3 Keys to Non-Traditional Holiday Decor

The holidays are a time when sprucing up your home hits an all-time high, but it can be difficult to find festive decorations that match your style. While there is nothing wrong with snowmen, Santa figurines and lots of red and green, it’s OK to think outside the (gift) box.

Follow these three tips for a gorgeous yet non-traditional holiday home.

Choose a fresh color scheme

Who says that holiday decor has to be red and green? Try something new, like neutrals and mixed metallics. Or try unique color combinations that may not scream holiday, but create a sophisticated celebratory look when used in the right way.

This tree was inspired by the navy, turquoise, red and peach vintage shawl used here as a tree skirt.

Carry the theme throughout your holiday home with colored ornaments, pillows and throws.

 

Surprising color pairings like this blue woven throw with the red floral pillow really freshen up your decor. But nearly any color scheme can convey holiday spirit when you bring in shiny ornaments and cozy textures.

Use natural elements

Using natural elements like greenery, pinecones and berries brings in festive charm without feeling cheesy.

Plain garlands are beautiful all on their own! They don't even need the traditional red bows. Local grocery stores, home improvement stores and farmer's markets have great selections of natural garlands and wreaths.

For an even more unique holiday look, try magnolia garlands or garlands made from materials other than traditional pine branches.

Think outside the box

Look at materials differently. Find everyday items that, when used in the right way, can be great holiday decor. For example, trims from your local fabric store can make great garlands, on their own or paired with greenery. They will feel new and unique compared to a traditional ornament garland.

Also, experiment with using fabrics and patterns that wouldn’t normally be seen as Christmas. While plaid is a traditional Christmas pattern, pairing it here with a brighter teal napkin feels unexpected.

Mint green plates wouldn’t normally be used for a holiday place setting, but pairing them with gold pinecones and collected tree centerpiece creates a stylish holiday table, ready for entertaining.

Forget the traditional holiday decorating rules and push yourself to find decor that is new, fresh and fits within your home’s current home style. Not only will you end up with a beautiful holiday home, but one that is a complete reflection of you and your family. What more could you want this time of year?

Related:

• Bright Ideas for Holiday Lights
• 10 Ideas for Small Space Holiday Decor
• Three Steps to Styling a Holiday Beverage Station

Originally published December 2014. 

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How to Carve the Best Pumpkin on the Block

While Halloween may look a little different this year, there’s no reason you can’t still have an amazing outdoor display. If you’re not interested in shelling out big bucks for a 12 foot animatronic skeleton, or if your style is more autumn chic than gothic gore, you have plenty of options when it comes to the traditional jack-o’-lantern. Before you cut into your sacrificial squash, check out these top tips for making a carv-tastic display.

Pumpkin selection

There are no rules for what size or shape makes for a great jack-o’-lantern. Any pumpkin can rise to ghoulish greatness. Do look for a pumpkin that isn't bruised and has no mold around the stem. Who wants to cut into a rotted pumpkin? Also, look for a pumpkin with a flat bottom that will sit firmly without rocking.

Tools

Every job is made easier by the right tools. A kitchen knife is not the best - or safest - thing to use for pumpkin carving. You can get a set of pumpkin carving tools at many hardware or drug stores around Halloween, but you can also use items already in your possession - power drills, awls, wood gouges or even cookie cutters. Don't forget a big spoon to scoop out the guts!

Carving

Rather than giving your jack-o’-lantern a cap by cutting it at the top, draw a circle on the bottom of your pumpkin and cut your opening there, making sure to angle your blade toward the center to create a ledge for support of the finished cut area. Clean out the guts (save the seeds and roast them for your post-carving snack!) and scrape the insides of your pumpkin until they are about an inch thick in the areas you plan to carve. If you're using a pattern, tape it on and transfer it by tracing with a poking tool. Then you’re ready to carve! If you’re using a pumpkin saw, it's easiest to keep the pumpkin on your lap, holding the saw like a pencil and using a steady up-and-down motion. Saw at a 90-degree angle with gentle pressure.

Preservation

To extend the life of your jack-o’-lantern, spritz it with water and keep it in the refrigerator while it’s not on display. Spread some petroleum jelly on the cut edges to keep them from drying out. If your pumpkin starts to shrivel, submerge it in cold water for a couple of hours. It should come back to life. Just make sure to dry it well on the inside to avoid mold. You can also ward off mold and insects by spraying or soaking the pumpkin with a water-and-bleach solution.

Display

If you are using a candle, cut a hole in the top of the pumpkin toward the back to act as a chimney for smoke and heat. A candle will be more secure if you drill a hole for it. You can also use battery-operated LEDs, Christmas lights or even a nightlight to illuminate your pumpkin. If you carve a design in the back of your jack-o’-lantern, you'll produce a shadowy effect on the wall behind it, making it extra spooky!

However you choose to carve your jack o' lantern, use your creativity and have fun.

Beyond the jack-o’-lantern

For more simple and spooky outdoor decor ideas, check out these fun Halloween hacks.

Related:

• 52 Unexpected and Amazing Ways to Decorate Pumpkins
• 13 Easy DIY No-Carve Pumpkins
• Budget Decor: 10 Ways to Dress Up Your House for Fall

Originally published October 2014.

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