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  4. 6 Ways to Make Your House More Luxe for the Holidays

6 Ways to Make Your House More Luxe for the Holidays

By Megan Pflug and Rachael Weiner
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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Modernize Holiday Mantel
Credit: Matthew Williams
It may be cold outside these days, but your house doesn't have to be. | Originally appeared on Real Simple | By: Megan Pflug and Rachael WeinerIt turns out that the simplest touches—a sprig of this, a swath of that—are all you need to fill your home with holiday spirit. Here's the key: Instead of spending a ton of time or money to deck your halls this winter, simply concentrate on making a few smaller spots feel more special. Whether it's a bench in your entryway, a bare corner in the kitchen, or even just the back door, with just a few stylish switch-ups, you can make your whole house feel festive (in a quietly elegant—not in-your-face, over-the-top—way). The best part: You don't have to be an experienced crafter or a highly skilled decorator. These little design moves are quick and easy enough for any homeowner to handle. There's little to no shopping involved either: You can use twinkling lights and shiny ornaments you have on hand, plus beautiful bowls, favorite pieces of art, and even meaningful jewelry you've collected over the years. Adding bursts of greenery doesn't have to mean a trip to the flower shop either—you can easily forage for branches and a variety of leafy greens right in your own backyard. Just keep in mind: To tie all of your updates together, it's a good idea to stick with a limited palette. (Here, we used soft, earthy neutrals with a sprinkling of metallic pieces and some natural, textured ones woven in.) Ready to give it a go? Try these tips and tricks to help your home look its best—and feel more welcoming than ever—this holiday season.
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Cozy Up a Bench

Cozy Up a Bench
Credit: Matthew Williams

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.)

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Modernize Your Mantel

Modernize Holiday Mantel
Credit: Matthew Williams

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.

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Weave in Some Greenery

Christmas Bar Cart
Credit: Matthew Williams

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.)

Related: What This Etsy Executive Does Every Morning at 4 A.M.

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Festoon a Corner

Festoon a Corner
Credit: Matthew Williams

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.

Related: How to Conquer Your Food Hangover

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Gild a Bookshelf

Gild a Bookshelf
Credit: Matthew Williams

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.

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Relax Your Door Decor

Relax Your Door Decor
Credit: Matthew Williams

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.)

Related: Print This Free Holiday Shopping List to Get Organized This Season

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    1 of 6 Cozy Up a Bench
    2 of 6 Modernize Your Mantel
    3 of 6 Weave in Some Greenery
    4 of 6 Festoon a Corner
    5 of 6 Gild a Bookshelf
    6 of 6 Relax Your Door Decor

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