How do you bring your Christmas decorations into the 21st century?
Tacky Christmas sweater parties are always popular -- and hilarious -- this time of the year. And we're pretty certain those sweaters aren't the only tacky things about Christmas that we could definitely do without. But if you're like most of us, you're too busy buying gifts to worry about buying new Christmas ornaments. And so, every year, you haul out the same old storage boxes filled with the same old decorations. If this sounds familiar, it might be time to give your decorations a once-over, because that bright green mistletoe ball you bought years ago has probably become, um, a little outdated, too.
Now, don't get us wrong, we understand Christmas is all about traditions, and we're not suggesting you abandon any of them. Instead, we've compiled some clever ideas to help bring your decorations into the 21st century. And you won't need to spend a fortune either. Many of these ideas can be completed by incorporating a few new pieces, or by simply reworking the decorations you already have. First things first, let's analyze what we have and de-clutter.
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Less is More
There are enough expenses to worry about over the holidays. Decorating shouldn't add to your financial discomfort. No need to do too much digging in your pockets to update your look. Plus, it's possible you already have everything you need to bring your decorations into the 21st century. Time to take a quick inventory of your supplies.
First, start separating those special pieces from the ones you could do without. The goal is to get rid of anything you're not fond of or you know is out of date. Plastic reindeer? Out. Santa Claus pillow from 1985? Out. We would even argue that those miniature Christmas villages belong in a decade long gone. Now, if any of these items hold a special place in your heart because they remind you of family and friends, or it just wouldn't be Christmas without them, there are always ways to work them into your updated look. Don't let us convince you to throw out your grandmother's prized ceramic tree. We're just suggesting there are some pieces that can go.
Once you've determined your state of Christmas affairs and donated some things to Goodwill, it's time to consider what additions you need to make. Lucky for your wallet, less is more this holiday season. If you've decided you can't find anything in your attic that looks modern or current, focus on finding just a few new pieces that pack a punch. Check out discount home stores like HomeGoods and TJ Maxx for bargains. If you're not ready to make the 21st-century plunge this year, try to assess your needs as you put up your decorations and throughout the holiday season. Keep an eye out for what you like at friends' houses, in department stores and around town.
If you're not even sure what new and current looks like, don't worry. We've highlighted our favorite fresh decorating ideas on the next page.
Fresh and Modern
Remember that old Christmas carol about silver and gold decorations? Well, that guy was definitely on to something. Whether you go with a retro, minimalist or sleek sophisticated style, silver, gold and other metallic colors are sure ways to update your Christmas look. Sparkle is the perfect way to pack a punch in small doses. You'll be amazed at how big an impact spray-painted, glittery branches will be when you add them to your traditional tree trimmings. Other bright ideas include adding a few sequined pillows to your couch or dining room chairs, or displaying metallic candles in cut glass votives. We also can't get enough of mercury glass in vibrant teal, because it helps break out of the traditional, green and red mold. Metallics and glitter might be just what you need to step out of your red and green comfort zone and focus on fresher, modern colors.
Speaking of fresh and modern, consider decorating a live, potted Christmas tree instead of cut one. You can plant it in your yard once warmer weather returns and watch it add to your landscape. We also love the idea of reusing old Christmas cards or wrapping paper as gift tags, and investing in a natural pine tree garland instead of the environmentally unfriendly plastic version.
While you're considering the environment, take some inspiration from nature. Not only would green practices help bring your decorations into the 21st century, nature-inspired pieces will update your look as well. You could even combine all of our fresh ideas in one do-it-yourself project by spray painting found tree branches or acorns gold and sprinkling them among your older decorations. And, since they're more winter-focused than over-the-top Christmas, the decorations you slaved over can be left up well into January. With a little creativity, the options for updating your holiday look are endless.