Hey everyone – hope you’re all doing well this week! I’ve been so disorganized and discombobulated since the beginning of the year – I literally don’t even know what day it is! Is this a January thing, or is it just me?!
I’m super fired up to re-organize, purge, clean, and putter. But I’m also behind with unpaid bills and stacks of papers on my desk! But, I promised that I would be doing a post all about winter decorating tips, and I’m here to keep that promise!
I had such a good response last year, and also some readers inquiring on Instagram – not to mention the fact that I need this for me, too! I always get a little stuck after all the Christmas decor is put away. The house feels bare. It’s cold, dreary, and/or rainy, and it just feels like the house needs a little pick-me-up!
And though I guess I could just fill the house with pink flowers, it feels a little strange to me. I mean, it is winter after all! I like to keep it appropriate to the season, but still make it feel a little more cheerful and not so bare. At least until we can break out those florals and lighter fabrics! So here are just a few of my tips for winter decorating…
Tip 1: Use branches from your yard as “greens”
This is one of the easiest things to do this time of year! You can get some bare branches, or ones with very few leaves (like I’ve used here) and plunk them into a vase. And voilá, instant winter decor! I absolutely love this look!
Here I took some branches from our yard and put them on the mantel in a glass vase. Personally, I like them with just a couple of leaves left, but the completely bare look is great, too. Either way, the best free decorating ever!
Here in the kitchen I added some branches to one of my vintage French demijohns. Any branches look great in these, actually!
Tip 2: Keep out some of your holiday greens, as well as natural elements like pine cones
I purchased these pine boughs with the pinecones attached back in November and they are still green! I just love them and there was no way I was going to throw them out! Combined with some eucalyptus I think they connote “winter” without feeling too Christmas-y.
Here I combined some frosted pine cones with a silver cake stand and some branches to create a different vignette in the kitchen.
Tip 3: Bring out the silver!
I’ve kept these mercury silver candleholders that were out during the holidays, and added more silver items as well. And above, silver votives on the mantel and a silver pedestal on the coffee table all add some much needed sparkle during these winter months.
The combo of greens, white, and lots of silver just says winter to me!
Tip 4: Add lots of cozy textures, likes throws, pillows, and blankets
This faux fur throw from Pottery Barn is so wonderfully warm – we all literally fight over it! It’s one that I only have out during the winter and it definitely gives that cozy vibe I’m looking for. You can also add baskets and/or natural fibers to add some texture to your spaces as well.
Tip 5: Don’t forget the florals!
It doesn’t really matter what flowers you use, but I’m partial to white. They brighten up the space, but still seem seasonally appropriate when mixed with the other wintery elements.
This white orchid lends some cheer on the sofa table.
Tip 6: And add a few plants for a much-needed touch of nature
Last year in my winter decorating post, I talked about adding lots of green. And while I didn’t do green as a color this year, I definitely believe in adding green in the form of plants.
This little olive tree is one of a few I have around. Their grayish-green color works so well for winter, and come spring I can bring it outside!
This little vignette in the kitchen includes a white ironstone pitcher, an old hotel silver pitcher, as well as a yummy textured basket that holds the little olive plant.
By simply keeping out your greens and pine cones from the holidays, and combining those with some silver, cozy throws, and plants and flowers, you can add warmth and texture to your home that will take you through these wintery months. I hope these tips for winter decorating have helped you, at least until those spring flowers start sprouting!
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Sheila
xo
Mary from Life at Bella Terra says
Your gorgeous photos have reminded me that all my plants should be in lovely containers. We received quite a few as hostess gifts this holiday and they are still sitting in their plastic containers. Just that will make a nice difference!
Love the sprigs of green in glass containers~a nice reminder that spring is just around the corner.
Lovely post!
Sheila says
You’re so right Mary! Just some pretty pots can make such a difference! Kind of like how supermarket flowers can look so much better in a pretty vase:)
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Sheila
Pat says
Sheila,
I totally agree with you!
Lots of pillows, throws and texture!
I l o v e Winter Whites. . .in everything from silk flora to ironstone!
Silver polishing is one thing I, truly, enjoy. . .I love the transformation that takes place!
Green plants add so much ‘life’ to our homes in the bleakness of Winter.
Great Tips!
Pat
Sheila says
Sounds like you are all set with your winter decor Pat! And I couldn’t agree more about plants! They add life in a way that nothing else really can! Here’s to us adding texture, whites, and silver 🙂
Thanks so much for stopping by and for taking the time to comment!
Michelle Gibson says
Hi Sheila….while I am in Australia….I agree it’s an awkward time….but have enjoyed de cluttering and making a renewed fresh commitment to my home and garden.Its very hot here….so no throws…love your cushion but.I just bought a wire basket like yours in the photos with your wood in.I just got back from a night away by the beach and bought back some pine cone looking things to fill a bowl on our coffee table….love seeing you recommend the same…a bit of our holiday,nature inside.Always enjoy your posts…happy new year…stay warm.
Sheila says
Hi Michelle from Australia! Thanks so much for stopping by! I couldn’t agree more about nature – anything from nature is always a welcome sight in a home! Happy New Year to you as well and thank you for your kind words!
Sheila
Holliday Johnson says
I totally feel you on the winter blues with regard to decorating!! Great tips here my friend!
Sheila says
Thanks so much Holly! Happy New Year to you!
Sheila
xo
Kathy M. says
You must have stopped by my house this month because your tips are exactly what I have done this month. My Christmas decor this year was actually planned for a easy transition to January and my plan has actually worked! Instead of a white orchids I have an amaryllis on my coffee table and just the other day went to my nursery and bought some new houseplants. I am a gardener and actually enjoy this down time to snuggle under a faux fur and plan my garden. Expecting some snow here this weekend so will make a pot of soup,bake some bread and enjoy the season of winter.
Sheila says
Aww I love that!! Great minds think alike;)
And I agree, I do love this time of year to get cozy and plan for the spring! Thank you so much for stopping by Kathy!
Sheila