The holidays are just around the corner—you’ll be decking the halls with Christmas decorations before you know it. While wreaths, stockings, and your classic well-appointed pine tree are de rigueur this time of year, your decorations can always use a refresh. (After all, nothing will cramp your style like mini […]
The holidays are just around the corner—you’ll be decking the halls with Christmas decorations before you know it. While wreaths, stockings, and your classic well-appointed pine tree are de rigueur this time of year, your decorations can always use a refresh. (After all, nothing will cramp your style like mini Santas or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer everywhere.) Admittedly, Christmas decorations can feel a little constricting, as if straying from a red-and-green color palette will land you on the naughty list. But as it turns out, Christmas decor is packed with unlimited design potential—you just need to get a little creative.
To help kick-start your inspiration, feast your eyes on the 75 divine Christmas decorating ideas here. From pared-down wrapping paper to glitzy accessories to an innovative alternative to your favorite holiday staples, we’re positive you’ll find something to make your spirits merry, bright, and oh so beautiful.
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Revel in Repetition
Consider repetition an easy, low-maintenance way to make a statement. In this living room from Havenly, the dual wreaths complement the matching cocktail and side tables.
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Rose-Colored Glasses
Just because red and green are the typical Christmas color palette doesn’t mean they’re your only options. Havenly’s Heather Goerzen shook up the status quo by filling this nook with warm pinks, creams, and oranges. The result is a fun, refreshing take on the classic palette.
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Haute Heater
You can dress up any nook and cranny of your home—just take a look at this space from Havenly. Shelby Girard, the brand’s vice president of creative and design, beautified this radiator with a garland, string lights, and minimalist stockings.
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Luxe Laundry
Anyone who wants to spruce up their laundry room should take a cue from Lauren Elaine Interiors. The Atlanta-based designer decked out this butler’s pantry with a lush green wreath and matching mini topiaries.
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Wintry Whites
Bring the snowy outdoors to your dining room table by coating the surface with a medley of whites, creams, and ivories. Textile designer John Robshaw added a vibrant green bouquet to keep this neutral tablescape from feeling dull.
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Craft Service
As interior design John McClain proves, some of the best Christmas decorating ideas can come from flexing your creative muscle.
“Use what you have,” he says. “This bookcase was accented with ribbon and wreaths strategically placed in the center of each opening. Replace a few of your everyday accessories with holiday ones, and you have a holiday bookshelf!”
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On the Flip Side
What’s the best way to balance a decadent Christmas tree? A smaller upside-down tree, as seen in this space by John McClain. “To mimic the effects of a chandelier, an inexpensive faux tree was hung from a grommet over the table,” he says. “Backyard vines that are sprayed gold and wired to the base both hide the mechanics and create an additional element of whimsy.”
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Sitting Pretty
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a fancy tablescape to make your dining room shine. John McClain cleverly tied a batch of festival foliage to the back of each chair. The result? A beautiful arrangement that will look good from breakfast to dinner.
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Get Glitzy
A wreath is a fail-safe way to bring the holiday spirit to any room. Want to take this Christmas staple up a couple of notches? Adorn it with gilded baubles.
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Accessorize with Asymmetry
In case you missed it, Christmas decorations don’t have to be perfectly asymmetrical. Annie Selke created plenty of movement and visual interest in this room, thanks to the off-kilter garland and defiant plant.
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Gift Garland
If you want to give your home a sense of childhood wonder, bring the Christmas decorations to your children’s bedroom. Annie Selke adorned this space with a strand of pint-sized presents. (Translation: This decorating idea is literally the gift that keeps on giving.)
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Fine Dining
Looking to create a dining room that appeals to all of the senses? Add some leafy greens to your space. Annie Selke took Christmas decor to new heights with a suspended branch that’s decked out with ornaments. It’s like a Christmas tree for your dining nook!
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Christmas Kitchen
Filling a kitchen with holiday cheer is a tall order. However, as Julie Blanner proves, it’s as easy as hanging a minimalist wreath above your stove.
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Small But Mighty
As this corner from Shabby Chic founder Rachel Ashwell proves, the biggest statements can often come in small packages. This Christmas tree might be small, but its pink color scheme and glitzy ornaments pack a punch.
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Midcentury Marvel
Calling all midcentury lovers: This space from Anne Sage proves you can take a modern approach to Christmas decorations. The cheery palette and sleek silhouettes of the dinnerware feel delightfully retro, while a tiny silver tree in the middle offers some subtle holiday spirit.
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Tremendous Tree
Want to give your Christmas decorations a “wow” factor? Interior designer Bunny Williams opts for a supersized tree. “It seems to get bigger every year,” she says. “Ornaments become very sentimental, and I still have a few from my childhood. You put them on the tree every year, and then when you take them down, you just can’t wait to see them again the next year.”
