Adding Holiday Style in Unexpected Places
by Lisa Dearen

Enliven your home this holiday season with sparkle and style. Think beyond the traditional tree-wreath-poinsettia combination to create a space that really welcomes your guests.

Start by seeing your home through fresh eyes. Approach your home as your guests do: through the front door. Move from the front entrance to the living room, into the kitchen, past the powder room and finally into the guest room.

Now picture yourself at your favorite resort. What elements bring you the serenity you feel when you are there? Maybe it’s the muted textures of a lobby sitting area, or the hint of sandalwood scent that greets you as you enter. Write down as many details as you can, focusing on all the senses, not just sight.

Finally, wander through your home again, this time concentrating on merging the tantalizing details of the resort with your existing space. See room for improvement? Then read on.

Start by making a statement before your guests reach the front door. Frame your front yard by layering seasonal flowers with solar path lights (try solarlightstore.com). An all-white garden border will pop against most existing palettes, and adding light will create an ethereal glow each evening (Sunset Magazine at sunset.com offers regional options).

Now consider your front door. Yes, you could (and should) hang a fresh wreath, but don’t stop there. Flank the door with lighted topiaries; spiral shapes add movement (visit brookstone.com). Or, if you can’t get enough of “The Nutcracker,” surprise and delight with life-sized toy soldiers (ballarddesigns.com and horchow.com are great sources).

Once inside, use the senses to create a festive welcome. For instance, you can create an inviting space with light. Change the lighting in your front room or foyer to lower wattage bulbs. The idea here is to recreate candlelight, which is imminently more flattering than harsh light and instantly makes everyone feel beautiful; also try energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs.

A new lamp shade is one of the easiest ways to change a room. Employ some of the latest materials — like metal or mica shades — to really make a statement (PotteryBarn.com has fun looks right now). Then scatter candle groupings throughout the space to add calming pools of light.

This year, you might consider decorating your Christmas or holiday tree with a theme that you can then carry throughout your home. All-white or all-silver trees are popular (check out the fun options at treetopia.com). Add texture by including various materials, such as glass, garlands or feathers. Then add interest by using contrasting papers and bows to wrap your gifts. Think red and white toile with a white tree or rich purples with a silver tree. Check out Martha Stewart’s collection for great theme options, and don’t overlook Crate & Barrel and Target for modern takes on timeless classics.

Finally, add texture to the room by dressing wall art and mirrors for the holidays. Drape satin or grosgrain ribbon around the frame of your artwork, then secure an oversized jingle bell or glass ball to the garland, making sure the ornament hits the center of the piece. Tie a bow around table lamps or door handles to continue the theme. You’ll find even the smallest detail can make a big impact.

Since the kitchen is where most entertaining happens, make this your best place to shine. You don’t want to overdo it, of course, but now’s not the time to be shy. Beckon your guests into your home with a scent palette customized for your gathering. Fresh baked cookies are fun for a kid-friendly party or try crisp evergreen for a cocktail party.

From your glassware to your dishes to your serveware, everything counts. For an afternoon coffee and dessert party, why not use a one-of-a-kind coffee service, like those found at novica.com, a site dedicated to bringing global artists to everyone. Or for a festive brunch, check out the nature-inspired dishware on clio-home.com. Inventory your existing pieces, and find new ones that add a fresh, fun look.

You’ll want to be sure to serve seasonal foods. Start by checking out your local farmer’s market for ideas (sdfarmbureau.org). Think hand-warming soup bowls filled with vegetarian chili or thick steaks with infused herb butter, perhaps paired with creamy mushroom risotto. And if you’re hosting a cocktail party, you’ll need a signature cocktail, of course (create your own or go all out at cocktail.com).

Finally, every good host needs a great guest room. Even if it’s your office turned bed chamber, you want your guests to feel like they’re in a first-class resort. Stock up on thick cotton towels, plush spa robes and individual soaps and shampoos tucked into apothecary jars. These are the details that really make your guests feel welcome.

Adding holiday sparkle to unexpected places throughout your home helps you create an inviting environment that will keep your friends talking. And who knows? They may never want to leave.

Holiday Sparkle that Shines

• Highlight your front entrance with layers of light and fresh white flowers.

• Create a welcoming mood with soft lighting; combine candlelight and electric light to add different dimensions throughout a room.

• Add texture to a room by dressing wall art and mirrors for the holidays.

• Select a holiday color theme to repeat throughout the season.

• Invest in a few key serving pieces to spice up your existing collection.

• Create a signature cocktail that puts you in the spotlight.

• Serve seasonal foods or try a new take on a familiar favorite.

• Design a scent palette that is uniquely yours.