Without a doubt, Christmas is my most favorite holiday of the year. In addition to the many gatherings and festivities, smashing decor makes everything merrier and bright! I’ve asked my friend and Atlanta-based interior designer Shelly Dozier-McKee of Confetti Style, to share with us a special service she provides during the holiday season. She’s also so generously provided DIY ideas on creating holiday flair in your own home. Let’s take a look.
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Thanks Erika for having me over at BluLabelBungalow today. I’m so excited to share 10 steps to stylish Christmas decor with your readers today!

As an interior designer here in Atlanta, most of the year I’m working on residential design projects but come November and December my business turns to holiday decorating for clients. With many years of glitter and garland under my belt, I’ve come up with some tried and true tips and techniques for holiday decorating that will not only make decorating easier but a bit more fun too!

Let the decorating begin…

1. CREATE A THEME:

Every good design plan starts with a theme and Christmas decorating is no exception. Create a theme around traditional holiday colors, a holiday icon like snowflakes or stars, or even use a material like burlap as the basis of your theme.

2. LAYER, LAYER, LAYER:

The holidays are a time when you want to go to the extreme when it comes to layering your decor. Layer ornaments from the inside to the tips of your tree to give it dimension. Do the same to your staircase and mantel by adding layers of ribbon, ornaments or holiday stems. The more layers you have, the more stylized your decor will look.

 

3. EMBELLISH:

From Christmas gifts to your holiday table setting, make sure to add little embellishments to give everything a little more pizazz! Glue inexpensive faux gems to the front of votive candles to add a bit of bling and glitz.

4. MIX REAL WITH FAUX:

I love the smell of fresh greenery during the holidays but don’t like mess it can often create. To give your artificial garland more style, head to your local Christmas tree lot and ask for some of the discarded clippings they cut off trees. Mix the fresh branches, blooms from your magnolia tree, and springs of  faux garland to give your greenery a more substantial and authentic look.

5. DECORATE IN UNEXPECTED AREAS:

The holiday cheer in your home shouldn’t stop at the tree. This holiday add some festive touches in unexpected areas of your home. Try adding some cheer to the guest bedroom, powder room or even laundry room.

6. SHOP THE DOLLAR STORE:

Creating stylish looks for the holidays does not have to be expensive. The Dollar Store has lots of fantastic pieces that can be transformed into something great. This simple glass flute and a Styrofoam ball are easily turned into a festive place setting accent for the table.

7. USE WHAT YOU HAVE:

Shop your house and you might find that you already own the perfect holiday decorating pieces. Let your collection of white pottery make its holiday appearance with the addition of mini Christmas trees and holiday tags.

8. LIGHT IT UP:

There is nothing more magical during the holidays than sparkling lights. Make sure to add candles and string lights all around to give your home that special holiday glow.

9. MAKE IT PERSONAL:

When it comes to wrapping your gifts go beyond the basic gift tag and create a monogram tag that has a personal touch. Cut letters from scrapbook paper, gift wrap or even thrift store Christmas cards.

10. EMBRACE THE RIBBON:

Ribbon is a must during the holidays and can make decorating easy and quick. Hang streamers of ribbons from the backs of chairs and attached glitter covered pine cones for an added touch.

Decorating for Christmas is about making your home feel special so you can enjoy time with family and friends, and create lasting memories. Now that you know my secrets to creating stylish holiday decor, start planning a magical holiday look for your home!

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Follow the ConfettiStyle blog and Like ConfettiStyle on Facebook for a daily dose of design, entertaining, fashion and gifting advice!

Contact Shelly to book a holiday decorating appointment and to learn more about her design services.

For more holiday inspiration follow my Merry, Merry board at Pinterest!

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images courtesy of:  Unknown | Confetti Style | BHG | BHG | Country Living | BHG | BHG | Tiny White Daisies | Martha Stewart | BHG