First time decorating for the holidays? Here's where to begin

Functional Decor

Elaine Griffin, a seasoned interior designer, emphasizes the importance of functionality in holiday decorating. She advises placing the Christmas tree in a spot that requires minimal furniture rearrangement, ideally in a corner to save space. Marielle Segarra adds that decorations should enhance key areas like the vista across from the door, which naturally draws the eye 1. Elaine also suggests maintaining the usual layout of surfaces like coffee tables, simply swapping out regular items for festive ones 1.

The room's architecture really decides where the tree is going to go. I want you to put the tree somewhere where you might have to move one piece of furniture.

--- Elaine Griffin

Marielle shares her personal experience of cluttered holiday decor and how it can disrupt daily life, reinforcing the need for thoughtful placement 2.

   

Emotional Impact

Emotional connections to holiday decorations can significantly influence how one chooses to decorate. Elaine Griffin shares her personal story of loss and how it has led her to adopt a minimalist approach to holiday decor, focusing on simple elements like poinsettias or a mini tree 3. This approach allows individuals to honor their emotional state and memories while still participating in holiday traditions.

I do a very minimal decor now, and that's actually coming from nothing. So now I might put out a plant, like, I might have poinsettias, or I might do this little, tiny mini tree.

--- Elaine Griffin

Reflecting on childhood experiences, whether positive or negative, can also guide one's decorating style, allowing for personal expression and the creation of new traditions 4.