Real-Life Decor: A Bright Christmas Home

Anne and Jonathan Carr have three kids, ages 5 to 10. That's why Anne says her decorating strategy is rooted in modern design, not fussy details. "I used to do a lot more when the kids were younger," she says, "but I think you can get a festive look with a few easy touches and also save your sanity."

Mirrored garlands and ornaments play off the contemporary cool of the living area's graphic fabrics. To take it further, fill a glass pedestal bowl with glass balls -- Anne likes aqua -- and add shimmer by cutting up mirror garlands and arranging them around the balls.

Anne attaches balls to an oversize boxwood wreath and places shimmering reindeer -- the kids glued glitter onto forms -- on the coffee table.

A swag of fuzzy pom-poms and vases of amaryllis on the mantel add to the jolly atmosphere.

Take it further: For a simple, natural look, arrange greens and pomegranates on the mantel.

In another room, Anne sets the scene by filling apothecary jars with treats and making candy trees with her kids from foam forms and gumdrops.

"Every year my kids put a mishmash of balls and wood ornaments on these quirky little artificial trees," Anne says.

Anne gives the dining area a little bling by dangling snowflakes and a mirrored disco ball from the chandelier.

You don't need much to create a brilliant holiday table -- colorful plates, gleaming glass, and candlelight.

Take it further: Rosemary topiary trees never go out of style -- on a table or in the kitchen.

An arrangement of feather, gold, and silver trees makes a fun tabletop vignette.

Take it further: Spray white lacquer on pinecones for a snowy, shiny look.