Traditional Christmas Decoration

When we think of a Traditional Christmas we tend to return to our childhood memories and family gatherings over the festivities. We remember nostalgically the smell of the Christmas tree, the warmth of the fire, the lavish eating, the rich decoration, the excitement of opening the presents, the noise around the Christmas table    ..

Suitability

The style of the traditional Christmas decoration is not only the most comforting & familiar scheme but it’s the easiest to craft successfully. It’s also timeless and will always work well. It suits most interiors: city or country homes, period, contemporary, oriental or colonial styles. It suits old and young, families and singletons, couples with or without kids. However, it would not work in a minimalist, futuristic or ultra chic interior – unless you want to try to make an obvious contrasting style statement. 

The look

The color scheme is based on red, green and gold. Decorating ornaments are made of acorns, berries, twigs, dried fruits, fruits, bows & fans. Textures and patterns are rich and classic – velvet ribbons, checked wool throws, stockings, napkins etc

Create the look

Although you can buy new pieces – I think it’s better to make your own Christmas decoration and / or amend previous pieces. Start your decoration in the room where you’ll spend the most time with your friends and family. As the fireplace is normally the focal point – this should be your starting point. Place a few candles of different heights on the mantel then weave some (artificial or real) ivy leaves, acorns, berries etc. among the candles – then add a few baubles. Make similar garlands and decorate your door frames, window frames or banisters. Fill a few glass balls with dried berries & acorns, or spices such as burnt orange slices and cinnamon sticks and put these around the house on coffee tables, shelves and mantels. See illustration.

Decorating the Christmas tree

It’s ideal to have a real Christmas tree but you can get away with an artificial one if you decorate it well. Make sure you only use three colors – hang gold, red & green baubles, acorns, fruits, bells, little boxes and stars. Use smooth velvet and traditional check pattern on ribbons, bows, fans, gold glitter. The Christmas tree light should be simple – red berry lights or clear tinsel lights. See illustrations.

Decorating the Christmas Table 

The Christmas table should continue the red-gold-green theme. You don’t need to buy a new set of plates – just decorate your normal tableware. Make a long horizontal central piece out of the Christmas tree twigs and run across your dining table. Tuck in some berries, nuts, cones, small baubles and a few tealights in golden or etched glass holders. Your table cover should be white, ivory, gold or red. Make or buy some red & gold placemats & napkins – these could be glittery, checked or just simple linen. Decorate your napkin rings with berries and ivy leaves. Use crystal or antique (looking) glassware. 

The Christmas lights

Lighting is an essential part of traditional Christmas decorating. If possible, mix your garland with lights – then wrap this around a plate of nuts & dried fruits, the banister in your hallway,  the doorframes etc… If it’s not possible, or you want a real traditional feel, use lots of candles – buy simple church candles or small tealights and put these into clear, red, gold or etched glass tubs, bowls and tealight holders and put them around your home. Do remember, candles can cause fire – so don’t leave them unattended!

Outdoor Decorating

Make a wreath similar to your garlands (with berries, ivy leaves, acorns etc) and hang it on the outside of your door. Use exterior rope or stick lights to decorate your porch and window frames. If you have a large tree next to your front door, why not wrap a berry tinsel light around it? Don’t overdo the cliched outdoor decor, remember: less is more.

Elements of the traditional decorating theme can be taken out and used in other Christmas decorating themes, particularly in   Timeless Elegance and Fairytales. Red more about these themes!