em_henderson's Holiday Ideas Collection on LTK

Holiday Ideas

By em_henderson

Holiday decorating made easy.

my budget-friendly gift guide is live now on stylebyemilyhenderson.com! a few favorites below, if you’re interested in a sneak peek...

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Our mantel is ready to go for Christmas 2023!

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This was our easy holiday mantel from last year. The wreath was real (look at me!) and I kinda wanted to replace the garland with a real one, but not enough to actually do it. We’ve had the green Santa box for years and the kids drop letters in it frequently (I think it’s probably the last year and we totally forgot to do Elf on the Shelf which they are asking for so I need to run out and find that dude). ANYWAY - if you’re in the market for an affordable Christmas vignette, these are a few of my favorite pieces: simple wooden garland, a bit of greenery, some nice candles, a row of stockings, and a little bit of whimsy (the flocked deer come in grey this year - it’s a little more grown up than this blue version, but I love both!).

#LTKfindsunder50 #LTKHoliday #LTKhome

I’m committed to not doing anything too chic or sophisticated/neutral while the kids are still little (maybe ever). This is for them and they LOVE color. At the mountain house, where we typically spend Christmas we had one Scandi tree and one family tree, but here we have one (and yes, I shipped up all of my family ornaments, OF COURSE). So this year I really feel like I figured out how to bring in a lot of color and festivity while still stretching my creativity and working with the color palette of the room. As you can see it’s a bit Scandi (driven by that Schoolhouse Blanket and stockings that I’m obsessed with), still playful (a lot of color, especially the red on the tree) with some more stylized moments adding in dark mauves, aubergines, teals and blues.

#LTKhome #LTKfamily #LTKHoliday

I’ve been on a 4-year campaign against traditional wrapping paper. Listen, a lot of packaging around the holidays is unavoidable, but it’s not just that – wrapping paper can be SO expensive, just to be ripped open, cleaned all up, and thrown away!! On Christmas morning you (we) end up dealing with garbage bags full of ripped-up paper all over your house and while it’s not the biggest deal it seems kinda nuts that we all just go along with this tradition of spending a lot of money to wrap up a ton of gifts that just get torn open and thrown away in ONE DAY!!! Sure, I want to create less waste (and some papers are recyclable), but I also just love common sense and this just doesn’t make sense to me. So last year I made a swap. Now, this is NOT new – It’s Japanese Furoshiki wrapping cloths and it’s been around for 3000 years and it is such a lovely, beautiful way to give gifts AND save some money long term. It’s an initial investment that will absolutely pay off (mix in some ribbon or craft paper and you have a full curated look!). Here are a few of my favorites...

#LTKHoliday #LTKGiftGuide #LTKhome

Well, it’s hard to choose, but I THINK my favorite moment is this corner (but maybe the entry!!). The color palette was inspired by that bottle brush tree mounted on wood (from Terrain). When I pitched a blue/green Christmas to Brian he was very confused (he likes super traditional) but I knew I could make it still feel traditional while helping it feel cohesive with the actual design of the room. The garland is actually two garlands (what I had on the mantel last year) combined, and for the “ribbon” I actually cut 6″ strips of pretty fabric yardage to get the length and width that I wanted (velvet or wide ribbon in general is crazy expensive). I LOVE how it looks. The playful pillow (West Elm), and the colors make me sooo happy.

#LTKHoliday #LTKCyberWeek #LTKhome

Y’all, let me be clear – if I didn’t have to decorate early (before trees are even available) I would for sure go cut down a tree in Oregon. WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE TREES FOR PETES SAKE. We are likely going to do this as well, for a small tree on our front porch for the experience, btw. But since that isn’t my reality and any real tree would die really early, I am so happy to say that I finally found THE BEST FAUX TREE EVER. Brian hates the trendy sparse tree, which I get. But our full perfectly triangular tree last year was not my favorite. So I ordered this one (paid full price, FYI) and it’s perfect for our home, has enough branches to hold all of our ornaments and garland and has the perfect glowy light (not too cold). We decorated it with all our family memory ornaments, some linen balls I bought last year, and I love that red wooden bead garland that I bought from Target. And yes, I’m still using the fabric instead of traditional wrapping paper for gifts so I went and bought a bunch of pretty velvets, linen, flannel plaids, and faux taffetas that I’ll use year after year, in addition to craft paper (which is cheap and recyclable).

