How to Create a Warm and Festive Design For The Holidays

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The holidays are just around the corner, making it the perfect time to give your home a refreshing update that brings warmth, style, and a touch of festive charm to every room. Whether you’re hosting family dinners, planning intimate gatherings, or simply creating a cozy retreat, a few thoughtful changes can make all the difference. Focusing on the living room and dining room, let’s explore how to layer textures, adjust lighting, and choose furniture and accessories to create a welcoming ambiance ideal for both Thanksgiving and Christmas entertaining.

Indulge in Sumptuous Textures and Rich Colors

Photo: Courtesy of Colorado Style Home Furnishings

One of the best ways to reflect the warmth of the holidays is to infuse your home with varying textures and a rich, warm color palette. In both the living room and dining room, think plush fabrics like velvet and boucle, chunky knit throws, and textured pillows in deep reds, greens, and golds. For Thanksgiving, earth tones like burnt orange, cranberry, and warm browns feel festive, while Christmas décor tends toward classic reds, greens, and icy whites.

Change out artwork and accessories to reflect the change of season. Add a trio of brass candlesticks to a new side table, bring in a festive bar cart, or layer in a few extra mirrors to reflect the muted light of fall and winter. Inviting colors and varied textures will instantly make your space feel warm and welcoming, setting the tone for memorable holiday gatherings.

Freshen up the Living Room

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In the living room, arrange your furniture for optimal mingling. Place seating options closer together and add a plush rug underfoot to make the space feel even cozier. Sectionals and swivel chairs can be excellent choices for creating an intimate setting.

Sectionals can be adapted for larger gatherings, providing a comfortable space for lots of folks to settle in. And swivel chairs are particularly versatile because they allow guests to pivot between the main conversation area and other parts of the room. Be sure to add in strategically-placed tables to accommodate snacks and beverages and consider bringing in a few colorful poufs for extra seating.

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Rethink the Dining Room

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The dining room should be as inviting as the living room, with an atmosphere for both feasting and lingering afterward. Choose the right table for your space, one that is versatile enough to accommodate intimate family dinners as well as larger gatherings and reflects your home’s style and personality. Add chairs that are both comfortable and properly proportioned for your table.

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Set the Holiday Mood with Lighting

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Lighting is key to setting the mood, especially during the holidays. Consider layering different types of lighting to create a warm, inviting glow. Use table lamps for soft, ambient light in the living room. Over the dining room table, add a dazzling chandelier with a dimmer switch.

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For a little extra flair, try using LED candles for a safe, long-lasting glow or hang fairy lights to bring a festive twinkle into the room. Lighting can truly transform the space, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find what feels just right for your home.

By incorporating a thoughtful mix of elements, it’s easy to create an inviting space perfect for entertaining at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and beyond. So get creative, add a few personal touches, and make your home the go-to gathering spot for the holidays.

Brent Simon is an owner at Colorado Style Home Furnishings, a South Denver-based fine furniture showroom that offers over an acre of top-quality comfortable, sophisticated in-stock furniture and accessories. View their profile or contact one of their highly experienced design professionals at (303) 741-4240.

Content for this article provided by Colorado Style Home Furnishings.