Traditional Christmas Decor Ideas: Your Holiday Home Guide

Christmas is a time of tradition, a season filled with cherished memories and beloved customs. Call me old fashion, but I love tradition. I believe traditions are what memories are made of. From the twinkling lights to the fragrant tree pine, every detail of our holiday decor typically holds a special place in our hearts. In this post, I’ll explore timeless ideas to create a warm and inviting traditional Christmas atmosphere.

If you’re new here, my name is Kim and I’m so happy to welcome you to my Cottage in the Mitten! Today, I’m opening the doors of my home for some holiday cheer! Join me as I share my traditional Christmas decor and get you inspired for your own festive space. Don’t miss some of my friends and their beautiful homes featured at the end of this post, too!

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Traditional Christmas Color Palette

A traditional Christmas color palette gives me all the feelings of nostalgia and warmth. The classic combination of red and green is a timeless choice that instantly sets a merry mood. Did you know that red symbolizes passion and joy, while green represents nature and hope? Incorporating plaid patterns in these colors can add a touch of rustic charm to your holiday decor, too.

Classic Red and Green

Are there any other colors better than red and green that instantly make you think of Christmas? For me, there’s not. They’re the classic Christmas colors and ones I have chosen to use in my holiday decor…since forever! Consider incorporating red and green into your table settings, mantel displays, home decor items, and even your outdoor decorations this holiday season, for a more traditional look.

To create that classic traditional look that I love, I incorporated a red and white color scheme into my front entry and living room. Frayed velvet ribbon is currently very popular and one roll went a long way in my holiday decorating. I casually tied it around my brass candlesticks and it was just the right Christmas touch.

Adding a touch of cozy to my living room, I draped a velvety red throw blanket over my navy blue armchair. The rich color of the blanket complements the deep blue upholstery and adds the perfect pop of festive cheer. A plaid oversized pillow, featuring a classic red and green pattern, provides a cozy accent and ties in the holiday theme. I also used red and white striped pillows throughout the living and dining areas.

You’ll see more classic plaid throughout my home tour.

A Touch of Tradition: Plaid Patterns

Are you mad for plaid, as they say? Plaid Christmas decor can be incorporated into various elements of your holiday, from cozy living room accents to festive table settings. Whether it’s a plaid throw blanket draped over a sofa, a plaid ribbon tied around a gift, or a plaid table runner, for me this pattern is a classic holiday tradition.

I placed a festive red, green, and blue plaid table runner on my side door entry table. The bold colors and classic pattern of the plaid runner complemented the large Santa painting above the table, creating a warm and inviting entrance to my home.

To add even more holiday cheer to my living room, I included a DIY plaid picture frame to my side table. I created a few budget-friendly lookalike frames last year. You can see how to make your own in my post DIY Tartan Plaid Photo Frame: A Pottery Barn Lookalike for Less.

Since we’re chatting about the plaid table runner, I want to share a few other festive touches I added to my entryway. What says Christmas tradition more than reindeer and snow globes? This gorgeous reindeer was a great find at a local home decor shop, a few years ago. I dressed him up with that red velvet ribbon and I love how stoic, yet elegant he looks. I have a beautiful collection of snow globes that I used to display on my mantel. Sadly, I no longer have a mantle, so this year I scattered some throughout my home.

Snow globes make me feel like a kid again. They’re just so magical and are a huge part of my Christmas memories growing up!

A Touch of Nature: Incorporating Greenery into Your Decor

One of the joys of Christmas decorating is incorporating the beauty of nature into your home. Whether you prefer the fresh scent and natural beauty of real greenery or the convenience and longevity of faux, there are endless possibilities to bring the outdoors in. From garlands, house plants, festive wreaths, to simple sprigs of pine, greenery adds a touch of elegance and warmth to any space. Below are some great tips on how to incorporate greenery into your Christmas decor that are budget-friendly, too.

A Classic Christmas Touch: Garland on the Stairs

I have a small staircase, but it is large enough to make a statement and hang all the stockings on. Each year, I add new ribbon to the garland. I’m a big fan of red and white ticking fabric. I use it frequently when making my blankets. When I found red and white, and then green and white ticking ribbon on clearance last season, I just had to buy it! I created several bows to add a joyful touch to the garland on my staircase. The pretty red and green colors and classic pattern of the ribbon instantly transformed the space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Across from the banister I have a tall buffet. I added some green trees, a candlestick and instead of using the red velvet ribbon, I chose to cut a small piece of the green and white ticking ribbon to tie around it. The quilt ladder next to the buffet has one of my handmade Christmas blankets on it, keeping with the traditional color scheme.

A Timeless Table Setting

There’s nothing like a pretty table. Creating a timeless table setting can make your holiday gathering a little more merry and bright! And a vintage table definitely embodies timeless and traditional Christmas decor. I’m using dishes that are over 30 years old. Vintage items that are 20 years old but less than 100 years old are considered just that; so my 30 year old dishes fall into the vintage category. 

Vintage Style: A Poinsettia-Themed Table

When designing my table, I always pick a theme first and this holiday, I opted for using poinsettias. After I pick my theme, I chose my table linens. You’ll see I incorporated plaid again with my table runner, and for this tablescape, I’m using red paper napkins. Things don’t have to be fancy to be pretty! The napkins have been tucked into a pocket that I made out of printed Christmas sheet music, along with the silverware. Simple, merry and bright!

The pretty red and green floral pattern on the plates added a touch of elegance and nostalgia to the table. I typically don’t use the cups and saucers, when I set a table, but this Christmas we will be hosting brunch. I know most will want coffee or tea with their meal and for those who prefer something different, I’ve set out some cheerful red tumblers.

For an easy yet stunning centerpiece, I gathered a few items I already had on hand. For most, it’s impossible to buy new every year. So get creative and use what you have. There is nothing wrong with that! When you use items you already have in different ways they look fresh and new!

When you use the same ribbon or fabric throughout your decor, it makes things look cohesive. The red and white ticking ribbon was used again, adding a small bow onto the faux wreath. This easy-to-create centerpiece is the perfect addition to my holiday table.

May Your Holidays Be Bright and Merry

I hope I’ve given you some ideas for infusing traditional colors and Christmas decor into your home. Remember, the most important thing is to decorate with items that bring you joy. The ones that give you that Christmas feeling! Whether you prefer a classic, traditional look, like me, or a more modern approach, there are endless possibilities to make your holiday season special.

If you love adding handmade touches to your home, you’ll find a few easy DIY Christmas projects below. They are perfect for creating beautiful, budget-friendly holiday decor!

I’m so honored to be part of the Bloggers’ Best Holiday Home Tour! Don’t forget to visit my friends below for more beautiful holiday home decor inspiration! You’re going to love what they have to share with you!

Merry Christmas!

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Shop My Favorite Christmas

Bloggers’ Best Holiday Home Tours

This week I am joining some of my blogging friends for the Bloggers’ Best Holiday Home Tours. Twenty talented and creative women will be opening their homes up for you to tour all week long. You can visit each holiday home tour by clicking the links below.

Monday’s Tours

Lazy Girl’s Garden Club / This Is Simplicite / Amy Sadler Designs

Cottage In the Mitten / The Ponds Farmhouse / DIY Beautify

Tuesday’s Tours

Midwest Life and Style / Robyn’s French Nest

Sonata Home Design / StoneGable / Thistlewood Farms

Wednesday’s Tours

Living Large In a Small House / Shiplap & Shells / She Gave It a Go / Southern Home & Hospitality

Thursday’s Tours

Pasha Is Home / A Hundred Affections

tatertots & jello / Returning Grace / Perfecting Places