San Antonio Express-News

Nostalgic Noel delivers happy vibes

- By Katie Laughridge Katie Laughridge is the owner of Kansas City interior design destinatio­n Nell Hill’s.

Certain elements of a holiday look offer that Christmas feeling. Holly and mistletoe, twinkling trees and vintage Santas are what I conjure in my mind when thinking of holidays past, and “Nostalgic Noel” is a look that delivers for me. Classic but fun, this Christmas decor delivers whimsical vibes at every glance.

Because our space features a very traditiona­l home color and this is an exceptiona­lly fun traditiona­l Christmas look, we knew it was a match made in heaven. Don’t fret; this is a look that will blend with the colors you already have in your home as well.

Nostalgic tree design

Showstoppi­ng colors are featured throughout this color palette. First to greet your eye are the punchy reds, followed by tinsel-inspired silvers and a mix of bright whites. The redand-gold ribbon elevates the tree from kitsch to elegant and could create a totally different feeling if used somewhere else. This tree makes great use of picks, and the holly and berries give it a real Christmas feel.

One of my favorite details that sets this vignette apart are the use of the classic bubble lights. They instantly remind me of my grandfathe­r and a sweet story from his childhood that included them. He and Grandma still feature bubble lights on a small tree every year, though they no longer use the original set.

Nostalgic holiday decor

Walking into this room feels like immersing myself into a vintage postcard. The decor is full of fun retro shapes amid

classic elements, like the bottlebrus­h trees and wreaths that are always a customer favorite. A spindly tree with cheery white berries is the perfect

addition to a tabletop or buffet. This decor would be a fun theme in which to incorporat­e nontraditi­onal Christmas colors, such as a showstoppi­ng

teal alongside the standard greens and reds of the season.

This holiday look acts as the cherry on top of an already delectable room. Trees, jovial

Santas and frosted snowmen are tucked among the chinoiseri­e and refinery for a full look, creating Christmas vignettes wherever you turn. Paring down this design a little to fit your space does nothing to dull its shine. Thoughtful­ly placed elements like two retro gold trees atop the buffet are enough to carry the continuity of the nostalgic Christmas feeling from the tree to the dining room.

Nostalgic tabletop design

Our place setting is full of new traditiona­l elements, down to a cheery Christmas color palette. Standard white dishes are the base of the design, and red and green accents in the dinner and salad plates are easily added for some seasonal fun. Many textures are at play in this tablescape, making it feel cozy and warm, from the block print on the napkins to the bold pink hand-painted cane designs on the drinking glasses.

Items are placed at varying heights for the tabletop centerpiec­e. An airy white tree is the backdrop for Santa’s sleigh about to take flight in the midline focal point. Bottlebrus­h Christmas trees, sprinkled throughout the tabletop, stand at attention. This centerpiec­e feels full without overcrowdi­ng the table and could be effortless­ly re-created with even fewer elements for an easier sightline from seat to seat.

This room is a joy to be in during the holidays, and I hope it inspired you to bring out a few of those well-worn and well-loved pieces for a little piece of Nostalgic Noel in your own home.

 ?? Courtesy photos ?? Punchy reds, silvers and bright whites are the color story of the Nostalgic Noel look.
Courtesy photos Punchy reds, silvers and bright whites are the color story of the Nostalgic Noel look.
 ?? ?? Old-timey garland is chock-full of berries, ribbon and ornaments for a design with dimension.
Old-timey garland is chock-full of berries, ribbon and ornaments for a design with dimension.

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