deck all the halls

by Rebecca Hadfield
A family putting a star on the Christmas tree

Who says decorating for the holidays has to be limited to two or three spots in the home? After the tree, the fireplace mantle, and front door are sufficiently decked-out, we say, “keep going!”
 
There’s no limit to where you can place little festive touches throughout the home—just ask Buddy the Elf! From hall trees to headboards, here are some of our favourite ideas for festooning your home for the holidays.

Warm up your welcome.
Whether they’re staying for the evening, or just doing a quick present drop-off, give your friends and family a warm holiday welcome by beautifully decorating the front entrance of your home. Hook racks, console tables and benches are all fair game for your festive touches!

First, give yourself a clean canvas by clearing away the clutter and moving coats, boots, and bags to the closet or back hall. From there, let your imagination run wild!

Some ideas to get you started:

Hang sleigh bells and vintage signage from a wood and iron hook rack or rustic hall tree.

5 Hook Wall Art
Shop the 5 Hook Wall Art

Display a large bowl filled with paper mâché or glass ornaments on a console table.

Shop Roanley Accent Table

Fill a wooden or upholstered bench with a collection of pillows that match your holiday décor.

Shop Briarson Storage Bench Beigebrown

Hang a wreath over the hall mirror to make hair and makeup checks a little more fun.

Shop Divakar Mirror
Shop Doorganizer Wall Decor
Make holidays meals memorable using elements of the occasion

Make meals more memorable.

Make your holiday meals (and not just the big ones) even more merry by decorating your dining set for everyday dinners in the days leading up to the big event. Stick with a theme, or challenge family members to set the table in their style. For the main holiday dinner, get everyone involved with a fun DIY project, like this beautiful, natural table setting.

Commission a friend or family member who is handy with a saw to create the rustic log slices used as chargers (or buy them from a local woodworker). For the centerpiece and napkin rings, bundle up the kids and take a walk around your yard or neighbourhood to gather pinecones and bits of greenery.

While you’re at it, the chairs around the table can be made a little more special, simply by hanging tiny wreaths or decorations off the back. Your mini wreaths can be attached with ribbon, if the top of your chair allows, or with tiny, removable Command hooks if your chair has a more solid back.

Set the stage for visions of sugarplums
Before you settle in for a long winter’s nap, add some fun, seasonal touches to the bedroom. It can be as easy as swapping out your usual neutral linens for a cozy flannel print and flinging a cozy throw over an armchair or the end of the bed. Or, take a cue from your favourite Hallmark Christmas movie and go crazy with garland, draped over armoires, doorways, and curtain rods.
 
On the other side of red and green, take a look at how Ottawa’s @whatsup.juice decorated her William King Storage Bed and Kanwyn Nightstands for the festive season. With some well-placed accessories and an unconventional colour palette, she takes her bedroom from everyday to holiday and proves that making just a few small tweaks can create a memorable, impactful look.

Everyday bedroom colour palette

Everyday

Holiday bedroom colour palette

Holiday

We’d like to see how you add unexpected, personal touches to your holiday décor! Tag #DufresneStyle on Instagram for your chance to be featured.