Simply Elegant Christmas Decor

Start every Christmas present with a look at Christmases past. Bring together those things that had meaning for you before and decide first what you want to bring back this year. This cozy Christmas scene wasn't hard to create because it relies on the family's favorite things: Christmas stockings hung by the chimney with care, fresh evergreens wrapped with ribbon, and collectibles placed on the mantel. The hand-painted garland provides a Christmas touch all year.

An elegant holiday look doesn't have to scream Christmas. Think of what you would like to have on display all year. The greenhouse window in this dining room provides perching places for holiday topiaries and miniature evergreen trees. Look for places in your home where you can place pleasing items on display.

When you decide to create something new for holiday display, don't think pretty things need to be complicated. Two ideas here illustrate the point. Entwine a vining plant on a length of bamboo inserted into a bright bucket. Top the base with greens and berries and you have a pretty plant. The simple fruit display at the base of the plant is made of berries, dried oranges, and pinecones.