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The Textured Treatment
Mixing different materials is an easy, effective way to add a homey spirit to your space. Here, Bunny Williams juxtaposes lush branches with berries, fruit, and tactile trees. Williams sticks to an earthy color palette to keep the vignette cohesive rather than contradictory.
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One with Nature
If you want to bring the winter wonderland to your home, decorate your space with elements from the great outdoors. Bunny Williams covered her mantel with faux mushrooms, branches, and wooden accents. The strands of pine cones and chestnuts give this look a seasonal spin.
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Color Coordination
Want to transform your home into an elegant space that can rival your favorite Christmas movie? Interior designer Marie Flanigan recommends opting for a curated color palette.
“Streamline the decorating process by committing yourself to a color palette,” she says. “Whether it’s white on white or traditional red and green, decide on a clear direction and ensure any newly purchased items coordinate.”
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Unexpected Elegance
If hanging a wreath on your front door feels a tad basic, take a cue from Gillian Segal and opt for a cluster of varying branches. It’s an unexpected yet effortlessly cool alternative.
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Wonderful Wrapping
Well-appointed gift wrapping can give your space a festive, photogenic finishing touch. Gillian Segal kept it simple with a neutral palette and a stray twig.
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Keep It Casual
Decorating your home with an easygoing nonchalance will give your space a cool, modern edge. Instead of tightly wrapping garland around a railing, Gillian Segal draped a loose, wild strand down a flight of stairs.
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Dazzle with Dreidels
Christmas isn’t the only holiday worth celebrating this season. If you’re also ringing in the eight luminous nights of Hanukkah, keep a batch of colorful dreidels in an acrylic bowl à la Gillian Segal.
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Town Tablescape
Turn your dining table into a makeshift North Pole by creating a lively centerpiece with snowy wooden houses, strategically placed branches, and miniature trees. Let Rashmi Patel of Rush Me Home show you how it’s done.
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Gorgeous Garland
A lush strand of garland can look good anywhere—even draped over a large mirror. Not only does this decorating idea usher in the holiday spirit, the vibrant green also pops nicely against Shavonda Gardner’s black walls and fuchsia front door.
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Feeling Fruity
When decorating her mantel, Kaelyn Guerin traded in the boughs of holly for slices of dried oranges. The result? The perfect mix of festive and fruity.
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Simplicity Is Key
You don’t need to pull out all the stops to make a statement. As this setup from Serena & Lily proves, simply hanging a textured wreath can add plenty of visual appeal.
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Fancy Feast
Pine boughs can add a festive spirit to any space. Here, the extra foliage gives a wintry touch to a coastal bar cart by Serena & Lily.
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Touchy-Feely
Looking for a Christmas decorating idea that’s stylish, seasonal, and snugly? Channel this table from Serena & Lily by draping a faux-fur throw on your dining chairs.
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Minimalist Mantel
Just because you’re decorating for the most wonderful time of the year doesn’t mean you have to settle for boughs of holly and plaid accents. If your aesthetic skews more minimalist, take a cue from Harlow and Thistle and deck your fireplace mantel with dried wheatgrass, scarce eucalyptus leaves, and nickel accents.
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Checkmate
Consider a black-and-white buffalo check an easy way to get into the holiday spirit without feeling too Christmasy. This tablescape from Harlow and Thistle pairs the high-contrast color combination with wooden accents. The result? Decorations you’ll want to leave up well after December 25.
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Defy Gravity
Want to take your Christmas decorations to new heights? Make a statement with your light fixture. Blogger Liz Marie Galvan gave her dining room some floor-to-ceiling appeal by adding pine branches and faux fruits to her chandelier.
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Play with Proportions
As this setup from Monika Hibbs proves, size matters. The large stockings and gigantic paper garland layered over this sideboard pack on the drama, while the muted color palette prevents the space from feeling too over-the-top.
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Grand Entrance
A well-appointed front door is a great way to bring the holiday spirit to your guests well before they step inside. Jacqueline Hempel of Finding Lovely turned her space into a winter wonderland by covering her porch in lush seasonal greens.
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Flower Power
Looking for a fresh alternative to ornaments? Take a cue from Sara Toufali of Black & Blooms by adding a string of strategically placed flowers. Whether you opt for crisp white flowers or seasonal blooms, this decor idea is an easy way to keep your tree from feeling ubiquitous.
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In Full Bloom
As this nook from Casa Watkins Living proves, berry branches don’t always have to be an afterthought. Blogger Stephanie Watkins takes a bold approach with supersized stems and large alphabet-inspired ornaments.
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Rustic Table Runner
Give your dining table a festive, farmhouse-inspired flair by pairing a burlap runner with bunches of needled branches. In this tablescape from Boxwood Avenue, a selection of gilded candleholders draw the eye toward the layered runner.
