It’s been quite interesting decorating my home for Christmas this year. It’s our first Christmas in this house and while I knew I had plenty of Christmas decor stashed in our loft space for when the time came, I didn’t really know how that decor would be used in a completely different context. Everything I’d purchased was for our previous home so I resisted buying much more this year because I kind of wanted to see where everything would be used and if there were any ‘gaps’ in my decor that needed sorting out once everything I already had was up.
As it turned out, I’m fairly happy with the final result. Perhaps I could use a few extra strings of fairy lights and the odd piece here or there but the simple act of using old things in a new context makes it all feel a bit new again which is always a good way to shake up your decor, whether it’s at Christmas time or any other.
The most exciting thing for me is that we actually have plenty of space for the Christmas tree this year. In our old house, I would have to move furniture (and the fiddle leaf fig) out of the room completely to make enough space for the tree.
Our current living room is bigger than our last and so I didn’t actually need to clear a spot for the tree which was nice.
I did, however, decide to do a little re-shuffle of the furniture anyway but that’s more because the fiddle leaf fig is now so big that it really no longer fit the corner of the room near the door that I’d originally placed it. The branches have become so long and so unwieldy (even after giving it a major chop earlier in the Spring!) that you felt like you were being attacked every time you opened the door! So the tree has been moved next to the sofa and the white vintage cabinet is now in the corner next to the door.
I also moved the bar cart from the alcove near the TV to the same wall as the Fiddle Leaf Fig. With the festive season upon us, it made more sense to put it in a spot that was a bit more accessible. I’ll be chatting more about styling the bar cart for Christmas in a later post so stay tuned for that.
On top of the vintage cabinet (I always get so many questions on this particular piece – it’s vintage from eBay and I painted it white and added the mirrors), I decided to just set up my little white ceramic houses. They look incredibly cute at night all lit up.
I also love that the mirrors reflect the Christmas tree (and also, as I just realised, my fluffy pink slippers.)
As you can see, Pablo refused to give up his spot whilst I took pictures in here and I just didn’t have the heart to move him! Well, he’s 15 now. I think if he fancies hunkering down on the corner of the sofa, he’s earned that right by now! ;) The coffee table got a bit of a swap around too. I just fancied a bit of a change there (and my pink peonies felt a bit too summery) so I swapped them for simple white and green hydrangea in a gold vase and added a small vase of holly from the garden for a festive touch.
With so much going on in the room, a couple of candles in gold and a stack of books and a tray felt simple enough for this spot.
On the sofas, I added a couple of gold sequinned cushions I picked up from Kaleidoscope (gifted as part of my collaboration with them). I figured if you can’t add some bling to your sofas at this time of year, when can you? I also added a Mongolian fur cushion in pink (from MADE, also gifted earlier this year) and a deep burgundy velvet cushion I’ve had for a few years. Even though they are all solid colours, I love that contrast in texture.
For the fireplace, my sequinned gold and white velvet stockings came back out as did my garland. These are all bits I already had in my stash and I kept the mantle itself fairly simple. Well, simple for me, anyway.
Initially, I’d had a lot more bits and pieces on top and then decided there was just too much going on so I scaled it all back a bit. A couple of simple white LED trees and a few little bowls that I put tea lights in at night. I’m still not 100% happy with this spot but it may just be because the fireplace really needs some help! Updating it will happen in the new year when we finally start the remodelling work in this room so I have no doubt that by next Christmas, it’ll be looking remarkably different.
The shelving got a few Christmassy touches too – reindeers, various trees and candles mostly.
And so that’s my Christmas decor this year! The lesson here is that you probably don’t need to run out and purchase lots of new Christmas decor every year. Just about everything I’ve shared today were items I already had from years’ past but simply changing the context of where they were used makes them feel a bit like they are new again. After Christmas passes, I may pick up a couple of strings of fairy lights for next year but there’s simply no need to feel you have to buy new things every year. Have you started your Christmas decorating yet? Do you tend to use the same bits each year? I’d love to know what you think of mine this year too. Let me know in the comments!
Your Christmas living room looks gorgeous Kimberly! I agree, it’s too wasteful and stressful buying new decorations every year. xx
We haven’t started decorating yet, as the stuff’s in the loft, and husband has had a bad back for the last couple of weeks, so he can’t get up there.
We do tend to use the decorations we already have, as I’ve built quite a collection over the years, so some years I go for a silver theme, another might be traditional, etc. I did buy a new set of baubles and bits last year in blues, so we had a blue theme, and I think we’ll use that again this year.
I do get very tempted to buy new every year though, as there are so many lovely decorations in the shops, so I usually just limit myself to one or two new items.
Your tree looks very pretty, and the other touches around the room are nice and subtle. I like those reindeer with the gold antlers.
This looks stunning!! I have some of my same ornaments and pieces from when we were first married 17 years ago, but I do like to add a few things every year. This year it was new ribbon for the tree and a wreath and pillow. Nothing too crazy, but some fun new touches!
I’ve just now started my Christmas decorating. I’m not one who starts in November. To me, Christmas is in December, so that’s when I get in the spirit. I normally use from my own stash since I have a few different ways and colors I can go with. I usually am either rustic or glam, as I enjoy both styles, and I have meaningful collections of decor from either. I don’t decorate in every room. My tree and mantle in the living room are the major spots, a holiday centerpiece on the dining table, a wreath on the front door and candles in the windows. My potted plants have been known to wear tiny string lights in the guest room and bath as a surprise for visitors, but otherwise that’s pretty much it.
As usual, your glam touch is amazing and your tree looks beautiful.
I love everything about this room!
Your tree is fab and I’m so glad you have those ceramic ‘houses’ tealight holders as it means my ones (very similar) must be cool :0) I love using older decorations as a tradition and still have some red & green baubles from childhood (mum bought in Harrods sale in 1971 !!). I’ve mostly added various lights like your tree-lights on mantle, and will be getting some fresh greenery (wreath/garland) instead of real tree.
Your room looks beautiful, and your tree is amazing. I think we’ve nearly finished putting our decorations up now, having said that every time Keith goes up into the loft he seems to bring another box down full of dec’s. Xxx
What a good idea to do a mental list of things to look for after Christmas to fill “gaps” . When they’re 70% off! We’re going to look for lights because the technology has improved so much with leds and there are some really cool pre-Iit decorations around.
Also when I get the decorations out at the beginning of December I try to review them carefully and charity shop or toss those that don’t cut it any more.
Kirsty, all your Christmas posts are fabulous! You must have been working like crazy! Loving all the festive touches in your living room. And you’re right, using old things in a new context can work wonders. I haven’t bought anything new this year – I have a list as long as my arm of things to buy for other interiors projects. Maybe next year – and I’m very tempted to try out your DIY calendar – it’s beautiful.
Kimberly, I’m sorry, I have no idea who Kirsty is! It’s obvious I’ve been on the Christmas sherry!!
Living room decoration is an attraction to all our guest!!.. You have done with a good job !