A Red, White, and Blue Christmas

Transform a sitting room into a holiday haven with the addition of evergreen accents, bright red-and-white window dressings, and warm blankets on chairs and the ceiling. The homeowner keeps the color palette from being overwhelming by sticking to red, white, and blue, and only adding green in its natural form. Fun patterns -- everything from checkered to striped -- make an appearance in this room for a comfy cottage feel.

Keep the mantel balanced for visually appealing Christmas decor. On each side of the fireplace sits a small frosted tree decorated with the same arrangement of ornaments. A silk red bow tops each tree for an elegant burst of color. Pairs of skates sit by the hearth and a scarf and mittens lay on a fireplace grate even though there's no roaring fire.

Bountiful spruce branches sit on the mantel and are embellished with holly sprigs, pinecones, and crystal bead garland. Reindeer figurines pulling a sleigh nestle among the branches. Simple white socks become easy stockings when tied to the mantle with red-and-white bow.

Simple and pretty kitchen decor gets a Christmas makeover with some well-placed jingle bells, tiny trees, and a cross-stitched Christmas scene hanging on the cabinets. Draw attention upward with a surprising wreath of evergreen around chandeliers.

Seasonal sweets are an exciting (and delicious) part of the holidays. Having a constant supply of treats sitting on a cabinet or table will satisfy guests, as well as serve as an easy decoration. Decorate a cake stand with pretty paper and set a glass of silverware next to it for a shimmering display. Keep the desserts coming for a festive food decoration.

Mix sets of red, white, and green dishes and cups for a jolly holiday table. A red-and-white checkered tablecloth and napkins evoke country Christmas style. A scattering of jingle bells and ornaments and tiny artificial trees take the place of a traditional centerpiece. Each guest gets a small wrapped package filled with treats to take home.

This makeshift buffet table is turned into a candy bar at Christmastime. Sweet treats twinkle in glass canisters above the buffet next to mini artificial trees. The countertop holds all the trimmings for hot chocolate. A small wooden holder at the back of the buffet holds Christmas cards for easy reading and a bright display.

Don't sacrifice Christmas decor just because a space is small. This tiny breakfast nook gets into the holiday spirit with a Christmas poster hanging on the wall, bells adorning the windows, and holly decorating the chandelier. A simple poinsettia plant sits on the table for an easy-to-move decoration.

Red plastic bells combine with evergreen sprigs, holly, and pinecones for a festive way to brighten windows. Tie them together with floral wire and top with a peppermint bow for a beautiful holiday decoration.

Starched retro aprons hang on the window as cafe curtains. Three tiny evergreens sit perfectly between the panes of the window. A red serving dish holds a stack of Christmas napkins and easy-access spatulas for cookie baking. A beautiful glass cookie jar filled with marshmallows sits at one side of the sink for snacking.

A wreath enlivens indoor shutters crafted from chicken coup doors. An old red chair gets a pretty pick-me-up with beautifully wrapped presents. Placed against a bare wall or in a hallway, this easy Christmas display carries the holiday decorating theme throughout the house.

A staircase may easily be forgotten during Christmas decorating, but it can provide a unique opportunity for fun color and unexpected decor. A coat rack instantly becomes a place for Santa to hang his hat. Doile ornaments and a big bow hang from an old screen door. Wrapped presents, rain boots, and a ceramic chicken wearing a festive bow fill the bottom steps.

Bringing the outdoors in is an easy way to decorate for Christmas. Evergreen boughs, holly sprigs, and poinsettia blossoms say Christmas at a glance. Use them in bulk as on the mantle or as sparse accents to fill cases or baskets around the room. Birdhouses are placed on the mantel and on top of an armoire as a festive alternative for snowmen or Santa figurines.

Use shapely vintage jars to hold poinsettia plants. Placed on a red wooden serving tray, they become a beautiful focal point for a table.

Candy in red, white, and green look pretty in glass candy dishes. Arrange different-size dishes on a table and fill with sweet treats for a festive display and easy snacking.

A plaid lampshade adds instant warmth and light to a mantel. Birdhouses in holiday colors become a winter landscape when seated on evergreen boughs, pinecones, holly, and red roses. For an icy look, use spray snow to frost the evergreens.

Christmas decorating doesn't have to be time consuming. Simply fill a large serving bowl with vintage ornaments for a pretty coffee table decoration.

Raid the kitchen for clever Christmas tree decorating. Coffee cups, dangling silver spoons, aluminum coffee pots, and vintage crocheted pot holders add festive flair. Fill a tree with holly and seasonal ribbons to radiate classic country personality.