Chic & Simple Holiday Hosting
Effortless Updates to Make Your Home Shine
The holiday season is around the corner, and that means gathering with loved ones, sharing meals, and creating cozy memories at home. To get your space holiday-ready, a few simple updates can go a long way without needing a full makeover! Here are some easy ways to add seasonal warmth and style to your home using cozy decor—think wallpaper accents, plush table linens, and soft pillows.
Give your entry a warm welcome with this Refined Boho Birds Wallpaper (pictured: pale terra cotta)
1. Add Instant Cozy Vibes with Fresh Accent Wallpaper
Adding an accent wall with peel-and-stick wallpaper is a quick way to make any room feel fresh and inviting. Try adding a soft, neutral wallpaper to your entryway, dining area, or guest bathroom for a cozy, stylish look that fits any season. Opt for warm tones, gentle florals, or subtle patterns to enhance your space without overpowering it. This simple change adds texture and depth, creating an inviting ambiance that feels extra welcoming for the holidays.
Tip: Neutral wallpaper with earthy tones or natural-inspired designs adds coziness that will last well beyond the holiday season, complementing various styles as the year goes on.
Cozy up with our block print bedding
2. Refresh Your Guest Room with a Few Thoughtful Touches
For guests staying over the holidays, small updates to the guest room can make a big impact. A cozy throw blanket, layered pillows, and soft, neutral bedding create a restful retreat that will make anyone feel at home. Add a small stack of extra blankets and perhaps a fresh plant or scented candle for a welcoming feel.
Tip: Earthy tones in bedding, like cream, beige, or muted greens, bring a calming vibe to the space. Add a couple of decorative pillows or a throw in a cozy fabric like flannel or sherpa for a homey touch.Layer Seasonal Pillows for a Festive and Inviting Feel
Decorative pillows are one of the easiest ways to bring in seasonal touches without a big commitment. Swapping out pillows in your living room, bedroom, or even entryway benches for options in warm, cozy fabrics adds a soft, inviting vibe. Try adding a mix of pillows in different sizes and textures like velvet, woven wool, or faux fur to create a comfortable, layered look.
Tip: Choose a palette of soft neutrals with pops of rich, cozy colors like burnt orange, forest green, or warm gray. Layered pillows make any seating area feel inviting, perfect for curling up with a blanket and a cup of hot cocoa.
Mix and match table setting with starry tablecloth, turtledove placemat, and candy cane napkins
3. Set the Table with Bright, Playful Table Linens
The dining table is the heart of the holiday season, and nothing sets the stage better than cozy table linens. Opt for a soft tablecloth in a neutral shade or a rustic table runner that brings warmth and texture to the table. Add cloth napkins in complementary colors to tie it all together. This combination makes any meal feel a little more special, even if it’s just weeknight dinners leading up to the big holiday feast.
Tip: A classic, neutral tablecloth allows you to play with colorful dishes or centerpiece decor. For a rustic touch, try mixing textures, like pairing a woven table runner with soft cotton napkins to add depth and character.
Cozy up with our peppermint check and nutcracker throw pillows
4. Layer Seasonal Pillows for a Warm and Inviting Feel
Decorative pillows are one of the easiest ways to bring in seasonal touches without a big commitment. Swapping out pillows in your living room, bedroom, or even entryway benches for options in warm, cozy fabrics adds a soft, inviting vibe. Try adding a mix of pillows in different sizes and textures like velvet, woven wool, or faux fur to create a comfortable, layered look.
Tip: Choose a palette of soft neutrals with pops of rich, cozy colors like burnt orange, forest green, or warm gray. Layered pillows make any seating area feel inviting, perfect for curling up with a blanket and a cup of hot cocoa.
5. Dress Up Your Windows with Simple, Cozy Curtains
Curtains can transform the feel of a room instantly. Opt for heavier fabrics in soft neutrals, like beige, warm gray, or soft taupe, to bring warmth and depth to your living room or bedroom. Layering sheer curtains with heavier drapes also gives you flexibility, allowing you to control light and privacy for an inviting, cozy ambiance that’s ideal for winter.
Tip: Blackout curtains in the guest bedroom ensure your holiday guests enjoy a restful, happy stay (goodbye daylight savings!).
