Christmas without the gaudiness: elegant and discreet decorations for a minimalist approach
Traditionally, Christmas decorations are a riot of gold and red, the sparkling white of snow against a backdrop of dark-colored branches. It can be a bit ostentatious, and this "flashy" Christmas atmosphere is not for everyone. For a while now, there's been a trend towards a more laid-back style, focusing on keeping it simple and basic. And this style tends towards the minimalism of the Scandinavian approach.
If this is the perfect style for you, then check out the ideas listed below for your Christmas decorations!
The Christmas tree: does it really need to be filled with decorations?
The answer could be a cautious "no!". If you manage to get a tree - whether real or fake - and that's really beautiful with its dense dark branches, it's not uncommon these days to just leave it as is. Just decorate the pot or stand and arrange the gifts under it.
Another idea that takes a different direction to having a typical Christmas tree, is to get a large branch and plant it in a suitable stand, turning it the tree. It won't be as lush as a regular tree, but it can still have its charm, adorned with some simple decorations, like the example you see here.
A compromise between the the two styles, is to create a tree by using branches mounted on a stylized backing frame. It's also super-easy to move around when needed!
The Christmas centerpiece: simple and natural
No miniature Christmas villages or overflowing compositions of plants and decorations are needed: a simple fabric runner laid out on the table, decorated with a few pine cones and candle holders, can be sufficient.
Often, the best inspirations for holiday table settings come from designs used for weddings (appropriately modified). Here is a clear example: the silvery look of eucalyptus leaves and a few white candles - a solution that works all year round! To make it more festive for Christmas, you can add some star anise seeds, dried orange slices, red berries, cinnamon sticks... and you're all set!
Christmas lights yes, but in moderation
Strings of LED fairy lights, but not too many: here, a wooden ladder serving as an alternative Christmas tree, is an excellent example of this.
And even in the windows, small lights that resemble golden rain/snow falls are all you need to decorate an entire room!
Natural compositions for the Christmas holidays
One of the key elements of Scandinavian minimalist style are the natural components, altered as little as possible. So, simply taking a few branches of an evergreen and placing them in a vase will be sufficient to create a Christmas decoration.
The idea of a tree made from a single branch might not appeal to you as the pièce de résistance for your home, but it could be absolutely adorable for smaller trees to be placed on the windowsills, like these here!
Christmas garlands at home, composed in a simple and natural way
No massive bunches of branches, lights, Christmas balls, and a thousand other trimmings twisted around the banisters of the stairs. Here, we see that a modern context where there isn't much visual clutter - even as single garland of green evergreen branches provide adequate decoration!
And if you prefer the warm colors associated with Christmas and autumn, you could have fun tying together magnolia leaves. Anyone with a magnolia tree knows that it's a great source for colorful leaves (the two sides of one leaf often have very different tones, and they change over time too!). Using these for decorations is a great idea!
How would you like to decorate your home for the holidays?
