decor. Fresh oranges, pinecones, eucalyptus and magnolia leaves added texture and warmth to our space.
These elements are versatile, fitting seamlessly on mantles, in arrangements, or as part of place settings. Plus, their natural beauty complements any design style, from rustic to modern.
5. Keep it Simple and Joyful
It’s easy to get carried away with all the options out there, but less is often more when it comes to holiday decor.
Focus on a few impactful areas, like your mantle, dining table or entryway. A citrus garland on the mantle, a simple centerpiece of greenery and fruit, and coordinating place settings created a polished, festive look without feeling cluttered.
Bring It All Together
A cohesive theme ties your holiday decor together and allows your creativity to shine while keeping the process stress-free. Whether you’re drawn to the sparkle of metallics, the rustic charm of natural elements, or the timeless beauty of traditional red and green, a thoughtful approach will transform your home into a holiday haven.
This year, let your decor tell a story – one that celebrates your style, your home, and the community around you. With a little intention and a lot of heart, your home will be a space that truly reflects the joy of the season.
—By Kerrie Kelly, FASID, NKBA
