Do you have visions of decking the halls Martha Stewart style but don’t have the time or don’t want to spend too much? We’ve got you. Here are some simple steps to make holiday styling fun, easy and beautiful.

01.   Take stock of what you already have.  Go through those bins of holiday decor and come up with a plan of what you want to use.  Put the rest away for another year or donate anything that no longer speaks to you.

02. Decide on a color palette or scheme.  You can use any color scheme that doesn’t clash with the existing decor in your home – – if you love red and green, go for it but you don’t have to limit yourself to those traditional colors:  black, teal, blues and even neutrals can all look festive especially when you use various shades of one color and vary the texture.  Regardless of what colors you use, keeping the color scheme cohesive throughout your home will elevate everything and make it look more intentional. You can use things you already have, for example stack green or silver books and add some greenery and candles to your console table or sideboard.

03. Have fun with it! Holiday decorating is meant to bring a little light and joy to your surroundings during dark days.  Now is the time to get a little whimsical or use meaningful items that remind you of people or places you love.

04. Use fresh (or faux) greenery with white lights in unexpected places.  We love bringing the outside in with fresh clippings of pine boughs, berries or even simple branches.  Pine branches in vases or on garland with white flowers like hydrangeas, paper whites or white poinsettias look simple and festive. We love this festive greenery added to a laundry room.                                                                                         photo by Lauren Elaine Interiors

05.  The cozy finishing touches.  Play your favorite holiday music, keep lots of  throw blankets around, light that fireplace and burn candles or diffuse the scents of the season for maximum coziness!