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Stay Golden
Dousing your home in gilded accents will give you the same magic that you feel waking up on Christmas morning.
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Strike a Chord
No holiday season is complete without some festive songs. For an artful, unexpected twist, keep the sheet music for your favorite Christmas jingle in an ornate frame. Sing-alongs abound!
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Taste the Rainbow
Why settle for red and green when you can enjoy every shade in the rainbow? Multicolored ornaments will add an energetic attitude to your Christmas decor—and they’re bound to put a smile on your face.
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Bring Cheer into Your Bedroom
Whether you’ve run out of places to prop your garland or want to rest your head surrounded by the Christmas spirit, this elegant bedroom by Dear Lillie Studio is appropriately festive without feeling overwhelming.
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Aim for Understated Glitz
A pale palette of rose golds and pinks allows this holiday vignette from Modern Glam to handle glitter galore, with heavy flocking, coordinating ornaments, and even pillows and presents to match.
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…Or Do the Opposite!
From the unadorned garland on the mantel to the barely decorated pine, this verdant Christmas living room makes the case for holiday minimalism.
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Snow-Dusted Stairs
This flocked garland, by Tammy Damore of The Cultivated Home, is woven with warm string lights and white roses and has us dreaming of a white Christmas.
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Go Pretty in Pink
Gone are the days of traditional pine and glitzy decor. This merry monochrome beauty from Martha Stewart is the festive refresh you’ve been waiting for.
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Add a Rustic Flair
A cozy Montana guesthouse sacrifices none of its rustic charm, thanks to an assortment of decor that sticks to the classic style. A tree dotted with delicate string lights, a mantel adorned with a lush pine garland, and a rich berry-red flower arrangement tie the look together.
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Keep It Neutral
“You don’t need color to dazzle up your home for the holidays,” says Courtney Davey of Tuft & Trim. “I like mixing a variety of finishes, like gold, mercury glass, and silver, to create a chic and elegant look. Neutral Christmas decor keeps the space soft and inviting while still creating a festive atmosphere.”
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Try a Christmas Kitchen
Swap out your fine china for a festive assortment of dishware, so even a late-night snack brings out the holiday cheer.
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Give Your Tabletop Some Holiday Flair
Amanda Reynal left no surface without Christmas cheer, and this tabletop is proof. Even once dinner is over, a winter flower arrangement, brass candleholders, and a checkered tablecloth keep the festivities alive.
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Try a Natural Look
Opting for rustic decor can make a subdued statement in your home, like in this setup by Tuft & Trim. Founder Courtney Davey says, “I like creating a cozy and rustic atmosphere with reclaimed-wood accents, soft fur textures, and a variety of greenery. Candle-filled lanterns topped with evergreen help make the space feel warm and inviting.”
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Make It Personal
“During the holidays, I like to incorporate details that make the space feel personal,” says Tuft & Trim’s Courtney Davey. “Adding tags or names to Christmas stockings is an easy way to do that! You can make them yourself, like these DIY wooden letters, or have them personalized online.”
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Fill Your Home with a Golden Glow
Creating a welcoming ambience for the holidays can be super simple and easily achieved. By opting for golden lights on your tree, garlands, and more, you are instantly setting the mood for festivities while crafting a cozy atmosphere.
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Start with the Dinner Table
The easiest way to test out dramatic holiday decor is on your table. Dress up a dinner party with a lush garland, silver candleholders, and wooden chargers. Complete each setting with golden flatware and a cinnamon stick, as Lauren McBride did here.
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Make White Your Base Color
In this holiday vignette styled by Craftberry Bush, a white-fur tree dressing, white walls, and plenty of fake snow create a wintry wonderland and make the bold pops of red even more dazzling.
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Gift with Greenery
Ditch the usual ribbon and top your gift with a pretty piece of greenery. It’s an unexpected but beautifully rustic look, as shown in these gift wrappings by These Four Walls.
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Decorate Every Nook and Cranny
Don’t reserve your best Christmas decor for the living room—let the festivities overflow into every part of the house. This entryway in Lucy Atkins’s home makes sure you get in the holiday spirit the second you walk in the door, with evergreen clippings, pine cones, and a cozy hanging blanket.
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Opt for Modern Ornaments
Give your tree a fun, minimalist twist with geometric gold ornaments, like this one styled by My Scandinavian Home.
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Use Presents as Decor
Why spend all that time on wrapping gifts to perfection if you aren’t going to show them off? Line your staircase with presents wrapped in various fun patterns for a simple but chic decor idea, as shown in this vignette from Craftberry Bush.
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Go Vintage
Make use of your favorite antiques by styling them for the holiday season. In this living room by Little Vintage Nest, the sled was an incredible vintage find and the burlap sack filled with Christmas-tree clippings adds a rustic touch.