Add a holiday pop to your kitchen with our nutcracker, candy cane swirl, and reindeer dish towels
6. Add Simple Touches to the Kitchen with Seasonal Linens
In the kitchen, festive and functional go hand in hand. Swapping out your everyday towels and oven mitts for seasonal hues like deep greens, warm reds, or classic neutrals can subtly elevate the space. These small details add warmth and charm, perfect for the season of cooking and entertaining.
Tip: Hang a couple of seasonal towels on your oven handle or place a few on open shelves. Functional yet decorative, they add a seasonal touch without cluttering your workspace.
With a few well-chosen touches like cozy wallpaper accents, layered pillows, and fresh table linens, your home will feel warm and inviting for holiday hosting. These simple refreshes are easy to mix and match with your existing decor, making your space feel new and seasonally appropriate without a big commitment. Embrace the holiday season with a home that’s ready to welcome every gathering, meal, and cherished moment!
Wrap It Up: How to Master the Art of Mix-and-Match Gift Wrap
Creative Ways to Mix and Match Holiday Gift Wrap for a Festive, Personalized Touch
When it comes to gift giving, the presentation is just as important as what’s inside. A beautifully wrapped present makes a statement and adds a special layer of excitement. And if you’re looking to take your gift-wrapping game to the next level, mix-and-match gift wrap is the way to go. It’s fun, creative, and an easy way to show off your style. Plus, it makes the pile of presents under the tree look like a work of art!
Let’s dive into how you can master the mix-and-match look and add those extra touches to make your gifts unforgettable.
1. Pick your Palette
The secret to mixing and matching without things looking chaotic? Stick to a cohesive color palette! Choose 3-4 complementary colors that will tie everything together. For a classic holiday vibe, go with traditional hues like red, green, and gold. But don’t be afraid to shake things up! Try pairing soft blush pinks, deep burgundy, and metallics for a sophisticated twist. Or go bold with jewel tones like emerald green and sapphire blue for a regal, wintery look.
If you're going for playful and fun, rainbow colors or quirky prints can add a whimsical feel. Think candy cane stripes mixed with polka dots or festive nutcracker prints paired with solid colors!
Toy Soldiers, Peppermint Squiggle Stripes, and Holiday Stars align for the perfect holiday mix
2. Play with Patterns
Here’s where the fun really begins! Mixing patterns is an easy way to create visual interest and dimension in your gift wrap. Pair bold prints like checks or stripes with more subtle patterns like or tiny stars. Novelty motifs like Santas or reindeer can be stunning for holiday gifts, too, especially when combined with a simple print like a modern grid.
3. Vary Textures
Adding texture to your gift wrap is like taking your packaging from 2D to 3D. Mix glossy wrapping paper with matte options for contrast. Incorporate natural elements like kraft paper or fabric wraps for a cozy, rustic touch. Velvet or satin ribbon instantly adds a luxe feel, while twine or jute string keeps things grounded and casual.
For something really unique, try wrapping a gift in a reusable item like a silk scarf (bonus: it’s part of the gift!) or a printed tea towel. It's an eco-friendly, multi-use option that adds a special touch.
A simple twine bow is the perfect touch for these Turtledoves
4. Add a Few Special Touches
This is where your creativity really shines. After you’ve mixed and matched your wrapping, it’s time to add those finishing touches that take the gift from pretty to perfect.
Personalized Tags: Instead of generic store-bought tags, create custom ones. You can hand-paint mini gift tags, use stamps, or write a heartfelt note on cardstock that coordinates with your wrapping. A tag in the same color scheme will make everything feel unified.
Bells and Bows: A classic ribbon is lovely, but why not step it up with something extra? Attach small ornaments, jingle bells, or sprigs of greenery (think eucalyptus or pine) to the ribbon for a festive touch. Dried flowers like lavender or small pinecones also add a nature-inspired element that feels thoughtful and elegant.
Wax Seals: For an old-world, luxurious vibe, seal your wrapping with a wax stamp. It’s a beautiful, personal detail that instantly elevates the look. Choose a stamp design that reflects the season (like a snowflake or Christmas tree) or even your initials for a monogrammed look.
