Holiday Decorating with Seaside Style

By Beaty Coleman
Helen Norman
Put a creative spin on the traditional holiday decor with a sand and surf theme.
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Decorating Tips

Photo: Helen Norman

Tailoring seasonal decor to fit your lifestyle doesn't require forgoing tradition. Stylist Elizabeth "Liz" Demos of Savannah gave this cottage a creative spin on the typical tree, stockings, and presents that keep in mind the surf and sand outside.

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Customize Wrapping

Helen Norman

Mix simple, solid-colored paper with artisan prints. By attaching vintage ornaments and even pinecones to packages, you can make them work with your other decorations.

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Don't Settle for One Tree

Photo: Helen Norman

Putting a small tree in the bedroom gives homeowners something to enjoy in their own space. Instead of adding lights, try flocking the tree to tone down the bright green and create a wintry look.

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Use Indigenous Accents

Photo: Helen Norman

For a native, not store-bought feel, try cutting from your own yard. Tuck pine into vases on the mantel and into the tree. Real pinecones as well as silver faux ones can be placed around the house to continue the theme.

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Design Some Stockings for Mom and Dad

Photo: Helen Norman

Hang stockings in the master bedroom that are specially made using a linen fabric that works with your palette.

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Make It Fun for Children

Photo: Helen Norman

Bulky, woolly stockings just don't give off a seaside vibe, so instead, have children put out customized galvanized buckets in expectation of Santa's visit.

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Use Your Silver

Photo: Helen Norman

In lieu of a typical poinsettia, put small seasonal trees in silver containers for a holiday touch that lasts into January. Colorful Christmas ball ornaments hide the inner pot and dirt.

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Decorate Every Inch

Photo: Helen Norman

Use every inch of your home to spread holiday spirit. Small groupings of mercury-glass votive holders and ornaments bring seasonal shimmer to the stairs. Sprigs of greenery and large pinecones add texture.

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See All of Our Holiday Homes

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Step inside all of our favorite Southern holiday homes for inspiring Christmas decor ideas: Winter Wonderland HomeFestive Seaside CottageVintage-Style ChristmasBright and Merry HomeHigh Country HolidayTraditional Holiday RetreatA Coastal Christmas

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