#LTKHoliday #LTKCyberWeek #LTKhome

I curated a tablescape look based on products I truly loved and wanted for myself, and the color palette is both fall and holiday. So today is really just a show and tell, and hopefully some inspiration for any dinner parties you have coming up for any season, honestly. It all started with the blue floral platter and pitcher (and plates that were on back order but I REALLY want them), because my inner English grandma LOVES this color and floral motif so much. If I had registered for fancy china when we got married, these would have been them. Then my next love has to go to the scallop placemats (that also come as napkins and in other colorways). They literally couldn’t be more perfect with my green chairs. At first I was nervous about the color palette – the orange/red tone of the napkins, light mauve plates with the purple glasses, mossy green, bright blue, and amber – it just isn’t a palette I’ve played with before – but my goodness it turned out to be unexpectedly fun. It’s a lot going on, but somehow really works.

#LTKGiftGuide #LTKHoliday #LTKCyberWeek

While I still want to paint the mantel a dark color (coming at you in February) I LOVE how these stockings pop off and add more life there (it was a bit cold last year). And we went big with this garland on the mantel (last year was WAYY too sparse) which I ordered from Accidental Farmgirl (IG marketing really knows me) and while it’s splurgy, I know I’ll use it for years plus it supports a small business. It’s SOOOOO full and looks pretty darn realistic. I added in these larger lights from Terrain (which plug-in, LOVE), added these little pre-lit trees, my Scandi nutcrackers, and pretty candlesticks.

#LTKHoliday #LTKVideo #LTKhome

It makes me so happy every time I look over here (that window doesn’t hurt). Last year I bought these plug-in pre-lit alpine trees, and this year I partnered early on some decor from Terrain (the wreath, garland, and clip-on candles – all so good). Then I just added more ribbon/fabric in a loose drape, and put some of my velvet pillows over there. It’s so jewel-toney and yet still feels unabashedly Christmas (IMHO). I also love how the wreath hangs on the gallery rod chain (Pepe & Carols). I haven’t done the front door or outside yet, but this entry feels really good this year.

#LTKCyberWeek #LTKhome #LTKHoliday

Looking for some easy Christmas decor? Pop one of these pre-lit trees into any corner for a hit of instant glow and cheer ✨

#LTKHoliday #LTKVideo #LTKCyberWeek

I work here most days so last year I didn’t do a tablescape beyond throwing down some pine branches from outside and these candlesticks from Target. You don’t always need a ton of stuff to get yourself in the festive spirit!

#LTKfindsunder50 #LTKhome #LTKHoliday

While I still want to paint the mantel a dark color (coming at you in February) I LOVE how these stockings pop off and add more life there (it was a bit cold last year). And we went big with this garland on the mantel (last year was WAYY too sparse) which I ordered from Accidental Farmgirl (IG marketing really knows me) and while it’s splurgy, I know I’ll use it for years plus it supports a small business. It’s SOOOOO full and looks pretty darn realistic. I added in these larger lights from Terrain (which plug-in, LOVE), added these little pre-lit trees, my Scandi nutcrackers, and pretty candles (from Schoolhouse).

#LTKHoliday #LTKhome #LTKCyberWeek

It makes me so happy every time I look over here (that window doesn’t hurt). Last year I bought these plug-in pre-lit alpine trees, and this year I partnered early on some decor from Terrain (the wreath, garland, and clip-on candles – all so good). Then I just added more ribbon/fabric in a loose drape, and put some of my velvet pillows over there. It’s so jewel-toney and yet still feels unabashedly Christmas (IMHO). I also love how the wreath hangs on the gallery rod chain (Pepe & Carols). I haven’t done the front door or outside yet, but this entry feels really good this year.

#LTKHoliday #LTKCyberWeek #LTKhome

Holiday decor doesn’t always need to scream CHRISTMAS to get you in the spirit! Last year, we kept things very neutral - it felt like a little surprise for those who noticed the whimsical elements spread around our home. Highly recommend simple greenery, natural wood pieces, and classic motifs like these!

#LTKHoliday #LTKhome #LTKCyberWeek

I’ve been on a 4-year campaign against traditional wrapping paper. Listen, a lot of packaging around the holidays is unavoidable, but it’s not just that – wrapping paper can be SO expensive, just to be ripped open, cleaned all up, and thrown away!! On Christmas morning you (we) end up dealing with garbage bags full of ripped-up paper all over your house and while it’s not the biggest deal it seems kinda nuts that we all just go along with this tradition of spending a lot of money to wrap up a ton of gifts that just get torn open and thrown away in ONE DAY!!! Sure, I want to create less waste (and some papers are recyclable), but I also just love common sense and this just doesn’t make sense to me. So last year I made a swap. Now, this is NOT new – It’s Japanese Furoshiki wrapping cloths and it’s been around for 3000 years and it is such a lovely, beautiful way to give gifts AND save some money long term. It’s an initial investment that will absolutely pay off (mix in some ribbon or craft paper and you have a full curated look!). Here are a few of my favorites...

