How to Decorate Like the Pros this Holiday!
Looking to add a special touch to your holiday décor this year? Here are some of my favorite design ideas to wow your guests like the pros!
I went with a bit of nostalgia this year and designed a Winter Wonderland look that brings one of my favorite scenes from the Nutcracker in the Land of Snow to life plus some money saving tips on how to choose decorations that last beyond the holidays.
Winter Wonderland and The Nutcracker – I loved the tradition of going to The Nutcracker growing up, so I designed a look that is classic, elegant and easy to recreate to bring back those happy memories!
Color Scheme:
- The key to this décor is keeping it in the simple color scheme of white and light blue with sparkling accents of silver or crystal pieces that mirror ice for the holidays. Sometimes the simplest color schemes are the most impactful and elegant. You can find tons of great winter wonderland décor at big box, home décor and craft stores like Target, Walmart, Homegoods and Michaels, so pick some of your favorites and build a look you’ll love.
- *Quick Tip: Purchase decor pieces you can reuse in your home decor after the holidays such as mercury glass candleholders or crystal accents that are still useable in your home decor after the holidays.
Statement Linens:
- For an impressive dining table, start with a great rental linen to really set the tone and the holiday glamour like these white and sequin linens from www.nuagedesigns.com Think of designing your table in terms of fashion. Always start with a foundational piece and then add amazing accessories for an overall look.
- *Quick Tip: You absolutely can rent only one or two linens from a linen company to create the look you want. Don’t think you have to order tons of linens in order to rent them. Just call and tell them what you need and voila!
Feather Snowball Décor:
- I love these feather lights from www.vitalighting.com as a whimsical décor element which work perfectly in a winter wonderland theme. Stack them as a snowman, hang them above your dinner table or set them on the floor by your Christmas Tree.
- *Quick Tip: You can order these gorgeous lights that you can use long after the holidays in your home décor at events@vitalighting.com
DIY Tips and How-to: This is such an easy theme that lends itself to so many easy and cost effective centerpiece ideas you can DIY for your table or an upcoming party. Give these a try:
Personalized Namecard Plates:
- Draw a large decorative snowflake or variety of small snowflakes on the main center of the white plate. Write the guest’s name underneath the design at the bottom of the plate.
- I used a silver metallic sharpie marker to create the look and then let them dry. *Quick Tip: Don’t worry if you make a mistake. Use a q-tip and some nailpolish remover to simply clean up your lines or wipe it off and start over – no worries at all!
- Once dry, bake them in the oven at 350* for 20 minutes then let them cool in the oven to set. Once cooled, run the plates through the dishwasher and then you’ll have a designer set of placecard plates to make your table festive and your guests feel special
- *Gift Tip: Plate cookies on the plates after dinner and wrap with gifting cellophane, tie with a festive ribbon and nametag for a delicious and personalized surprise for each guest to take home from the party. Prep nametags and ribbons in advance so you just have to plate the cookies, pull the corners of the cellophane together and tie! You don’t want to spend a ton of time away from your guests… Or, a great project to keep the kids busy after dinner!
Snowy Designer Glassware: 
- Upgrade your table with designer glassware you dream of from the department stores for that extra glam touch! Not in the budget? No worries, create this sparkling snowy set with basic $1 champagne and wine glasses plus a $7 can of craft white glitter spraypaint. Use a sheet of cellophane to cover the top half of the glass so the spraypaint doesn’t adhere near to where guests drink. Spray the bottom half of the glass and the stem to create that sparkling snowy designer look. Let dry and then cover the top half with cellophane again and seal with the clear spray. I recommend hand-washing the glasses so the spray stays in tact for many more uses.
Floral Centerpiece:
- Take a larger clear glass cylinder vase and then insert a smaller one of the same shape inside it. Between the two vases fill it with silver, white or blue candies or sparkling snowflakes. Add some flowers and evergreen to the inside vase to top the look off. (You can use this tip for any holiday by adding spring flowers between the vases, leaves for a Fall look, heart candies for valentines day – anything you want!)
Candleholders:
- Purchase some inexpensive clear glass candleholders from the dollar store, a .99 can of white spray paint and some silver or blue taper candles for a great centerpiece. I used five and it cost me less than $10 for a statement piece. You can stagger them across the table or place them inside of a table wreath for a gorgeous look.
Christmas Tree, Gift Packaging and Statement Accessories
- It’s also fun and extremely elegant to carry your theme through to your Christmas Tree and your Gift Packaging too. Use metallic silver, light blue and white giftwrap, bags and boxes. Use snowflake, crystal, white, silver and light blue ornaments on your tree. Your guests will be impressed at how coordinated everything is from décor to distinctive gifts!
- If you are throwing a party, I recommend investing in a focal piece such as gorgeous rental linens from www.nuagedesigns.com and a statement floral centerpiece from Lee Forrest Design www.leeforrestdesign.com
Email me at jamie@jamieo.co if you have any questions and have the Happiest of Holidays!
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