Ready to Win Holiday Decorating?!
Every year, my now husband typically works on Christmas, and I head to Pittsburgh to celebrate with my family, leaving our dogs with friends. But this year is different! As a newly married couple about to move into our first home together, we’ve decided to host our family here in California for a sun-filled Christmas and Hanukkah. While we’re beyond excited to have everyone together and be in our own space, having 12 people in our cozy Ventura home—along with decorations for two major holidays and dogs the size of 5th graders—might make things feel a bit... snug. Thankfully, we love to keep our decorating simple!
KEEP YOUR DECOR SIMPLE & TIMELESS
As many of you know, I’m all about keeping my interiors and home decor timeless, and this philosophy is even more important when it comes to holiday decorating. By choosing colors, themes, and pieces that I truly love and can reuse year after year, I avoid the need to overspend on new decor each season. This way, I can focus more on what matters most—spending quality time with friends and family. For both Christmas and Hanukkah, I prefer to keep my decor traditional, sticking to classic holiday colors like burgundy, cherry red, pine green, navy blue, chocolate brown, and winter white. I also love incorporating nubby textures along with stripe, plaid, and holiday floral patterns for that cozy, festive feel.
FOR SMALL SPACES, DRESS UP WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE
Our charming Ventura home by the ocean is a small two-bedroom—just big enough for the two of us. So, when it comes to holiday decorating, it’s all about enhancing what we already have! One easy way to do this is by adding wreaths, ribbons and bows to dress up mirrors and artwork throughout your home. I love reusing my Thanksgiving wreath on our entryway mirror—it’s a beautiful burgundy faux leaf wreath from Pottery Barn. Another trick I enjoy is adding bows to framed pieces of art, especially stacked artwork, but this works just as well anywhere. Rather than buying new greenery, I opt for the bows to add a festive touch without the added cost. For a bold, eye-catching effect, be sure to choose a ribbon that’s about 2”-3” wide and has wire in it—otherwise, it will get lost in the artwork!
HOLIDAY GREENERY
I believe every home should have at least one space with real pine greenery. Whether that’s a Christmas tree, garland draped up the stairs, or a wreath on your front door, there’s something about the natural pine feel and smell that is simply irreplaceable. It’s that element of freshness and tradition that makes the holidays feel magical. Beyond that, I love adding splashes of greens, burgundys, cheery reds, and whites with floral arrangements throughout the house. These touches bring the outside in, especially in a coastal home where the season can sometimes feel a little warmer than expected.
CANDLES, CANDLES & MORE CANDLES
Candles are an effortless way to set the perfect mood for any festive occasion, and they’re especially enchanting during the winter months. I love incorporating a variety of candles throughout our home—whether on the mantle, a console table, or scattered across the living room. I enjoy mixing different widths and heights, using some in elegant candlestick holders, others left as they are, and a few encased in glass cloches. The soft, warm glow of candlelight immediately creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere, while the scent of holiday-inspired candles—think pine, cinnamon, and vanilla—fills the air with a comforting fragrance. Best of all, they add a touch of holiday magic without overwhelming the space.
FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS MOST
At the end of the day, holiday decorating in a small space is all about creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like home. While it’s easy to get caught up in extravagant decorations, the true essence of the holidays is about spending time with the ones you love. Whether you’re gathering around a table full of food, playing games by the fire, or simply enjoying each other’s company, your home should reflect that warmth and connection.
Happy decorating, and I hope you find inspiration in keeping your holiday decor simple, timeless, and full of heart.
With Love, Annie