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The Wardrobe Stylist

Advice on Fashion, Beauty, Fitness, Home Décor & DIY

A Hostess’ Guide to Practical Holiday Décor

October 16, 2015 · Fashion, Home Décor

Want to celebrate and host your holiday feast like a décor pro?? But can’t be bothered with the excessive décor and tableware pieces to buy, and clutter the season may create in your home? If you’re anything like me, I don’t like to have two of the same thing as I feel strangled. I like to keep my stock to a minimum and where possible, re-use, repurpose and re-configure.

Practical Holiday Décor Ideas, Too Easy to Be True!

Here are some practical holiday décor looks I’m itching to copy. I went on Pinterest and picked up my fave ideas for practical holiday décor. What I’m about to show you requires minimal purchasing or it pieces that can be repurposed from your exiting décor or seasonal items. Follow these guidelines for a n elegant and practical holiday décor and tableware without depressing your wallet. The beauty of it all, you don’t need extra storage to stick it all back in the closet when the holidays are over because they can just be re-assigned back to where they originally came from in your home.

Hostess guide to practical holiday décor

The Can, Bottle, Jar Opener

Let’s start with the basics. Why is this important? I’ll tell you why. How many jars, bottles, and cans do you open when you’re hosting or during the holiday season in general? A LOT! So having one that’s going to last and not cause you pain and sorrow is essential, not only as part of your practical holiday décor (because guess what, you’ll need to have it around the table to keep popping those bottles open…lol), but part of your practical kitchen routine.

This NANDIHome Perfect Arthritis 8 in 1 Jar Opener is special because not only does it cater to people with arthritis, but to those with or without any joint pain.

NANDIHome 8 in 1 Jar Opener

NANDIHome 8 in 1 Jar Opener

After every pregnancy, I’ve developed some sort of joint pain in my arms, wrists, elbows…I couldn’t open cans, cut vegetables, or even carry my coffee mug. Something like The NANDIHome comes in real handy when you’re joints are not feeling good or when you’re doing so many repetitive movements day in and day out.

NANDIHome 8 in 1 Jar Opener multi-use

NANDIHome 8 in 1 Jar Opener multi-use

It’s good for just about cracking open anything, sort of like the Swiss Army knife of the kitchen. It’s multi-functional , no sharp edges, comfy on the hand, easy to handle with an ergonomic design, compact to store, and relatively effortless. It’s great for the holidays, and when summer rolls around, it will be your perfect pool buddy.

NANDIHome 8 in 1 Jar Opener versatility

NANDIHome 8 in 1 Jar Opener versatility

If you don’t have one in your kitchen, get one, because you’ll no longer need a can opener, jar opener or bottle opener once you have it.

A Festive Kitchen

On the kitchen island or the eating area table, these branches in a hurricane vase are so easy to reproduce it’s almost laughable. I really dig this look.

Branches in a hurricane vase

Branches in a hurricane vase

I’ve used it last year and the reason I love it is because it is so quick to implement. It would work beautifully on the dining room sideboard as well.

To execute, bring your butt outside, pick up some long branches, pine cones, and drop them neatly and stylishly into your hurricane vase. If you couldn’t be bothered with picking them up yourself from the outdoors, you can always get some from your local gardening or craft store. Hang some crystal pendants or icicles on the branch and you’ve got a thumbs up, super elegant centrepiece.

Grand Centrepiece Without a Grand Price

Have you put away your garden lanterns yet? If not, don’t. Because guess what? You will be using them on your table for your practical holiday décor.

Holiday centrepiece and table décor

Holiday centrepiece and table décor

Yes! Make sure you have two-three of similar sizes and a couple of smaller ones. Ensure you have corresponding candle sizes to put inside them. Get a cheese cloth for a runner from your local fabric store or if you have one that’s cheesecloth or not as long as it’s in a neutral colour, it does the job. Place a bendable wishing tree branch with a stand from the craft store, or try Save on Crafts as they have several options for a great price. Now you can hang the smaller lanterns on the wishing tree or if they come with their own stand, it’s even easier. If your branch doesn’t have lights, for extra bling, add some crystals or icicles for spectacular effect.

Strategically add the pine branches and cones, and for a more of a holiday effect, add Christmas ornaments in silver or gold.

