Merry, bright and just right
Christmas makes us happy —so happy, in fact, that we sometimes overdo our decor to match the season’s cheerful mood. Let me help you put together your Christmas baubles in the most stylish way.
THE DO’S
1 DO bring out your old decor. Try to use what you already have and reinvent the styling.
2 DO create your theme and motif. Whether it’s a red tartan motif or a bejeweled, snowy Christmas theme, having one in mind will prevent you from overbuying extra pieces and help you stay consistent with your design.
3 DO choose a good tree. There’s such a thing as choosing a tree proportionate to your space. It should be just the right size, tall enough and with the right circumference (no pun intended!). Make sure the branches are full and fluffy, whether the tree is artificial or natural, and sturdy enough to hold all your decorations.
4 DO choose the right lighting. Whatever color you decide on, make sure the lights are consistent in color and brightness. Install them on the tree while keeping the wires hidden. Some people prefer wrapping lights around the branches, working from the inside outward, to make the tree glow from within.
5 DO observe balance and harmony. Place the bigger decorations on the lower part of the tree and the smaller pieces toward the top. This creates a more balanced look.
6 DO choose an accent piece for your tree. Pick something big and attractive that complements your theme! I chose an XXL ribbon for my tree this year—my take on a slightly minimalist theme for our new home.
7 DO style the whole space, not just the tree. Create a centerpiece on your table and drape a garland along your island counter. You can also place a couple of Christmas urns with mini pine trees in your foyer. Be careful not to overdo the decorations, as too many can make the space feel overwhelming.
8 DO have more than one tree. If you have several spaces to decorate, consider putting up more than one tree. Each tree can have its own personality while complementing the overall theme of your home.
9 DO personalize your Christmas setting. Add family photos in mini picture frames. These sentimental and thoughtful pieces give your decor more soul and meaning.
10 DO take inspiration from your current interior space. Try to stick to the existing interior motif to make the whole setup look cohesive. The tree can also reflect the room’s color palette.
11 DO remain within budget when decorating. Don’t overdesign or overspend. Try to be more sustainable and imaginative by adding new details and touches to your existing Christmas decorations.
12 DO try using colors out of the ordinary. Try neutrals like beige and brown for your entire Christmas tree setup. Have you ever used denim on a tree? Try the unexpected!
THE DON’TS
1 DON’T buy Christmas decor without checking what you already have. This can lead to overspending, leaving you with pieces you may never use. Do an inventory every year so you know exactly what you have.
2 DON’T use too many colors that make the space look cluttered. If you’re going for a multicolored theme, that’s perfectly fine, as long as the colors work together. But if your tree is decorated in red and your table centerpiece is in silver, without anything tying them together, the overall look may lack harmony.
3 DON’T buy cheap decor that looks cheap. You know what I mean! Choose pieces that look good and will last for many Christmases to come.
4 DON’T feel the need to overdecorate. Even a tree decked out with just a multitude of tiny Christmas lights can look beautiful, as long as the lights are installed properly.
5 DON’T use too many Christmas symbols and characters. The overall look can become too messy. If you have Santa and his elves, stick to that theme. You don’t have to throw a snowman into the mix! If you have a circus theme, elephants and pinwheels would be great!
The author is the founder of Chat Fores Design Studio, an award-winning and recognized interior designer known for redefining and elevating spaces. She specializes in residential, hospitality and amenity spaces for different real estate companies. Chat has also collaborated with international design firms to create residential interiors in Manila
