Christmas is almost here, which means it’s time to dust off the two-meter fake tree along with the boxes of baubles, Santas and reindeer that take up half of your closet area for 11 months of the year. Ugh!
What if I told you that you could mix a small number of Christmas-y decorations with a bunch of non-holiday–special accessories to make an understated and tasteful festive look that does not squander money or storage room?
By choosing your favourite theme (I’ve gone for Woodland, Contemporary, Glam and Folk here) you will be able to show off your beautiful fresh purchases year-round!
— Alicia out of Atypical Sort A
Urban Outfitters
Peace Sign Marquee Light – $199
Share the spirit of the season in a exceptional way with a fairground-style lighting in the shape of a peace sign.
Urban Outfitters
Birch Jewelry Stand – $32
You can’t have Christmas without a tree, but who says it has to be an enormous green plastic model? Repurpose this tasteful jewelry stand into a tabletop tree for smaller spaces. (Bonus: you will want fewer decorations)
Urban Outfitters
Iridescent Sparkle Light String – $24
It’s party season, so it’s time for some sparkle! This pretty garland would be ideal for all those Christmas and a New Year’s Eve soirees, in addition to parties through the year.
Urban Outfitters
Mercury Glass Catch-All Dish – $6
Insert some mercury glass attachments, such as this votive holder, to up the glamour factor.
Urban Outfitters
Ruffle Laundry Bag – $39
After a quick wash, this ruffled laundry hamper transforms into an elegant Santa sack.
Hard to Find
Anna-Carin Dahl Tealight Holders – AUD 70
If your design is more earthy than glam, incorporate some natural elements and friendly forest animals, like these magnificent shape tealight holders, to your own decor.
Hard to Find
Pigeon Light – AUD 149
To get a no-fuss, contemporary Christmas, attempt simple yet amazing accessories in steel, white and sleek wood, like this cool dove lamp.
The Wooden Crate
Resin Deer Wall Hanging – AUD 20.57
A sleek white end takes this guy from stuffy to unique.
Hard to Find
Pin Board Plain Dyed Chocolate – AUD 69.95
Transform your humble memo board into a simple screen for those holiday party invitations and cards.
Hard to Find
Squirrels – AUD 135
Little ones will love playing with this particular squirrel decoration out of Bride & Wolfe. The only problem is choosing which side to display: the autumn tones or the crisp winter white?
Lark
Woodland Tray: Owl’s House – AUD 35
Pretty much anything white and red will look appropriate at this time of year, so experiment with different styles, like this retro-inspired tray.
Urban Outfitters
Laerke Duvet Cover – $69
Inspired by mid-century European folk art, this bedspread would look equally as great whether you are enjoying a summertime Christmas in the southern hemisphere or are snuggling up with your hot chocolate.
emerald + ella
Milk Bottle
This jar is ideal for Santa’s milk and biccies.
Hard to Find
Bean Bag ‘Tuffet’ – AUD 154
This time of year often means having to fit far more folks in your home, so seating can be an issue. Repurpose this candy cross-stitch-style footstool into additional seating when guests come calling.
Urban Outfitters
Welcome Home Rug – $19
All those Christmas parties are excellent, but there is nothing like your own home at Christmastime, do not you believe? I am excited about taking off a week and actually enjoying my home, performing some nesting, cooking, reading and entertaining.
emerald + ella
Etched Lantern
There’s no cheaper and simpler way to make a space feel merry than having lighting. These pretty etched candle holders may look ideal for the season but are sure to receive used all year.
Urban Outfitters
Chalkboard Placemat – Set of 2 – $24
Write vacation fantasies or suggest seating arrangements on these fun chalkboard placemats. Following a couple of champagnes or crimson cordials, you can be sure the entire family is going to have a ball coming up with new messages and drawings.
Urban Outfitters
Mobile Spider Frame – $12
Your joyful snap holder can become a paper chandelier of Christmas cards from loved ones.
Urban Outfitters
Block Word Ornament – $11
OK, yes, I am including a genuine tree ornament. However, this one, based on Robert Indiana’s famous pop art sculpture, would make a super adorable home accessory by taking away the decoration.
Hard to Find
Nordic Light 4 litres, Black – AUD 129.95
This contemporary yet classic candelabra would make the ideal centerpiece year-round.
Next: 30 Beautifully Inventive DIY Christmas Decorations