It’s Time to Set the Table

For the holidays, any holiday or when receiving guests, I have my special dinnerware and flatware….But because I hate having too much of one thing, I ensure what I have can be repurposed for all events. So I stick with white for dinnerware.

Antique look dinnerware

Antique look dinnerware

Silver for flatware.

Antique look silverware

Antique look silverware

And well intricate design for the glassware, but with antique appeal.

Antique look glassware

Antique look glassware

If you’re looking to invest in one, Horchow has some dinnerware, glassware, and flatware that are so succulent.

For the serving dishes, I still like my antique feel because when I’m not using them for my practical holiday décor, I can repurpose them.

Antique look silver serving dishes

Antique look silver serving dishes

Needless to say, Horchow has some great ones but if you don’t want to spend much, a thrift shop such as Value Village will carry several pieces that would make your table glow.

The Presentation

To tie your dinner napkins, try using a twine thread or bands of an old cloth to personalise the look.

Practical holiday décor dinner napkins

Practical holiday décor dinner napkins

I love the pine tree strands and dash of cinnamon sticks but I’m not crazy about the sea-star. I’d much rather go with just a plain gold or silver star that you can make from foam glittery paper found at the dollar store or from Michael’s.

To hold your excess flatware, dinnerware and serving dishes, a distressed vintage wooden box works really well as part of your practical home décor.

Vintage box to hold plates and silverware

Vintage box to hold plates and silverware

You can even use your dad’s old wooden toolbox just for the season. Add some candles and pine cones and it’s festive all around!

The Writing on the Shelf

Rustic, gorgeous, and multi-use, this practical holiday décor piece is great on a mantle, or on a shelf in the entrance or in the mudroom.

Noel shelf letter décor

Noel shelf letter décor

It screams holiday without screaming it too loudly with typical holiday colours and patterns. Simple and demure just as I like it! Once the Holidays are over, the letters can be returned back to the areas they came from or re-configured in your décor.

Practical Holiday Décor for the Unused Corner

This idea is so easy to reproduce, it’s too good to pass up. Grab your gardening steel bucket, again get some branches from outside (again if you’re somewhat of a sloth, the garden centre or craft store is your best friend).

Floor practical holiday décor

Floor practical holiday décor

To hold the branches in place, add some floral foam, mulch, sand, or pebbles to stabilize the branches. You can then tie them together to keep them from shifting sideways. The bucket might be heavy so I suggest doing it onsite (as in where you will actually be placing it). Stick some of the pine cones you picked up from the store or outside, and finish with the gold ribbon or whatever your preferred colour is. Ribbons can be found at Michaels or even the Dollar store. For your final touch, place the Christmas ornaments or get the balls if you have any from the decorative bowl and add them on top. Place your lighting and voila!

Put it on the Sofa or Console Table

Remember your gardening lanterns, well you’re gonna need them again for this practical holiday décor look. If you don’t have enough, I’m sure you’d still be able to pick some up from the craft or gardening centre (possibly on major discount this time of year if any are left) or home décor stores like HomeSense. I’ve actually seen some there not too long ago so you might be in luck!

Soda or console table décor

Soda or console table décor

You’ll also need a cute reindeer like the one in the photo with some fake snow. Again HomeSense, Etsy, heck even Wal-Mart will carry such pieces. While it may seem like a total holiday item for you, remember after the holidays, this grown-up Bambi can be re-configured to another section of your home. Ask me, I have a couple of them in different formats.

The decorative bowl you emptied earlier on will be re-used to house your funky Christmas ornaments. Then get any frame you want, that’s got a bit of a rustic feel and if you don’t have one, make one! It’s really easy. For the chalk paper effect, either grab a black cardboard and write on it with chalk or you can have an instant chalkboard print out for free.

Pretty Comfy Throw Pillows

Holiday throw pillows are cute, but since you’d only be using them a few weeks during the year, are they worth it? Well if you get some that have generic terms or patterns such as the ones in the photo, you can re-use them all year long, which can be a great part of your practical holiday décor.

Gold foil throw pillows

Gold foil throw pillows

Zazzle has some pretty awesome ones.

Practical Christmas Ornaments

So I’ve used Christmas ball ornaments in my daily décor and I highly recommend them to achieve your practical holiday décor look. But have you ever tried pine cones finished with ribbon?

