Starry nights

Starry nights:: Christmas Decoration Theme

Christmas is a time of reflection. The Starry nights theme is inspired by the mystery of the sky, the stars, the universe and beyond. It reflects on time and space; past and present; mystery and reality; the unknown and the known.. 

Suitability

The starry night theme can work both on literal and abstract level. Therefore it is suitable for period homes as well as contemporary settings. It can also add a touch of Christmas spirit to tropical homes.

The look

The decor echoes the mystery & spirit of the universe, our dreams, and our beings. The color scheme is based on the dark & misty winter nights – dark blue, deep mauve, black & silver. The decoration therefore is dark, mysterious & evocative using reflective and shimmering surfaces and textures. Ornaments are based on the universe – the moon, the sun, the stars –  in a variety of shapes, shades, shadows and silhouettes. 

Get the look

Make runners of silver stars for the mantelpiece and table. Hang different sized stars in your living room window or along a wall – light these from below with a diffused or colored spotlight and let them cast shadows & reflections onto the surface. Stencil star and moon shapes onto clear glass bowls, goblets and flutes – or use some adhesive film sheet that can be later removed. Use long candles in black or dark blue flutes and tumblers and pile them together on shelves, coffee tables and mantelpiece. Play with shadows and silhouettes using diffused lights or a projector. Use mirrors and shiny surfaces.

The Christmas tree

The best tree for this theme is an artificial Fibre Optic or LED tree – in black or silver with a fluffy, feather or plastic finish. A twig tree would also work.  Decorate the tree with stars & glass, abstract & spiritual objects. Keep it simple and monochrome.  For an abstract version have a tree projected onto one of your walls.

The dining table

Put a row of black, silver or glass candelabra across the table. Hang some stars or mirror pieces above the table either from the ceiling or the pendant light. Use black or mauve glassware and tableware. Your tablecloth could be silver with black lace placemats and silver napkins and shiny, mirror-like rings.

Lighting

The lighting is subdued and soft – achieved by candles glooming through dark coloured or etched glass.
Hide a rope light under furniture to allow hazy light to float into your room. Or bring some color into the space by changing your pendant light  and other lamp bulbs into colored ones and dimming them, if possible.

Exterior Decorating

Make or buy a star shaped wreath out of twigs – spray it with silver & glitter. Put tealights in silver star-shaped containers in your windows and along your pathway. Hang clear or silver 3D  & Sputnik stars on a tree in your front garden.

The Starry nights theme can easily be adapted to the Trendy or the Elegant Christmas decorating theme.

See more decoration themes for Christmas