The holidays are coming, and it’s time to start decorating! But what do you do if you’re not really into traditional decor? Maybe a classic Christmas tree isn’t your thing, or you despise red and green. Or perhaps you want to create new holiday traditions with your family and toss the classics out the window altogether. Put on your favorite non-traditional holiday music and keep reading to discover some fresh decor ideas.
Try a Different Color Scheme
The use of red and green for winter holiday decorations dates back to European pagan winter solstice traditions. Since evergreens were plentiful, plants like holly, ivy, and mistletoe were often used to decorate during the cold months. The reason? They stay green and serve as a reminder of the coming spring! Since many of these plants often have red berries, red and green became emblematic of winter holidays.
But just because red and green are traditional colors doesn’t mean you’re bound to them. Try a different color scheme that better suits your home’s decor, your personal preferences, your family’s personalities, or even your team’s colors! Christmas trees, garlands, wreaths, and stockings come in a multitude of colors, or you can try DIY Christmas decorations to make unique ornaments in the exact hues you like.
Check Out Christmas Tree Alternatives
Did you know that some people are actually allergic to Christmas trees? Even if you’re not in that group, you might be “allergic” to the whole look and feel (and smell and mess) of a Christmas tree. That’s okay – there are plenty of awesome Christmas tree alternatives that still capture the fun of the holiday season. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Artificial tree: For those who want the look of a traditional tree, minus the sweeping and water.
- Book tree: For the bookworm family, carefully stack your favorite books into a vaguely tree-shaped pile and drape them with lights (not recommended for rambunctious kiddos, cats, or canines prone to colliding with objects).
- Decorated house plants: For the green thumb who really doesn’t need another plant, turn your favorite cactus, monstera, or snake plant into a unique Christmas tree..
- Light tree: For the minimalists, simply hang lights on the wall zig-zagged to resemble a tree.
- Ladder tree: For the upcycler, use fishing line or twine to suspend ornaments and lights from an unfolded ladder.
View this post on Instagram
Make DIY Christmas Decorations
If you’re going for a nontraditional celebration, store-bought decorations and ornaments may not fit your style. DIY decorations can help you achieve the exact look you’re going for and offer a fun family craft opportunity.
When you’re decorating your home, you may feel tempted to load up on a lot of new stuff. However, opting to focus on more eco-friendly, upcycled decor can add a unique look to your home while being more environmentally friendly. Need some inspiration?
- Make macrame ornaments
- Upcycle sweaters into stockings
- Make your own tree topper, if you have a tree
- Create dried fruit garlands
- Hang fresh (or faux!) greenery, like evergreen bundles or eucalyptus
- Make salt dough ornaments
Go Beyond the Mantle for Decor
Holiday decorations don’t have to be limited to the mantle and the tree. Consider decorating other places in your home for extra cheer!
- Need DIY outdoor Christmas decorations? Channel your inner school teacher and use butcher paper to decorate your front door
- Make tablescapes to decorate your dining room table, coffee table, and any other surface
- Swap the linens in your bedroom for festive holiday or winter-inspired colors and patterns
- Add festive throw pillows to your sofa
- Hang decor from unexpected places, such as hanging ornaments from ceiling hooks, cutout paper silhouettes inside lampshades (snowflakes are great for this), or small wreaths on interior doors
Turn to CORT Furniture Outlet for Furniture, Decor, and More
This holiday season, you can start a new tradition with your family. Maybe you’ll try a new color scheme, a non-traditional Christmas tree, or something totally different.
If you need new furniture to serve as the backdrop for your fresh holiday decor, more seating for upcoming hosting duties, or a piece to upcycle and make your own, turn to CORT Furniture Outlet. With prices up to 70% off new retail prices on high-quality furniture and decor, you can score a great deal on used furniture without compromising quality. So not only do you save on must-have pieces, but you give used furniture and decor a second life. Visit your local CORT Furniture Outlet in-store or online today.
