12 Timeless and Affordable Holiday Decor Items That’ll Look Great In Any Southern Home

This article showcases the holiday decorations at designer James Farmer's 2,000-square-foot cottage in Perry, Georgia. The home's architecture, inspired by an old post office in Leroy, Alabama, was brought to life by Spitzmiller and Norris, Inc., and is available as a Southern Living House Plan. Farmer's Christmas decor incorporates traditional deep reds and classic greens with unexpected jolts of citrusy orange, lime green, and coral, a color he affectionately refers to as "carl," as his mother did. The tour begins with the exterior, emphasizing the use of greenery gathered from the landscape. Farmer suggests using an extra-thick garland of magnolia, cypress, and pinecones, highlighting that scale is crucial and decorations should reflect the home's size. Glass votives line the walk, enhancing the facade's symmetry. The entry features voluminous twin magnolia and cypress garlands on either side of the staircase, creating a dramatic effect. A natural palette of rich greens and browns is preferred, complemented by an arrangement of coral amaryllis and fresh agarista blooms. In the kitchen, Farmer advises creating holiday vignettes in windows to keep counters clear for party preparation. Antique silver Champagne buckets filled with farm-fresh greenery, amaryllis, and bright nandina berries are used for a festive touch. An evergreen wreath adds depth, and a bowl of citrus serves as both a snack for guests and a nod to Southern winter crops. The dining room features two cedars cut from Farmer's land, placed in front of large picture windows to allow light to shimmer off glass ornaments. This approach spreads the Christmas spirit throughout the house rather than concentrating it on a single tree. The dining table is set with monogrammed linens and an impactful centerpiece of citrus and nandina. For the living room mantel, Farmer recommends going "big" but not necessarily heavy. He layers bright colors, traditional accents, and tall clippings to draw attention to the fireplace. Orange tulips and roses in red pottery are used to complement the terra-cotta hues of the reclaimed-brick fireplace. Mexican pottery urns filled with nandina boughs add height and break the symmetry of the room's board-and-batten doors, sofas, and light fixtures. Even private quarters like the bedroom are not overlooked. Excess greenery and flower trimmings are repurposed as accents on bedside tables. A small bunch of magnolia, tied with a burlap ribbon, is wired to the footboard of his custom-made faux-bamboo bed frame, ensuring that the holiday cheer extends to every corner of the cottage. #HolidayDecor #ChristmasDecorations #SouthernLiving #CottageDecor #JamesFarmer #InteriorDesign #SeasonalDecor #GeorgiaHome

The "Ralph Lauren Christmas" aesthetic, characterized by deep red and forest green tartans, warm lighting, elevated accents, and sophisticated dinnerware, has recently gained significant traction on social media platforms like TikTok and Pinterest. However, the article highlights that this classic holiday decor style is not new, asserting that Southern grandmothers and mothers have been perfecting this timeless, cozy, and elegantly traditional look for decades. The style evokes a sense of nostalgia and polished Americana flair, making it a desired aesthetic for holiday decorations. To help individuals recreate this coveted traditional Christmas look, the article provides a curated list of 12 holiday decor items from various retailers, including Pottery Barn, MacKenzie-Childs, Anthropologie, Target, Williams Sonoma, and Amazon, with prices starting from $10. Each item is selected to align with the "Ralph Lauren Christmas" aesthetic. The list begins with a Glitzhome Christmas Plaid Throw Blanket, priced at $30.99 (originally $39.99) on Amazon. This throw, made of acrylic but designed to mimic chenille, offers a soft texture and features a classic plaid pattern with tassels, adding both comfort and style to any room. A reviewer emphasized its luxurious feel despite its affordable price. Another featured item is the MacKenzie-Childs Tartan Red Rattan Party Serving Tray, available for $99.99 (originally $199.95). Crafted from woven rattan with an enamel base in a red tartan pattern, this tray is suitable for serving seasonal drinks or as a decorative coffee table accent. For dinnerware, the Threshold 4-Piece Porcelain Plaid Bowls are recommended at $15 from Target. These 16-ounce bowls, adorned with a bold red plaid pattern and yellow, white, green, and navy stripes, are dishwasher-safe and described as charming and practical for holiday meals. For quirky festive decor, the Holiday Time Pajama Santa with Antlers, priced at $25.97 at Walmart, is presented. This 18-inch tall Santa figure, dressed in plaid pajamas and reindeer slippers, holding a cup of cocoa, is designed to be a conversation starter and a prominent holiday accent. The article also suggests an Anthropologie Tartan Coir Doormat for $48, a Pottery Barn Elliot Tree Plaid Embroidered Pillow Cover for $89.50, and an Aqothes Green Red Plaid Christmas Table Runner for $9.99 on Amazon, all contributing to the traditional plaid motif. Further recommendations include Williams Sonoma Green Tartan Towels for $29.95, Antizer 9-Piece Flameless LED Candles for $22.99 on Amazon, and a Wondershop Red/Green Plaid Fabric Stocking for $15 at Target. These items contribute to creating a cohesive and inviting holiday atmosphere. The selection concludes with a Tifanso 3-Piece Taper Candle Stick Holder for $10 on Amazon and Pottery Barn Stewart Plaid Stoneware Mugs for $60, suggesting comprehensive options for table settings and ambient lighting. The article's main purpose is to guide readers in achieving a classic and nostalgic Christmas decor style that has long been cherished, offering a range of products to fit various decorative needs and budgets. #ChristmasDecor #HolidaySeason #RalphLaurenStyle #TraditionalDecor #SouthernCharm #HomeDecor #PlaidAesthetic #ShoppingGuide #NostalgicChristmas

