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14 Easy Ways to Add Classic Christmas Charm to Your Home

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Deck the halls in a timeless way with a seasonal flair that will never go out of style. We've got stunning ways to add decorative holiday touches to (almost!) every room in the house.

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Christmas Decorating Ideas

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Play With Symmetry

If the architecture of your room is symmetrical, hang the same wreath in all of your windows at the same height. You can use the wreaths as jumping-off points for spacing out the rest of your seasonal elements.

Christmas Decorating Ideas

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Add Pops of Red

No matter what your year-round color scheme may be, a few touches of red can instantly transform any space into a holiday masterpiece. In this formal living room, a few red accents added to the blue and gray palette jazz up this cozy spot for Christmas. Get holiday color inspiration.

Christmas Decorating Ideas

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Use Fun Materials

Garland is one of the most iconic elements for adding holiday style to your home, but you can get creative with unexpected materials in place of a traditional garland. In this formal living room, the wreaths are wrapped in red, black and white cotton ribbon to add a classic yet masculine touch with a pop of red. As a bonus, any ribbon that isn't cut can be used for gift wrap.

Christmas Decorating Ideas

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Pile on the Layers

Traditional rooms are best decorated with layers, and the key to a well-layered holiday home is to fill rooms with a mix of interesting textures. The lush greenery of the wreaths contrasts perfectly with the nubby, woven fibers of the throw pillows while the merlot-toned flowers introduce new shades of red into the space.

Christmas Decorating Ideas

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Keep It Balanced

When you're installing Christmas decor, add elements that range in height; this will keep the room balanced. This family room's range in heights starts with a pair of wreaths flanking the fireplace, then moves down to the mantel decor and a few red accessories added to the built-ins and coffee table. Throw pillows, a vintage tricycle and floor cushions complete the look.

Christmas Decorating Ideas

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Entertain in Style

If you're serving more formal meals this holiday season, keep your dining room classicly styled. Using the decor of adjacent rooms as a guide, keep the color scheme consistent. Then amp up the elegance around the dining table to add ambiance while you entertain. Create a sparkling holiday table.

Christmas Decorating Ideas

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Infuse Metallic Hues

Although traditional Christmas colors are excellent for infusing seasonal flair into a space quickly, they can often be overwhelming on a tablescape. Instead of color, try a metallic approach by constructing a table made of silver and gold. Make a lace doily table runner.

Christmas Decorating Ideas

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Set the Scene

The holidays are special, so why not break out the good servingware to make your guests feel special? An excellent way to ensure the colors of your formal dinnerware blend seamlessly with your tablescape is to surround the plates and bowls with metallic touches. Since silver and gold are neutral, they're certain to coordinate with almost any color.

Christmas Decorating Ideas

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Display Seasonal Treasures

Over the years, it's likely you'll inherit seasonal items or family heirlooms. Put them on display as a charming collection by grouping them together on your dining room sideboard. This will honor family tradition and also spark conversation among party guests.

Christmas Decorating Ideas

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Paper Tree Village

Create a miniature paper tree village in the dining room or entryway. These are easy to make using card stock, wooden dowels and glue. Once complete, simply place inside glass cloches for a more permanent display.

Christmas Decorating Ideas

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Create Vintage Vignettes

Put all of your mismatched holiday heirlooms to use by creating charming holiday vignettes around your home. Group old serving dishes, candlesticks, vases or boxes together with tabletop trees and holiday figures.

Christmas Decorating Ideas

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Add Seasonal Scents

Lure guests into the dining room by lighting scented candles in seasonal fragrances like cinnamon or candy cane.

Christmas Decorating Ideas

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Warm Up the Kitchen

One spot in the house that's often neglected when decorating for the holidays is the kitchen. Why not add just a few Christmas touches to make it look and feel more welcoming? Hang the same wreaths used in other rooms on the kitchen windows to keep the look cohesive. Add red dish towels, red napkins and stock your cookie jars with treats for guests to take the festive feel a step further.

Christmas Decorating Ideas

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Fresh Winter Florals

Bring a seasonal touch to cut floral arrangements by mixing berries in with flowers. Although red roses are readily available year round, this grouping feels tailored for the holidays thanks to the addition of the berries. Discover 10 winter flower arrangements.

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