Gift Toppers: Top off your gift with something playful or thematic! Add mini candy canes, wooden stars, or pom-poms for a whimsical touch. For an eco-friendly option, repurpose fabric scraps into bows or create your own felt toppers.
Layer Up: Layering different types of ribbons—like a wide velvet ribbon with a thin metallic one—adds depth and a luxurious feel. Try knotting, crisscrossing, or tying multiple strands for a dynamic effect.
Final Thoughts
Mixing and matching gift wrap is all about creativity and fun, making your gifts feel one-of-a-kind. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors, patterns, textures, and finishes to create packaging that’s just as exciting as the present itself! With a few extra touches—like a personalized tag or a sprig of pine—your gifts will not only stand out but also show the extra care and thought you put into them.
This holiday season, wrap it up in style, and watch your friends and family light up before they even tear off the paper! 🎁✨
Deck Your Table: Choosing the Perfect Holiday Table Linens
Happier hosting with a bright and bold tablescape
The holiday season is all about gathering, celebrating, and—let’s be honest—showing off that beautifully decorated table! While the food takes center stage, the table linens are the backdrop that set the entire mood. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or a sparkling holiday soirée, the right tablecloth, runner, and napkins can transform your space into a festive wonderland.
So, let’s talk about how to dress your table to impress this holiday season!
1. Palettes with personality
Holiday linens don’t have to scream red and green (unless that’s your thing—no judgment!). Play with unexpected colors like blush pink, icy blues, or deep jewel tones to create a fresh, modern look. A classic neutral linen can also be the perfect backdrop for bolder accents like colorful napkins or dazzling dinnerware.
For a fun, girly twist on Christmas, think pinks and pastels. A table runner with gingerbread girls, candy canes, and bows can add a playful, festive touch, keeping it cheerful and whimsical!
2. Themes for Days
Holiday tables are all about setting a mood. Are you going for a traditional, rustic look with plaid and pinecones? Or maybe a modern, minimalist vibe with sleek lines and metallic accents? Whatever your style, choose linens that echo your theme. A Thanksgiving table might call for William Morris-inspired florals in fall colors, while a Christmas brunch could embrace candy-cane stripes and cheerful pinks.
3. Mix and Match
Who says everything has to match perfectly? Mix it up with coordinating but not identical pieces—think a patterned table runner with solid-colored napkins, or bold placemats paired with a minimalist tablecloth. Mixing textures, like pairing luxe cotton sateen runners with linen napkins, adds depth and visual interest.
For example, you could layer a soft, sage green cloth with printed napkins featuring reindeer or festive stars—each pattern bringing a new element of surprise to the table.
4. Go Luxe or Casual
For formal dinners, look for rich fabrics like sateen or damask, which instantly elevate the vibe. A cotton sateen table runner with crisp edges and a double topstitch detail will have your guests ooh-ing and ahh-ing before the meal even starts. Plus, it’s durable enough to stand up to those inevitable gravy spills!
If your gathering is more laid-back, opt for casual cotton or linen table linens with a softer drape. These fabrics still offer plenty of style, but keep the atmosphere relaxed and cozy—perfect for a potluck or game night by the fire.
5. Details, Details, Details
It’s the little things that make a big impact. Linens with mitered corners and double topstitching add that polished, high-quality finish. And don’t forget about the napkins! Fancy folds or simple, elegant napkin rings can elevate your table in an instant.
For a special touch, personalized napkins or placemats with prints by independent artists add uniqueness and charm—plus, they’re great conversation starters!
6. Don’t Forget the Little Ones
If you’re hosting a kid-friendly meal, consider playful prints that bring a smile to everyone’s face. Think cute reindeer, gingerbread girls, and festive stars on napkins that are durable, machine washable, and totally adorable. The kids’ table never looked so good!
Final Thoughts Holiday table linens are more than just a backdrop—they’re the canvas for your celebrations. Whether you’re going elegant, eclectic, or cozy, choosing the right linens brings your vision to life and makes every gathering feel extra special.
So, grab those pretty placemats, mix and match your napkins, and get ready to wow your guests. Your holiday table is about to shine brighter than the Christmas tree! ✨