This article explores enduring Southern decorating principles that contribute to a home's character and comfort. It emphasizes that a Southern home is more than just aesthetic features like columns or specific ceiling colors; it is a space imbued with history, family narratives, and subtle details, fostering an atmosphere conducive to both entertaining and relaxation. Southern interior designers offer insights into these timeless decorating practices. One fundamental principle is the mixing of old and new elements. This approach involves seamlessly integrating cherished antiques and family heirlooms with contemporary designs and accents. Designers highlight that this curated blend creates a sense of history and personalization, as antiques often carry stories and generational significance. By using antique pieces as anchors and incorporating modern touches through bold fabrics, lighting, and sculptural accessories, a space can achieve a unique balance. Another key aspect is surrounding oneself with meaningful and personal touches. This involves selecting objects that reflect personal values and sentimental collections, such as artworks by close friends or family heirlooms. These items introduce personality into a home and can be displayed decoratively, like an old china collection in a butler's pantry or a grouping of sentimental items on a wall, making them a daily source of enjoyment rather than being stored away. The article also stresses the importance of creating a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Southern homes often prioritize comfortable outdoor living areas, recognizing their significance for both entertaining and relaxation. Designers advocate for extending interior design principles to outdoor settings, incorporating comfortable upholstered furnishings and large tables to facilitate outdoor dining and social gatherings, thereby connecting the home with its natural surroundings and enhancing its sense of place. Embracing color is another significant Southern decorating tip. Color is presented as an effective way to inject personality and warmth into a room. While some may hesitate, designers encourage bolder color choices, asserting that they often have a greater impact and contribute more to long-term satisfaction. The article suggests that a full commitment to color, beyond just a few pillows, is necessary to make a truly bold statement. Repurposing antiques in fresh and innovative ways is also highlighted. This involves giving new life to old pieces, such as transforming an antique dresser into a bathroom vanity by replacing its top with a sink. This practice not only adds uniqueness but also ensures that treasured items are used and appreciated daily. Restoring or repainting old fixtures is another cost-effective method to update a home while retaining its character. Investing in one-of-a-kind focal pieces is advised. The recommendation is to allocate budget towards one significant antique per room, such as a period chest, mirror, or a striking chandelier. These distinctive items serve as anchors and can be easily integrated into various spaces throughout a home, providing character and timeless appeal. Mixing textures, patterns, and design styles is crucial for adding depth and interest. This involves layering different materials like linen, velvet, and mohair across walls, floors, furniture, and accents. Such layering prevents a space from appearing monotonous or overly serious, contributing to a richer, more engaging aesthetic. Finally, the article underscores the importance of attention to detail in Southern home design. This can manifest in subtle elements like detailed trim around doorways, or more elaborate features in less visible areas, such as wallpaper or rich paint colors in pantries. Architectural elements like large moldings, tall ceilings, grand staircases, detailed paneled walls, and wood floors are also recognized as contributing to the beauty and distinctiveness of Southern homes. Knowing when to splurge, for instance on unlacquered brass fixtures or bold wallpapers, and when to save, such as by opting for shiplap over drywall for a cohesive aesthetic, are also considered vital. The article concludes by emphasizing the value of decorating with memories, allowing a home's style to evolve organically over time to reflect comfort and history, and integrating living elements like plants and flowers to inject life and a sense of welcome. #SouthernDecorating #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #Antiques #ColorInDecor #OutdoorLiving #PersonalizedHome #HomeDecorTips #TimelessDesign