#LTKGiftGuide #LTKfamily #LTKHoliday

In the sunroom/office is where I got to do a more curated tree and I loved how it turned out. I bought a box of vintage silk-wrapped balls and the wood snowflakes from the antique mall, mixed it with some wood tree ornaments from Target, and ripped fabric. So happy. I also love this faux tree so much and wish I had bought the bigger version of the tree for our living room (and might next year if it comes back in stock). It looks super natural and organic (you’ll see our other one is too triangular and dense for me – but not tree-shaming myself!).

#LTKHoliday #LTKCyberWeek #LTKhome

I’ve been on a 4-year campaign against traditional wrapping paper. Listen, a lot of packaging around the holidays is unavoidable, but it’s not just that – wrapping paper can be SO expensive, just to be ripped open, cleaned all up, and thrown away!! On Christmas morning you (we) end up dealing with garbage bags full of ripped-up paper all over your house and while it’s not the biggest deal it seems kinda nuts that we all just go along with this tradition of spending a lot of money to wrap up a ton of gifts that just get torn open and thrown away in ONE DAY!!! Sure, I want to create less waste (and some papers are recyclable), but I also just love common sense and this just doesn’t make sense to me. So last year I made a swap. Now, this is NOT new – It’s Japanese Furoshiki wrapping cloths and it’s been around for 3000 years and it is such a lovely, beautiful way to give gifts AND save some money long term. It’s an initial investment that will absolutely pay off (mix in some ribbon or craft paper and you have a full curated look!). Here are a few of my favorites...

#LTKHoliday #LTKfamily #LTKGiftGuide

I like to ease into holiday decorating. First up? Twinkle lights and greenery. I grabbed these curtain lights from Terrain and paired them with two sweet, simple trees that I already had (also from Terrain). Added a wreath, too, and now our entry feels totally ready for Christmas. Thanks to Terrain, my new one-stop Christmas shop, for making decking the halls so easy this year :) #shopterrain #ad

#LTKHoliday #LTKVideo #LTKhome

INSTANT CHEER. No need to fuss over the perfect bottle brush tree display - this single piece makes decorating your windows (or your tables, or your mantel, or your credenza, or your bookshelves…you get it) a total breeze. Turn it on, place it, and enjoy the ambience. SO GOOD.

#LTKhome #LTKVideo #LTKHoliday

I curated a tablescape look based on products I truly loved and wanted for myself, and the color palette is both fall and holiday. So today is really just a show and tell, and hopefully some inspiration for any dinner parties you have coming up for any season, honestly. It all started with the blue floral platter and pitcher (and plates that were on back order but I REALLY want them), because my inner English grandma LOVES this color and floral motif so much. If I had registered for fancy china when we got married, these would have been them. Then my next love has to go to the scallop placemats (that also come as napkins and in other colorways). They literally couldn’t be more perfect with my green chairs. At first I was nervous about the color palette – the orange/red tone of the napkins, light mauve plates with the purple glasses, mossy green, bright blue, and amber – it just isn’t a palette I’ve played with before – but my goodness it turned out to be unexpectedly fun. It’s a lot going on, but somehow really works.

#LTKCyberWeek #LTKHoliday #LTKGiftGuide

This was our easy holiday mantel from last year. The wreath was real (look at me!) and I kinda wanted to replace the garland with a real one, but not enough to actually do it. We’ve had the green Santa box for years and the kids drop letters in it frequently (I think it’s probably the last year and we totally forgot to do Elf on the Shelf which they are asking for so I need to run out and find that dude). ANYWAY - if you’re in the market for an affordable Christmas vignette, these are a few of my favorite pieces: simple wooden garland, a bit of greenery, some nice candles, a row of stockings, and a little bit of whimsy (the flocked deer come in grey this year - it’s a little more grown up than this blue version, but I love both!).

#LTKfamily #LTKGiftGuide #LTKHoliday

A simple, chic, warm & cozy fireplace decor formula: one strand of garland (I love this cedar version that I paired with berry-shaped lights from Terrain), two cheery and quiet mini Christmas trees (one for each side!), and a smattering of candles in brass holders (for a little polish and sparkle). Easy, simple, timeless - what else can you ask for from your Christmas decor? #shopterrain #ad

#LTKhome #LTKVideo #LTKHoliday

Last year, just put two pre-lit alpine trees in the corner + two pillows and called it a day, but those dogs are really selling the space. I think these Alpine trees (these from Terrain and others around the house from Target) are my favorite addition to the holiday decor market. They can be shoved in so many corners, don’t need decor, and just add life at night when the lights are off.

#LTKHoliday #LTKhome #LTKfamily

A little walk down memory lane to our 2022 holiday kitchen: I snagged those large nutcrackers from Michaels (on sale for $15 each!) and Birdie quickly asked me what color we were going to paint them (this is a recurring conversation – I buy natural wood Scandinavian stuff, and she pulls out her paint brushes).

#LTKfamily #LTKGiftGuide #LTKHoliday

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