The Top 10 Holiday Décor Items in my Online Shopping Carts
There'll be much mistletoe-ing and hearts will be glowing!
Scented candles, a cozy blanket, a warm beverage, great décor, and a seasonal movie = holiday magic!
I know it’s not officially the holiday season just yet (countdown until December 1st!), but I’ve already got my tree-scented candle burning, my cozy blanket and fuzzy socks unpacked, and my steamed spiced milk with me on the couch, holiday movies at the ready. Yes, I know I’ve started to get into the holiday spirit, but I really do try to hold off on decorating (the anticipation keeps things exciting, no?) However, that doesn’t mean I’m not looking at - and dreaming of/ordering - all of the décor items I want for our home.
The pieces I’m saving in my online shopping carts are ones that work seamlessly with the current décor in our apartment. They are also long-lasting pieces that we’ll be able to use for many years to come. When shopping for holiday décor items, I think it’s important to find pieces that will last – good staples that are your go-to items for the season year after year. Because why not try to reuse things as often as possible, especially when they only come out for a few weeks a year?
Now, in case you are on the hunt for some holiday inspiration, I thought I’d go through my (overflowing) online shopping carts and put together a list of my top 10 holiday décor items.
Tree collar
Whether you have a real tree or an artificial one, it’s nice to decorate the base before there are presents underneath. Instead of a tree skirt or the strategically placed blanket, I’m looking at bringing in the tree collar. This wicker one is stunning, adds a great texture and weight to the base of the tree, and makes it look intentional with a finished base. You can find them in different finishes like rattan, metal, and wood, too.
Candle sticks
Candles always add to the mood of a space, especially this time of year. Pillars and votives are lovely, but tapers in a candlestick bring an elevated look to any room or vignette. This set of 3 black candlesticks is sleek, simple, and brings a nice contrast to a light backdrop (or fits in seamlessly with a darker one.) And they pair beautifully with this glass set. A great way to balance a centrepiece at the dinner table or add some subtle sparkle to the mantel.
Eucalyptus Garland
Did you know that in addition to the hearty cedar, fir, and pine garlands, you can also get olive, mistletoe, and eucalyptus ones? These options are a great for a subtle touch of greenery, either on the mantle, around a door or window, or on the table as part of a centrepiece that complement the tree and aren’t too overpowering.
Decorative Pillows
Texture, layers, colours, and coziness are the goals here and these pillows check all the boxes. To save myself some storage space, this year I’m just swapping out the covers so they take up less space when packed away. Am I late to the game on this one? If I am, I’m OK with it. Better late than never!
Cozy Blankets
Heavy linen knits and handmade quality quilts just seem to give the most warmth, I think. They also add a lovely layered dimension to your sofa or bed, so you’re getting everything you need out of a blanket – beauty and function!
Cheese Board + Knives
Because, other than the apple cider and red wine, the best part of a holiday party is the cheese! I also believe they come in handy when you don’t feel like cooking so you have a charcuterie plate for dinner. This stoneware platter is beautiful and rustic and these black cheese knives add a nice punch of contrast.
Set of Coupe Glasses
Coupe lasses aren’t suitable for the animated talker at the party (spillage everywhere!) but I am a huge fan of them. They feel very Great Gatsby sophisticated, and the shape allows for you to fully experience the bubbly beverage you drink out of it – like this one champagne/sparkling wine or this treat!
Tea Towels
My kitchen is tiny, so the only place I can really add holiday décor is replacing my dish towels with holiday ones. That’s fine by me! I have ones for décor and ones for use (because that’s practical? No. But it keeps them looking nice!) Brendan is still learning which is which. I really like these rustic ones and these tree-patterned ones.
Holiday-Scented Candles
Because I can’t rave enough about these to my friends daily, the Vancouver Candle Co.’s Westcoast candle truly encompasses the coastal Christmas tree smell and is my all-time favourite scent. This candle is the slowest and cleanest burning candle I’ve ever owned, fills my entire apartment with its magical scent, and the vessel it comes in is simple and beautiful. Also, they are a local maker here in Vancouver, so it’s awesome to be supporting a local business. Some of my other favourite holiday candles are this one, and this one.
Some of the items, I think, are even suitable for year-round use, so that’s a bonus if you don’t want to pack everything away! (pillows, blankets, candles) I kept the items on this list specific to the living room and kitchen, but I am a fan of spreading the cheer in every other room, so don’t be shy. Get a few extra holiday pillows for your bed, and some embroidered hand towels for your bathroom!
Happy (almost) holiday season!
Hello! Catherine here.
I’m a Vancouver-based interior designer and love all things creative! I’ll be sharing things that inspire me, posting design tips and DIY projects, chatting about all kinds of topics, and hopefully inspiring some people to make little changes at home to create an environment that is functional, beautiful, and a perfect reflection of you!