This holiday season, a diverse array of Southern makers and shops offer unique ornaments and stockings designed to enhance festive home decor. These items range from traditional to whimsical, aiming to tell a story, inspire joy, or start family traditions. The selected businesses prioritize craftsmanship, distinct design, and often, ethical production practices. Bauble Stockings, based in Atlanta, Georgia, specializes in hand-stitched needlepoint stockings and ornament-sized "Baubles." These items are crafted to be heirlooms, with stitching work completed in Haiti under fair trade labor practices. Their signature "Baubles" are intended to hold or hint at a special gift, fostering a unique holiday ritual. The collection includes both small needlepoint ornaments and full-sized custom stockings available for pre-order, featuring designs like Woodland Creature, Jingle Bells, and Christmas Birdie. From Knoxville, Tennessee, Glitterville Studios, led by designer Stephen Brown, offers maximalist and visually striking ornaments and stockings. The collection includes hand-painted and often gold-leafed resin and glass ornaments in various shapes, such as skiers, celestial bodies, and whimsical characters. Glitterville also provides bold satin ruffle stockings and matching tree skirts, appealing to those who prefer vibrant and distinctive holiday decorations. Raleigh, North Carolina's Furbish Studio is an online gift emporium known for its eclectic design approach. Their extensive ornament collection features over 400 pieces, including "matchbook destination" ornaments, humorous needlepoint statements, and pop-culture references. The studio's holiday decor is characterized by witty motifs, strong colors, and unique patterns, offering items like a "no peeking" stocking. Coton Colors by Laura Johnson, based in Tallahassee, Florida, is recognized for cheerful, hand-painted glass ornaments. These round ornaments are available in a wide range of themes, from sports to life milestones and general holiday motifs, making them suitable for personalized gifts. Each ornament is gift-boxed and ribbon-tied, facilitating a yearly gifting tradition. Baton Rouge, Louisiana's Fig & Dove, founded by interior designer Colleen Waguespack, offers luxury holiday decor. This brand provides classic, high-end ornaments and stockings that integrate into sophisticated home aesthetics. They feature collaborations with Southern artists for exclusive hand-painted glass and acrylic ornament sets, including themes like Nutcracker, 12 Days of Christmas, and Nativity. The collection also includes monogrammed alpaca stockings and coordinating tree skirts. Noonday, from Austin, Texas, presents a collection of intricately detailed felt animal ornaments, such as the Wonder Whale and Giddy Goldfish. These hand-stitched pieces, adorned with glass beads and sequins, reflect artisan craftsmanship and a global connection, suitable for display year-round. Rifle Paper Co. in Winter Park, Florida, expands beyond its stationery roots with holiday ornaments and stockings featuring artistic charm. Their embroidered velvet stockings, available in nutcracker, floral, and nativity designs, combine timeless elegance with fresh appeal. Matching porcelain and felt ornaments echo the brand’s distinctive whimsical artwork. Seltzer Goods, an Asheville, North Carolina-based design studio, infuses wit into its holiday collection. It offers embroidered felt ornaments with cozy motifs like coffee shops, bookstores, and woodland animals. The studio also provides unique canvas stockings that deviate from traditional designs, praised for their fresh and whimsical aesthetic. Dallas, Texas's Tart by Taylor, led by Taylor Dean, specializes in modern and playful ornaments and seasonal decor. Her collection features acrylic items with bright colors and bold shapes, including best-selling ornament frames suitable for displaying photos, miniature artworks, or even baby handprints. LucyCreatess, an Etsy shop from Glen Allen, Virginia, creates personalized ornaments. Notable items include snow globes filled with miniature custom books and hand-stitched portrayals of names in children's handwriting, offering highly personal and thoughtful gifts. The Textile Treasure, located in Round Rock, Texas, offers artisan-made block-printed cotton home decor. Founder Renu aims to bring Jaipur's textile traditions to U.S. homes, with items like customizable Christmas stockings and tree skirts handcrafted in India. These pieces are appreciated for their authentic artistry and thoughtful details. The Tiny Tassel in Charleston, South Carolina, celebrates its 10th anniversary with a new collection of hand-beaded ornaments. These designs incorporate coastal references, Charleston-inspired lettering, and whimsical motifs like pets and desserts. The ornaments are affordable, ready to ship, and suitable for gifting. Finally, Eugenie from Summerland Key, Florida, dominates the Etsy stocking market with a wide variety of styles, including Faire Isle cable-knit, velvet, tapestry appliqué, and Scandinavian patterns. Her shop offers strong personalization options, making each stocking feel custom-made for family collections or individual needs. Brentwood, Tennessee's Lauren Dunn specializes in colorful, acrylic creations for her holiday collection. Her ornaments, napkin holders, and table toppers are described as functional modern art, featuring designs such as angels, team mascots, and playful graphics. She also offers display-ready curios like whimsical nativity scenes and three-dimensional villages. #HolidayDecor #ChristmasOrnaments #ChristmasStockings #SouthernDesign #HandcraftedDecor #HomeDecor #ArtisanCrafts #Gifts #SeasonalDecor