The Christmas season is nearly upon us. A time when friends and family gather to share in the joy that is this special time of year. A time for giving and receiving, also a time of year when you will be opening the doors of your home to those nearest and dearest and perhaps those who may have traveled long distances to join your family as you celebrate.
This is one of those times of the year when you want to not only be proud of your house – but also to have your home reflect that unique Christmas season cheer. Some festive season-themed living room decor can make all the difference.
Here are some great ideas from top interior decorators and gifted homeowners that can provide the inspiration that can change your living room space.
One of the most effective ways to make sure that your living room reflects that Christmas cheer is to make use of seasonal colors. The well-known white, red and green are perfect. Silver and gold are also perfect as accents.
Those fairy lights flashing red and white have more uses than stringing up outdoors or bedecking a Christmas Tree. They are the perfect way to draw attention to décor touches elsewhere in the living room. A strand placed strategically around a table that also has refreshments for visitors or simply a Christmas season themed vase filled with flowers in the appropriate colors can be very effective.
The use of softly glowing Christmas ornaments can also be extremely effective. These can be scattered around the room on almost any surface. They are particularly useful above fireplaces and on side tables. That soft glow is welcoming and cozy.
Yuletide appropriate candles can also provide this soft and welcoming light. Care needs to be taken to keep them out of the reach of curious young hands – and always be aware of fire safety.
Bring a touch of nature indoors. Some sprigs of green or even pinecones can be a welcome reminder that nature is still very much a part of our lives.
These sorts of décor items also serve as a timely reminder of the themes of growth and nurturing, themes that should be on everyone’s minds during Christmas. Greenery can be placed on mantles, windowsills, or elsewhere in the room. The use of these natural décor highlights also gives the living room a rustic and welcoming ambiance.
Décor that provides a reminder of simpler, more traditional times also has its place in the living room. Among the reds and greens do not forget that gold is perhaps one of the most striking and warm colors available. Some gold and red garland will not only provide a traditional look to the tree but can also be tremendously free-standing wall hangings or draped on picture frames or the fireplace lintel and surrounds (make sure they are a safe distance away from open flames).
If there are young children in the family – and family members will be sharing in this season of joy with you, encourage them to bring some of the extras they have as a result of their arts and crafts efforts. Of course, if you have young children their Christmas art creations can also be a focal point of the living room décor. This is another reason for setting up that unobtrusive Christmastime table. Appropriately decorated and featuring children’s creations, it can serve as a reminder that the merry season should always have a strong focus on the young.
Ensure that the living room has plenty of treats placed in Christmas themed bowls throughout the living room. These treats and snacks can include cookies with Christmas-themed icing, dried fruit and nuts, white chocolate or yogurt-coated rice Krispie treats (with red and green colored sprinkles), and fudge (not everything has to be ultra-healthy, moderation is key). And make sure that your Yuletide table has liquid refreshments for young and old.
Christmas and the entire festive season should be a time of joy to be shared with those nearest and dearest. Welcoming them into your home is part of the many pleasures of this time of year. Your living room is going to be busy, make sure that the décor brings joy and happiness to all who will be enjoying the space.
