Adding Designer Details to Your Christmas Decor

I should warn you. The onslaught of Christmas decorating ideas and posts is about to begin.

After what seems like an eternity — and a ton of glitter — I’m in the homestretch of holiday decorating. It’s all done but the little details, and I can’t wait to share my full 2015 Christmas home tour with you next week.

But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, lets talk about those finishing touches. The little details.

I think they may be my favorite part of decorating because they make the big picture so breathtaking.

Whether I’m throwing a party, setting a beautiful table or decorating our home for Christmas, I spend a lot of time fussing over the details and going back and adding small touches, even when I think I’m done.

You know what they say…

The devil is in the details.

Grab a copy of your favorite home decor magazine or catalog and make note of the things that catch your eye and draw your attention.

It’s the little details that breathe life into a room and make it memorable.

I’ve learned a trick or two from my years of studying beautiful spaces and decorating my own home, so I want to share four easy ways to incorporate designer details in your holiday decorating.

And there’s a giveaway, too, where you can win some deliciously scented holiday candles from Air Wick.

Put a wreath on it.

And no, I don’t mean the door!

Use ribbon to hang a small wreath or candle ring on your lampshades. It’s a gorgeous, easy festive touch.

I added boxwood wreaths to my living room lamps, and hung them with a ribbon embellished with tiny bells. Detail on top of detail!

This year, I added a sparkly wreath on a lampshade as part of the winter wonderland vignette in our entryway.

I also love hanging wreaths on mirrors…

On sleds…

On lanterns…

On the backs of chairs…

And anywhere else I can hang them.

Tie one on.

Ribbon, that is!

I have a weakness for holiday bows and ribbons.

Adding a touch of ribbon is an easy way to dress up your Christmas decor.

Weave some through a garland, as I’ve done going up our staircase.

I love how this bow makes our lamp look like a streetlight.

A simple satin sash really dresses up this textured vase.

I also love using ribbon to hang things from the backs of chairs.

Like these stockings and ornaments.

I even filled a box with favorite holiday ribbons last year as part of our Christmas mantel decor.  It was also handy when I was ready to start wrapping gifts.

Which brings me to my next detail…

Embrace the lived in look.

Have you ever noticed that the rooms in the Pottery Barn catalog  always look lived in. The pillows on the sofa aren’t perfectly fluffed; they’re always a little bit messy. And the bed covers are always just a little bit rustled, like someone just awoke from a restful sleep.

Those little imperfect details go a long way to creating a certain mood. I always try to remember that when I’m doing my own decorating.

The bar cart is ready for someone to pour drinks.

Looks like someone left their skates on the porch after a trip to the rink.

These decorations are ready to be hung.

Someone needs to hang these gorgeous ornaments on the tree.

And someone needs to hang that beaded garland on the tree, too.

Appeal to all the senses.

When you’re decorating for the holidays, it’s important to appeal to all the senses.

It’s not enough for a space to look pretty… it also needs to smell and sound and feel like Christmas.

A crackling fire in the fireplace.

A warm throw to cuddle beneath.

A bowl of homemade candies.

The smell of Christmas in the air, like Air Wick Life Scents Spiced Apple Crumble scented wax melts…

or from a flickering Emerald Woodland candle that combines the scent of morning frost, a fresh-cut Christmas tree and sugar cookies.

Before I ever start decorating for Christmas, I change out my seasonal candles and scents. It really does help set the scene and put me in the mood for holiday festivities.

You have a chance to win a little bit of Christmas cheer courtesy of Air Wick just by commenting on this post.

One lucky winner will receive two Emerald Woodland scented candles and two Apple Crumble scented candles. Just comment below with your favorite Christmas scent or your favorite holiday decorating detail. But hurry. The giveaway ends at midnight Dec. 5, 2015.