Winter Decorating

There's more to the "holiday season" than the major holidays. Celebrate the start of winter (December 22) and the first snowfall with some of these decorative tips. Keep your house feeling cozy and inviting, long after New Year's Day and through the last snowfall. Also keep in mind the tips from the Autumn Decorating guide and make the transition between seasons subtle. The fewer changes you want to make, the less work you have to do. Whatever you choose, enjoy it's winter!

Snow and Ice

Snow is a major part of the winter holiday season for much of North America. Celebrate the imminent falling flakes with a decorative touch. You don't need to have literal snowflakes   -- and too many snowflakes will look tacky anyway. Lots of pale blues and purples will set the right tone, while crystal-clear and shiny black and white accessories punch up the contrast. Bold patterns and a modern feel are in right now, so skip the baroque candlesticks in favor of a simple, pared-down designs. Stay on the natural history theme from the autumn with display-quality pieces of crystal quartz or, appropriately, snowflake obsidian . 

Black and White	Pale Blue ( Powder Blue ,  Aquamarine   )	Clear, Modern Glass	Pale Purple ( Lilac   and Lavender   )

Jewel-Tone Colors

You can also go with a more modern version of the traditional winter decor -- rich and luxurious, with a deep forest and jewel-tone color palette.

Dark Woods	Dark Green	Cranberry	Gold	Rich Purple

Textures

Winter textures should reflect either the shiny, sparkly snow and festival season, or the desire to snuggle into your furniture.

Velvet   / Velour   / Chenille	Thick Wool	Glittery and Shiny	Textured Wood

Layers

You don't want it to look or feel cold in your house. Just as you layer up every morning, your house can put on a few extra layers in the winter. Most of these items can be stored during the summer, and even if you can't put all of them away (window treatments can be difficult) you can at least reduce them. In addition, you can often change the slipcovers on your furniture to match the season.

Pillows   and Floor Cushions	Throws	Area Rugs	Window Treatments