Pine cone ornament with ribbon

Pine cone ornament with ribbon

What if you spray painted them gold or silver or even white? Lightbulb! And once it’s all done, dump them in a decorative bowl or a vase to compliment your daily décor.

What Should I Do With the Tree?

Other than getting the ornaments, the tree, the garland, and the stockings, everything else in this image is really, essentially repurposed.

Christmas tree and fireplace décor

Christmas tree and fireplace décor

The silver vases are some of many I’ve seen all year round at HomeSense and be easily re-configured after the holidays. The chalkboard is another item that be re-assigned from an existing location from your home on top of the mantle for the purpose of your practical holiday décor…or again, take an existing frame and make your own chalkboard print out.

Remember that not every piece I pointed out has to be identical to the image as long as it works in a holiday theme, it’s up to you and your taste to select what will work for your practical holiday décor.

Hope you enjoyed my practical holiday décor. Let me know what you think 🙂

 

Comments

  1. Ruka Urushibara says

    October 17, 2015 at 12:13 pm

    Those gloving branches are perfect idea for christmas or winter. Thank you, I`ll have to look them up!

    • The Wardrobe Stylist says

      October 17, 2015 at 12:45 pm

      Awesome! Share a pic if you end up using 🙂

  2. Amie Cadwallader says

    October 17, 2015 at 12:19 pm

    These are some fabulous ideas, I am making all the Christmas presents this year and I’m making some other bits and pieces, so I think I might be using some of these!

    Love, Amie ❤
    The Curvaceous Vegan | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

    • The Wardrobe Stylist says

      October 17, 2015 at 12:45 pm

      Wow that’s amazing!! You’ll be super busy but it will be much fun!! Please share photos of what you’re making (if you can), I’d love to see 🙂

  3. Juliana Chow says

    October 17, 2015 at 2:00 pm

    This is great!! I love decor hacks and you have an amazing taste!

    https://julianachow.com

    • The Wardrobe Stylist says

      October 17, 2015 at 4:41 pm

      Thanks, that’s so nice of you 🙂

  4. Shann Eva says

    October 17, 2015 at 4:32 pm

    Gorgeous tables and decorations. We don’t do much entertaining yet because our kids are young, but I will pass these ideas to my parents. I especially love using the garden lanterns.

    • The Wardrobe Stylist says

      October 17, 2015 at 4:39 pm

      Thanks! I know what a great idea right??

  5. Wood Arts Universe says

    October 17, 2015 at 5:52 pm

    Thanks for sharing wonderful home decor ideas.. I like the idea of having Beautiful Birch Branches near the kitchen table.. I will use this decor idea this thanksgiving .

    • The Wardrobe Stylist says

      October 18, 2015 at 11:16 pm

      Same here…I actually kept them even after the holidays because i love the concept so much. then I decided to fill the rest of my house with branches…lol

  6. Amanda || Growing Up Madison says

    October 18, 2015 at 11:22 am

    I love the sofa/console table idea. I was wondering what I should do with mine for Christmas. Mine is so boring even now for fall.

    • The Wardrobe Stylist says

      October 19, 2015 at 12:15 am

      Now you have an idea 🙂

  7. Fashionable Librarian says

    October 18, 2015 at 3:29 pm

    I saw that opener combo and I stopped there…this is a must have….thanks for the love!

    • The Wardrobe Stylist says

      October 18, 2015 at 11:15 pm

      haha I know…my joints have been brutalized from having babies due to carrying them and the carseats and everything else in between, so this opener is pretty much a life saver for people like me because at one point I couldn’t even cut veggies!

  8. danavento says

    October 18, 2015 at 6:24 pm

    Cool Style, great tips and advice and well decorated! To the Hostess:) Cheers

    • The Wardrobe Stylist says

      October 18, 2015 at 11:13 pm

      Merci beaucoup Madame 🙂

  9. Eileen xo says

    October 18, 2015 at 7:00 pm

    I absolutely love your ideas and they are so affordanle. I am hosting a holiday themed birthday party for my neice, I will be using your ideas. I am pinnning this – I love your style. Thank you for the great post

    • The Wardrobe Stylist says

      October 18, 2015 at 11:13 pm

      No problem Eileen! So happy I could be of use to your needs! That’s the best thing I’ve read today :)…you made my day!!!

