Try these tips for fabulous holiday decor

Transforming your home into holiday central can seem like an overwhelming task when you consider the expanse of décor trends out thereon Instagram. You start thinking about floral arrangements, tablescapes, mantels, wreaths and pretty soon there is too much to do and not enough time to do it.

To help you ease into holiday prep, we spoke to Molly Wood of Molly Wood Garden Design in Costa Mesa for advice on how to add festive style to your home without the stress.

“At the end of the day, if someone stands back and loves what they’ve created, that’s all that matters. The number one rule is that decorating is supposed to be fun,” said Wood.

These tips from an expert will get you started and help you find the joy in your party planning. 1. Simplify the space “I would first do a general de-cluttering of your house because you’re going to be bringing more items into the space,” said Wood. By clearing some of your everyday décor, you can create a blank backdrop that will highlight your holiday goods.

2. Choose 3-4 places to focus your décor

“Create more impact by choosing focal points like the entry table, kitchen island or mantel,” said Wood. Make the task of decorating more manageable by selecting a few areas that will set the mood without overwhelming your existing interior design.

3. Include elements of nature

“One of my must-haves is fresh greens. I always like to bring some sort of natural element into the story,” said Wood. Some of her go-tos include magnolia leaves, eucalyptus, dark greens, succulents, air plants and dried star pods because they have a long shelf-life and still look good when dried. 4. Say ‘yes’ to candles “I like to bring out the Beeswax candles because it is a time for decadence. They smell good and burn clean,” said Wood.