Big holiday decorating for little spaces
Living small and cosy doesn’t mean you can’t deck your halls
If you have barely enough room for your dining room table, where do you put a Christmas tree, let alone host a party?
The key to decorating a small space is to focus on creating a festive, cosy mood without the clutter. Whether you live in a tiny apartment or a cosy house, here are five simple tips to add a little holiday spirit to the place you call home. Keep it simple
When a Christmas tree is nonnegotiable, try a tabletop version with a smaller footprint. Whether you choose fresh or faux, place the tree inside a pretty pot or basket for display on a spare chair or footstool. No room for a tree? Focus on vignettes. Add fresh greenery to small vases or jars and display them on a windowsill or add a candle, a little fresh greenery and a bowl of ornaments to display on a pretty tray. Keep decor simple and not too themed so that it’s easy to repurpose.
Add this mini rainbow-coloured woodland to a book shelf or tuck a tree here and there to add small holiday touches throughout your space.
Swap out everyday cushions or throws for something with a seasonal feel, but avoid anything too holiday-centric so you can enjoy it throughout the winter.
Classic plaid will still look great once the holiday decor is packed away. A plaid throw adds a pop of colour and is cosy enough to enjoy all winter.
Add a little luxe to your sofa with velvet. The rich jewel tones of these cushions enhance the colours of the season. Focus on the mood
Create ambience with lighting and scent. Whether it’s the sparkle from a string of lights or the warm glow of a candle, both will up the cosy factor of a room. Add natural elements that smell great and don’t need to be stored after the holidays are over. Small touches of evergreen tucked here and there add a natural festive scent. Multipurpose
In a small space, pretty much everything should have multiple uses, whether it’s furniture or everyday accessories. A coffee table can become a dining table with the addition of a few throw pillows on the floor. Think about adding small holi- day touches to a shelf. Look for decorations that can be used all year. Fill a hurricane vase or bowl with ornaments and then swap them out as the season changes.
Turn a sideboard, bookshelves or a windowsill into a makeshift bar or serving area. Stock it with glasses, napkins, an ice bucket, bottle openers, drink labels to minimize dirty glasses and bottles of water so guests can help themselves. Have a signature cocktail. Pre-make the cocktail in a large drink dispenser and stack glasses beside it, along with labels for glasses. Add a few festive touches, such as fresh greenery or ornaments. A bucket of ice keeps drinks chilled and traffic out of the kitchen.
A large charcuterie board can be used as a serving platter. Invest in a quality wood board that is practical, but still looks good leaning against a backsplash, such as this handmade charcuterie board by Crawford Creek Designs for the Jillian Harris x Etsy holiday collection. Use the vertical space
Lacking floor space? Look up! Use the ceilings and walls to hang holiday decor. Hang ornaments from a chandelier, string twinkle lights across the ceiling, drape a garland around a mirror or let it cascade down a wall. A handmade paper garland adds just the right amount of holiday cheer, and it’s easy to store for next year. Rent what you don’t have
Don’t worry about everything matching. If you don’t have room to store extra glasses or serving pieces, consider borrowing or renting, and leave the dishwashing to someone else.
Party rental companies such as the Perfect Table rent tableware including trays, cake stands and dishes, and have a selection of vintage stemware. Perfect for parties of all sizes. Delivery is available and so is free pickup/drop-off location in the city.