Life
Make Any Room Holiday-Ready With These Expert-Curated Home Decor Picks
All it takes is just a few thoughtful details to make each space feel special.
There’s nothing like walking into a home that just feels like the holiday season. Whether it’s your own or the house of a friend or family member, you know when a space has that extra bit of warmth and wonder that makes this time of year feel so special.
Achieving this cozy, festive vibe is about more than just decorations (though on-theme decor is an important element!). Homes that feel like the holidays usually bring together the five senses to create a whole atmosphere, from the warmth of a fireplace to the smell of a freshly-cut tree. And the food! Let’s not forget the food.
Each room in your house has a role to play in creating this holiday atmosphere, whether it’s the guest room that’ll host your favorite people, or the kitchen where you’ll bake your signature Christmas cookies. While all this might sound like a big undertaking during an already-busy time of year, all it takes is just a few small details to make each space feel special.
As my family’s incumbent holiday hostess, an interior design editor, and the owner of a decorating business, I’m always on the lookout for chic and easy ways to deck the halls. Here, I’ve pulled together my favorite Crate & Barrel finds for creating a holiday atmosphere in every room in the house.
1. Prep A Pretty Kitchen
I’m probably not alone when I say that I bake more during the holidays than I do during the rest of the year combined! One of my favorite things to do before guests come over is to bake bread. It gives my house such a warm, inviting smell — and, let’s be honest, homemade bread is usually the best part of dinner.
Because I’m also usually scrambling to clean the kitchen or put finishing touches on place settings, I keep it simple with a no-knead sourdough made in my Dutch oven. It’s almost entirely hands off, but just as delicious as the more time-intensive versions.
2. Create A Cozy Living Room
One of the keys to curating a welcoming, joyful home during the holidays is staying true to your personal style. If your home is minimal and neutral, traditional Christmas decorations with patterned motifs and bold colors will feel out of place. Instead, look to your existing decor for cues about how to choose seasonal decorations that are in harmony with your space.
I tend to decorate with neutrals, so I carry that through to my holiday decor, while adding natural elements for warmth. A few of my musts include greenery around the fireplace mantle, streamlined ornaments, gorgeously textured stockings, and a tree collar in a natural material like wood or jute.
3. Get Your Dining Room Party-Ready
I think a casual atmosphere helps guests relax at a party and feel more welcome, so my policy for cocktails is simply, ‘help yourself.’ I like to arrange bottles of Champagne and wine in pretty chillers, like this classically inspired punch bowl from Crate & Barrel, and set out essentials for mixing drinks on the bar. That way, guests can refill as they’re ready.
When it’s dinner time, a row of classic taper candles and low lighting is all it takes to elevate any tablescape.
4. Curate An Inviting Guest Room
Whether they’re coming for a night or a week, I always want guests to feel like part of the family while they’re staying with me. That all starts with a cozy bed that encourages a long winter’s nap. Besides comfortable bedding, layered throw pillows in rich textures like wool and sheepskin, and extra blankets make the guest bedroom feel like a retreat instead of an afterthought.
For a festive surprise, I also like to decorate a tree in the guest room and light it up before visitors arrive. Keep it simple with a pre-lit tree and pretty tree topper.