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Focus on the Table
And when you do focus on the table, feel free to deviate from the standard red and green. “Rather than the traditional color scheme, try something new, like a malachite fabric and hot-pink peonies,” says designer Grant Gibson. “Layer in black and white for a graphic pop. The plates [here] are antique French.”
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Use Wallpaper as Fancy Wrapping Paper
It’s a bit of an investment, but if you have an especially important gift to wrap, use wallpaper. “It’s more expensive, but there are amazing pattern options that I use for my wrapping paper,” designer Scot Meacham told House Beautiful. “The wallpaper is a much stronger weight than regular wrapping paper, so there are never any issues with the paper tearing.”
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Go Natural
Take inspiration from nature for your decorating scheme. “Use fresh evergreen boughs, garlands, and wreaths combined with in-season citrus like lemons, tangerines, and oranges,” says designer Tobi Fairley. “It will give your home a beautiful natural look, and it smells heavenly.”
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Improvise Earthy Napkin Rings
To improvise a holiday napkin ring, top your favorite ribbon with a simple sprig of pine. This instant hit can be complemented by dotting a few glass ornaments around your place settings (tell your guests to take them home as party goodies!).
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Don’t Be Afraid of Artificial Trees
If a real tree leaves a mess in your living room, don’t feel married to it. Besides, artificial trees often have wires that are easy to curve and bend to better hold ornaments. Miss the scent of pine? A few scented candles (just not too close to the tree!) should do the job.
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Create a Living Runner
Bring one of nature’s best color schemes to your mantel: green and white. “There’s nothing prettier than pairing fresh greens—whether boxwood or pine—with mercury candle votives and white lights,” says designer Susanna Salk. “Try interspersing the trio across your mantel or as a runner come to life along your dining room table. It’s a holiday look you’ll never get tired of.”
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Stage a Holiday “Shelfie”
Shelves beg to be a holiday vignette, so turn your attention toward organizing them with seasonal cheer. “Use your bookshelves as an opportunity to inject a bit of holiday flair,” says Nicole Gibbons. “Mix in bowls of ornaments, tabletop trees, and other seasonal accents into your bookshelves for the ultimate holiday ‘shelfie,’ as shown here.”
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Add Sparkle to Unexpected Places
Deviate from the norm when it comes to hanging your outdoor lights. Try draping them around trellises, birdbaths, and other landscaping features to illuminate your yard, not just your house. (If you live in a warm climate, this also makes for gorgeous outdoor entertaining.)
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Don’t Avoid Green Decor
If filling bowls with pine cones is beginning to get boring, check crafts and home stores for natural ornaments and display them with seasonal greenery. Added perk: The greenery, like pine needles, will add a fresh aroma to the room.
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Go for the Glitz
Accent a neutral color scheme with gold. “For holiday decorating, I love incorporating natural elements, lights (candles or simple Christmas lights), and a little gold (be it in the ribbons, ornaments, or objects),” says designer Sara Story. “Magnolia leaves are always a favorite of mine, especially in wreaths strewn with beautiful gold ribbon. These make for an elegant statement on any door, and you can add some great glass pieces or ornaments to really make it gleam.”
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Think in Threes
For beautiful statement decor, follow this easy formula. “Christmas means three things to me: paperwhites, citrus, and magnolias. I go to the flower market (or the backyard) and cut magnolias and place them on mantels,” says designer Miles Redd. “I intersperse lemons or clementines (sometimes studded with cloves) and paperwhites—either the individual bulb or just mossy pots of six bulbs. The smell of the combination is wonderful.”
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Give It a Little Quirk
Add an unexpected element to your traditional decor scheme. “With Christmas decorating, you have to give it a little quirk, a little personality,” says designer Summer Thornton. “One thing I do that always stirs conversation is hanging ornaments from my chandeliers. It’s easy, and it adds some great color to the room.”
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Make It Magical with Light
“Years ago in Taos, New Mexico, I picked up a big vintage brass-and-leather sleigh-bell horse harness that I hang on my front door wrapped in evergreens and lights,” says designer Windsor Smith. “I do the same on my staircase, wrapping evergreens and leather straps in those tiny strings of lights that you never have to plug in. The light’s so much more magical when it floats.”
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Make It Last
Get crafty with leftover bits and pieces. “We always save leftover fabric scraps and love to have custom wreaths made out of them,” say Anne Maxwell Foster and Suysel dePedro Cunningham of Tilton Fenwick. “There are many amazing vendors on Etsy that will make them for you, and they last year after year.”
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Photo credit: Thomas Kuoh From House Beautiful Though it may be a dream to live in a museum-quality house, let’s face it: Who really wants to live in a museum? That was the precise conundrum Studio Munroe’s Emilie Munroe faced while creating the perfect home for a family that […]
