Soft Start to the Holidays: Subtle Seasonal Styling
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Over the years, I’ve discovered that less can truly be more when it comes to holiday decorating. Subtle seasonal swaps—using things you already own, natural materials, and other practical touches—make the transition from fall to winter feel simple, enjoyable, and memorable. A soft start to the holidays cuts the clutter and saves space for what really matters.
Whether I’m helping a family decorate their home for the season or preparing one for sale, I love finding that sweet spot of warmth, balance, and calm that welcomes you in. Read on for all of my low-cost, low-effort tips for a smooth, seasonal transition. Here are a few easy ways to create that calm, collected start to the holiday season:
Start With a Neutral Foundation
Beginning with shades of beige, cream, and white will give you a completely customizable base. Think light-colored walls, sofas, ottomans, and rugs. Not only does this work exceptionally well in winter, where light colors help brighten living spaces when daylight is short, this base color scheme allows you to change out accents all year to keep up with your favorite seasons and holidays. Similarly, choosing natural or warm-toned wood, such as walnut or white oak, for coffee and end tables, TV stands, and dining room furniture, helps tie together natural elements all year long and brings warmth during the cold season. Once your base feels calm and cohesive, it’s easy to layer in those small seasonal touches that make your home feel instantly festive.
Mid-Century Modern TV Stand
Add Seasonal Texture, Not Clutter
Start by swapping out fall scented candles and hand soaps for pine or cedar, or start a simmer pot with cinnamon sticks, orange slices, and cloves for an instant cozy scent. Our sense of smell can trigger nostalgic memories, so breathing in those winter scents is sure to make you feel like Christmas is just around the corner. Once those cozy scents start filling the air, it’s time to pull out your coziest throw blankets. Consider piling them all into a nice large wicker basket near your sofa for some effortless styling and easy access. While you’re at it, look at your throw pillows too — if they don’t have removable covers, this is the perfect season to invest in a few that do. This is a great time to swap out fall colored throw pillows with winter or Christmas covers. Jewel-toned greens or reds, bright white, or even icy blue – if you’re not a fan of Christmas colors – work lovely here. The extra bonus is that additional throw pillow covers fold neatly and can be stored away with other decorations or stacked in a linen closet year-round!
Plaid Throw Pillow Covers
Soften Lighting
Once your home is layered with cozy textures, lighting can take the comfort even further. There isn’t much that can compete with cozy, warm, candle or lamp light in winter. As it starts to get dark out well before our bedtimes, we’re finding ourselves turning on all of the lights in the evenings. Overhead lighting can be a little overwhelming, whereas dimmer, warmer-toned lamp light instantly makes a space feel calmer. For an extra cozy experience, try eating dinner by candlelight or swapping out harsh white lightbulbs for softer, golden ones. Not only does this completely change the vibe and overall feel of a home in the winter months – making it feel more inviting and relaxed – using this type of lighting actually helps our body’s circadian rhythm adjust to natural winter lighting more easily.
Nordic Pine Luxury Scented Candle
Incorporate Natural Elements
With the lighting softened and cozy, it’s the perfect time to bring in a touch of nature to keep things balanced and fresh. My personal favorite way to do this is with flowers. I love a beautiful vase full of fresh flowers—even supermarket stems can brighten a winter space. A small detail, like a ribbon around the vase, can instantly elevate the look. If you have access to natural elements outside, fill a bowl with pinecones for another quick, seasonal touch. At the end of the season, you can simply toss the pinecones back outside – no storage necessary! Additionally, you can use pomegranates, pears, or any other seasonal fruit to fill a bowl and use it as dining table or countertop décor.
Large Decorative Bowl
Thoughtful Touches for Everyday Moments
Once your home feels warm and welcoming, the little moments you create within it become even more meaningful. Imagine walking into a home that’s simply and thoughtfully decorated and you hear soft jazz music playing in the background. A yule log on the TV or in the fireplace sets the tone for an elevated holiday season, and one that you’re unlikely to forget. If you have kids, you can easily start low- or no-cost family traditions that they’ll remember forever. Hot cocoa Christmas movie nights, walks through the neighborhood to see the lights, and reading your favorite holiday stories together are some great options for both little ones and teens alike.
Ghirardelli Premium Hot Cocoa Envelopes (15 pack)
These small touches may seem simple, but together they create a space that feels grounded and ready for the season ahead. By thoughtfully curating your seasonal style, you can cut the clutter and the stress that often comes with this time of the year. The holidays don’t have to feel like a rush to get the decorations out. Instead, sit back, relax, and enjoy a subtle seasonal transition. This is your opportunity to spend time with family, start traditions, and make precious memories.
The holidays have a way of reminding us that comfort doesn’t come from more things—it comes from the moments and memories made at home. When you decorate with intention and keep things uncomplicated, your space feels lighter, calmer, and ready for the season ahead. So light a candle, turn on your favorite cozy playlist, and let your home ease into the holidays—softly, naturally, and beautifully.