Roundup: Modern, Timeless Christmas Decor (That You Can Use Past the Holidays)!

Here in Canada, Thanksgiving lands on the third Monday of October, which gives us an extra month’s head start to our American counterparts to start breaking out the holiday decor. This early start to the holidays is all the more reason why I emphasize using pared back, timeless items to create a sense of cozy warmth in my own home. I love how minimal, understated decorations can be enjoyed for the prolonged holiday season, from October through to January. Not to mention, I dread the empty, cold feeling you’re left with after taking down the Christmas decorations on December 26th. I also don’t think it’s necessary to spend money on things that I’ll only use for a couple of weeks (and that will take up the very little storage space we have for the rest of the year! #apartmentlife).

So today, I’ve rounded up all of my favorite items to create subtle, seasonal touches to last you throughout the entire holiday season, and hopefully make you feel a little less guilting knowing you’re investing in more versatile decor.

Tabletop

The dining table is where I like to invest, since you can choose pieces that feel special but can be used year-round. I like pairing timeless items like black or gold cutlery and ceramic plates with a few inexpensive seasonal touches, like greenery and napkin rings. Plus lots of candles to create a festive mood!

5pc Flatware Set Matte Black / Twig Brass Cutlery / Appetizer Plates / Stoneware Dinner Plate / Cedar Branch Napkin Rings (Go faux with these napkin rings, or you could snip some real branches from outside) / Washed Linen Napkin / Gold Candlesticks / Marble Candleholder /
Ceramic Pillar Candle / Black and Gold Taper Candleholder / Felt Letterboard

Greenery

Greenery is my favourite way to decorate my home for Christmas. You a good bang for your buck here, since you can keep fresh greenery in your home all winter without it feeling dated after Dec. 25th. My tradition is to DIY a fresh wreath each year, but I’ve also invested in real-looking faux garlands to drape over mirrors and my mantle/TV unit. Learn from my mistakes — real branches are great for wreaths, but the sap can permanently damage and discolour furniture.

Pine Wreath with Metal Bell / Wreath with Bell and Ribbon / Faux Cypress Garland / Faux White Pine Garland / Wreath Ring Base / Olive Wreath / Olive Garland / Long Needle Pine Garland (I feel in love with the long, minimal needles of this garland after seeing it in Room For Tuesday’s home, shown in the photo above)!

The Tree

Image credit: Andreas Mikkel Hansen for Bo Bedre

I am very much on “team real tree” even though I must confess I’ve never had a real tree, LOL. You just can’t compete with the organic, wintery feel that having a free tree brings. To keep the organic feel, I like sticking to neutral tones for my ornaments and incorporating natural materials like wood and clay.

I would also rather spend a little bit more money on items that I only need one of (and therefore will stand out more), like a handmade tree topper and a tree skirt or collar. Personally, I like the look of a tree collar over a skirt, because they’re much more clean and modern.

Rope Tree Collar / Black Tree Collar / Pom Pom Tree Skirt / Metal Tree Collar / Rattan Tree Collar / Jute Tree Collar / White Ornaments / Marbled Ornaments / Jingle Bell Ornaments / Geometric Ornaments / Cream & Black Ornaments / Wire Star Tree Topper / Reclaimed Star Tree Topper / White Washed Wood Garland / Black Wood Garland

Stockings

I love a good knit, neutral stocking, because they just ooze coziness and never go out of style. I’m into the DIY idea in the photo above of hanging from a branch, especially if you don’t have a mantle (like in our apartment)! If are blessed with a mantle, the simple black stocking holder below is a great option.