6 Ways to Make Your House More Luxe for the Holidays

Have a workday drop zone somewhere in your house (the entryway or another spot)? That utilitarian space can turn positively ski-lodgey if you add some layers: Choose a weighty textile or two (like a blanket or throw, or even a remnant from a carpet store) and top off that pile with a plush sheepskin. The trick to a styled look: Fold each layer the width of the bench, then stack and wrap the whole thing with a band of fabric or a wide ribbon, knotting it in the back of the bench. (For this version, we used four-inch-wide faux-suede strips.)

Want to give your fireplace a fresher, more updated look for this Christmas season? Instead of sticking with the usual (perpetually shedding!) evergreen branches and pine cones, let long lasting amaryllises take the lead this year. Surround the smattering of florals with neutral objects, choosing pieces that are different heights and a mix of shapes, and made of a variety of materials. (We placed a multi-strand beaded necklace on the corner of a framed piece of art for an earthy-beautiful look.) To finish off the display, add an understated, elegant touch: a single string of lights to get that holiday glow.

For a bar cart that’s party ready (or a festive entryway mirror), tuck in olive branches to form an artful border. You can mold your own herb-embellished ice bucket too: Just put a small container inside a larger one and fill the space between the two vessels with water and rosemary sprigs, then freeze. Next, pop the ice out of the large container (you can run it under warm water to loosen it first); place on a shallow pie plate to collect the water as the ice melts. (Try this easy DIY to mold herb-embellished vases and votive holders, too.)

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Got an empty nook in the kitchen, in the entryway, or in your hallway? Think of it as an opportunity to bring in some extra holiday spirit (with very little expense and practically no effort). Start with a grouping of three small trees (ahh, that incredible scent!), and adorn some of the trees with lights. If you want, hang a homey garland for extra adornment. Or consider adding another strand of lights or putting up a string of holiday cards—all of these ideas will turn what’s normally a basic, untapped corner into a fun and festive spot in minutes.

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Have some ho-hum shelving in your living room that could use a little sparkle for the holiday season? Clear out the clutter, paring down your books into smaller, streamlined horizontal and vertical stacks. Mix in some sculptural objets for balance (but be sure to leave some breathing room). Then spruce up the display with a few delicate metallic wreaths. (The golden ones we used here are from shopterrain.com; you can easily make the olive branch one yourself by loosely weaving the strands together and tying on a ribbon.) Hanging the wreaths is a cinch: Just tuck the ribbon into a weighty stack of books.

Instead of going with the annual store-bought wreath this holiday season, try something a little more artful and unexpected: your very own “deconstructed” DIY version. Here is the simple how to: First, string rope through three pieces of precut copper pipe (sold at most hardware stores) to form a triangle. Next, attach a mix of foraged greens—any that you find in your backyard are fine!—using wire. Then insert a few different blooms. Keep in mind: For best, longer lasting results, choose flowers that will dry nicely. (For the wreath on this door, we used a combination of cockscomb, snowberries, and amaranthus.)

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