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While I wouldn’t identify as the Grinch who stole Christmas, you won’t find me filling up a cart of holiday decorations at Target. There’s of course nothing wrong with garlands and tree figurines, but as a city girl who actively avoids all things cheesy, some harmless festivity can take an aesthetic turn for the worse fast. Here are four easy ways I like to bring a little holiday cheer to my home, none of which involves a snow globe collection.
Light Taper Candles (Even for Casual Takeout Dinners)
Nothing could ever compete with a roaring fireplace, but an assortment of flickering taper candles evokes a similar romantic mood. There’s no reason to reserve tapers for fancy occasions only, especially when you can purchase them in bulk for less than $2 each. Your weeknight Chinese takeout spread can take part in some cozy spirit, too.
D'light Online Elegant Sage Green Taper Premium Quality Candles (Set of 12), Amazon
Tapered Candles (Set of 6), Serena & Lily
Stripe Candles by Hay, DWR
Tapered Rainbow Candles (Set of 12), MoMA Design Store
Yummi Sandstone Taper Candles (Set of 12), Amazon
Century Natural Acacia Wood Taper Candle Holder, Crate & Barrel
Brass Taper Candle Holders (Set of 6), Amazon
Candle Holders in True Natural Marble , Amazon
Kava Neutral Glass Taper Candle Holders (Set of 3), CB2
Set of 12 Taper Candles, Chimney and Taper Holders by Yummi (Set of 12), Amazon
Tie Delicate Ribbons Around Stemware for Your Next Party
Dainty ribbons were trending on Spring 2024 runways, and we’ve since been seeing them all over Instagram on more than just apparel. Because flouncy bows are an essential ingredient of the holidays, now is the perfect time to get in on the fun. Tying a thin ribbon around the stem of a champagne coupe or wineglass brings a cheery touch, not to mention it takes two seconds. While it’s a fine opportunity to bring in red and green, there’s nothing chicer than black satin.
Thin Satin Ribbon (1/8 inch), Amazon
Red 3/8 inch Wide Double Faced Polyester Satin Ribbon, Amazon
Grosgrain Stripe Ribbon Christmas Stripe Plaid Ribbon, Amazon
Green Velvet Ribbon, Amazon
The Wine Glass in Cobalt Blue by Molly Baz, Crate & Barrel
The Vintage List Cocktail Glasses – Stars Design ( Set of 4), Kassatex
Vintage Gin Tonic Glass Set by Nude Glass (Set of 2), Ssense
Arlo Footed Wine Glasses (Set of 4), Pottery Barn
Make Mini Cypress Trees and Norfolk Pines Your Go-To Houseplants
Like me, you might not have room for a 10-foot-tall Douglas fir, but no matter how small your home, there’s always room for some mini cypress trees or Norfolk pines. Most are around 5 inches wide and can easily be plopped into a petite planter. Treat them like you would any small houseplant; scatter a few down a table or style one atop a dresser. Unlike your typical monstera or ficus, these will subtly nod to the season.
Emerald Green Thuja Arborvitae Evergreen Trees, Amazon
Live Dark Green Cypress Tree, Amazon
The Three Company Fragrant Lemon Cypress Tree, Amazon
Norfolk Island Pine, The Sill
Model Three Planter, Areaware
Green & White Planter by Henry Holland, Ssense
Hyde Planter, The Sill
Terra Pot, Georg Jensen
Decorate With All Plaid Everything
We’re big into plaid over here. And as much as the pattern can be used year-round, there’s no better time than winter. Evoke the coziness of Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar and bring out your plaid table linens, throw blankets, and dinnerware; they celebrate a timeless pattern without feeling themed.