Christmas Decorations

Christmas decor that holds together rests on two choices: a short palette and one dominant material. The collection covers tree baubles and hanging ornaments, figurines, berry garlands and candle holders that carry the decor into the rest of the home.

Two shades and a single metal

Choose two shades and a single metal, then repeat them everywhere, from the tree to the table. Off-white, deep green and brass make an understated ensemble, while red and gold create a more classic Christmas. It is repetition that creates unity, not the number of different objects.

Decorate the tree from the trunk to the tips

Start by tucking the large baubles close to the trunk to create depth, then move out to the delicate hanging ornaments at the ends of the branches. Figurines and recognizable shapes go at eye level, where the gaze lingers. Save the lower branches for the heaviest pieces.

Extend the decor beyond the tree

A frosted berry garland, laid on a mantelpiece or along a banister, brings the decor down into the room. Candle holders, lined up down the center of a table or grouped in threes, add the low light that winter lacks. A clip attaches just as easily to a branch as to a curtain.

Frequently asked questions

How many ornaments for a tree?

Allow about fifteen pieces per meter of height, alternating large baubles and small hanging ornaments. A slim tree needs fewer than a model with full branches.

Can matte and glossy be mixed?

Yes, and that is exactly what gives depth to a single-color tree. Keep a clear proportion, for example two matte pieces for one glossy piece.

How do I store everything from one year to the next?

Wrap fragile pieces in tissue paper and keep beaded ornaments lying flat. Storing by color rather than by shape saves time.