Savvy Seasonal louches

The Christmas tree—like this one trimmed in multiple layers of garland and ornaments— is often the most prominent element within a space, but the accompanying details can make the whole room shine. Try these three ideas from a corner in Mindy’s family room:

1. Turn an old window into a clever combination of photo frame and chalkboard. Size a special family portrait to fit the top pane, and then apply chalkboard paint to the bottom pane where you can add seasonal sentiments. Nestle the upcycled window within a tobacco basket and drape it with garland for added emphasis.

2. Create the illusion of a snow globe by placing a small ornament, figure or bottle-brush tree atop a chunky pedestal candleholder and topping it with an overturned glass canning jar.

3. Balance a Christmas tree with another vertical object, such as a ladder decked with coordinating garland, a holiday tin full of greens and an oversize spindle.

A combination of red plaid and blackand-white checked patterns integrated with burlap, twine, wood and paper on the family’s main Christmas tree underscore the simple farmhouse ambience of the McPeters’ home.