  10. Debbie Denny says

    October 18, 2015 at 7:05 pm

    Very good advice. Really nice decor ideas.

    • The Wardrobe Stylist says

      October 18, 2015 at 11:12 pm

      Thank you! I love making things simpler as life is so expensive and busy!

  11. Claudette Esterine says

    October 18, 2015 at 8:39 pm

    These are great tips and ideas to help make the holidays even more beautiful. Thanks! 🙂

    • The Wardrobe Stylist says

      October 18, 2015 at 11:12 pm

      Thanks! Hope you’ll be able to use some of them 🙂

  12. Ourfamilyworld says

    October 19, 2015 at 12:49 am

    These are awesome ideas. I have to have that cute wine and bottle opener.

    • The Wardrobe Stylist says

      October 19, 2015 at 8:49 pm

      It’s a must for this season! Can’t go without it.

  13. miss (@thedealmatch) says

    October 19, 2015 at 1:07 am

    Great holiday decor round up.. I love golden rims for Christmas, not a big fan of dark colors ( such as dark red)

    • The Wardrobe Stylist says

      October 19, 2015 at 8:49 pm

      Yeah I think the lighter colours really highlight the beauty of winter and also enlightens the home

  14. Urvi says

    October 19, 2015 at 9:51 am

    Love your ideas. Specially setting up table and designs of flatware

    • The Wardrobe Stylist says

      October 19, 2015 at 8:48 pm

      Thanks! It’s stupid easy to implement and totally goes the extra mile in showing off your home for the holidays.

  15. SHannon says

    October 19, 2015 at 12:03 pm

    I love all the decorations you’ve shown – especially the pillows at the top!

    • The Wardrobe Stylist says

      October 19, 2015 at 8:47 pm

      Thanks! They really glam it up

  16. Elizabeth O. says

    October 19, 2015 at 12:38 pm

    Lovely ideas. I need that jar/bottle opener, it’s super cool! These are definitely musts for parties this coming holidays!

    • The Wardrobe Stylist says

      October 19, 2015 at 8:47 pm

      Totally! They’re great and super helpful 🙂

  17. CourtneyLynne says

    October 19, 2015 at 5:35 pm

    Omg so much pretty in one place!!! Love this time of year for decor!!!

    • The Wardrobe Stylist says

      October 19, 2015 at 8:47 pm

      haha I know right!

  18. May says

    October 19, 2015 at 8:21 pm

    I love your tips! My friend made her own centerpieces at her wedding with lamps and candles in them like your photo above. It was beautiful!

    • The Wardrobe Stylist says

      October 19, 2015 at 8:46 pm

      Wow I’d love to see a pic. I love simple easy DIY

  19. kleebanks says

    October 20, 2015 at 2:35 pm

    Wow, that multi-purpose opener is really handy! Never seen it before.

    LOVE all your decorating ideas! I’m especially into handmade/handcrafted decor and I love making customized pillows for any (or no) occasion.

    Thanks for sharing the great ideas and photos!

    • The Wardrobe Stylist says

      October 23, 2015 at 9:09 pm

      So glad you enjoyed it! I know the opener is definitely something! I’d love to see some of your decor ideas for throw pillows 🙂

  20. Ayesha says

    October 20, 2015 at 3:45 pm

    Love everything! Nice ideas 🙂
    Me likey the throw pillows, so beautiful!

    Awesome tips here. Thanks!

    • The Wardrobe Stylist says

      October 23, 2015 at 9:13 pm

      Thanks! Glad you liked them

  21. Stefan says

    November 12, 2015 at 4:10 am

    Love this post, so many cool ideas. I really like the garden lanterns. I have a small one at home, sitting on my windowsill. It enhances the view tremendously.
    But the stylish napkins are fun, too. They definitely upgrade a dinner table big time!

    • The Wardrobe Stylist says

      November 13, 2015 at 12:30 pm

      Thank you! It’s so easy sometimes to repurpose something and make a double use out of it. Especially when it comes to decor.

  22. A girl called Swooz says

    November 29, 2015 at 4:42 am

    Great achievable ideas to create around your home. Festive

    • The Wardrobe Stylist says

      November 30, 2015 at 1:45 am

      Thank you! Thanks for dropping by 🙂

Trackbacks

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