I am not the type of person who goes all out with holiday home decor — if you’ve been here for a while you already know that I prefer subtle touches that don’t detract from my existing year-round home decor. It’s all about making easy additions or swaps that work for your style. I find that the easiest places to make these modifications are (1) door / wall decor, (2) accent pillows, and (3) tabletop decor. Sometimes adding a festive bunting to your mantle will work, but not everyone has a fireplace (or even a mantle over it, for that matter!) so I tend not to gravitate toward garlands or banners.
Regarding my selections, I prefer to use the colors of the holidays without using overtly holiday-specific items because then I can often repurpose items throughout the year (specifically with accent pillows and florals)! That said, it would be silly not to sprinkle in some tasteful items that are directly related to the holiday.
Today’s post is obviously focused on Valentine’s Day (which I know can be a bit of a controversial holiday), but I adore any excuse to celebrate love and in case you haven’t noticed, pink is my favorite color so I love to decorate with it! I hope you find these tips and products helpful in your decorating, not just for this holiday, but the tips can be applicable to year-round decor swaps.
DOOR / WINDOW / WALL DECOR
I LOVE a front door wreath. It gives great curb appeal and provides a festive first impression upon entering your home. If there is only one thing you swap out throughout the year, I think it should be a wreath because they are just so festive and everyone has a front door, even if it’s inside an apartment building!
If you have space above a side table or bench in your entryway (or even above a bar cart!), this is another great place to swap out an art piece with a wreath or decorative wall hanging.
Since I am limited on storage space (though I would love to have a wreath for every holiday!), I usually just replace the bow on my faux boxwood wreath with a ribbon that matches the season or holiday… in this instance: a festive pink ribbon that will work for Easter too.
ACCENT PILLOWS
This is another instance of why I keep my normal home decor very neutral — I like to have the ability to add in festive accents, whatever the occasion. My couch pillows are all neutral colors so it’s very easy to mix in a few festive pillows, depending on the holiday or season. When I am shopping for accent pillows I try to look for a variety of sizes and textures to add visual interest to the space.
*Top Tip: The easiest way to do this is to get pillow covers and just swap them out instead of actual pillows (especially if you’re pressed for space like I am 😅). It’s also recommended to get covers that are one inch smaller on each side than the pillow insert because it makes for a plumper pillow!
TABLETOP DECOR
FLORALS
I love a floral arrangement to add a little “zhuzh” to a space (faux florals are great for reusing for multiple seasons so spending a little more on realistic flowers / greenery is a worthwhile investment). These can make a statement, such as a centerpiece on a dining room table or a larger arrangement on a coffee table, or create a more subtle ambiance with smaller arrangements sprinkled around your home on side tables or even on shelves!
I actually have some deep red faux florals that I like to repurpose in arrangements depending on the holiday. I add in white and pink flowers for Valentine’s day, blue flowers or berries for patriotic holidays, and white florals and greenery for the Christmas season! It’s an arrangement that I have displayed on our living room coffee table year-round and just adjust it to reflect the holiday or season.
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DINING
In addition to a dining room floral arrangement or tablescape centerpiece there are other elements that can contribute a festive flair. The table runner, linens, napkin rings, glassware, serving trays, crockery, and even charger plate options make a statement to add to your home’s seasonal decor.
I don’t necessarily suggest having festive items for ALL of these elements at once, but just as suggestions to adjust your existing table decor. Maybe you already have a set of classic napkin rings, but could use some seasonal napkins; or maybe you need a special serving tray or two, depending on the specific food needs of the holiday.
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MISCELLANEOUS
In this situation, “tabletop” could obviously be regarding the dining room table, but it could also apply to sideboards or entryway tables, coffee tables, or even side tables. Don’t underestimate these locations — every little piece adds something to the overall effect. Decorative items could be wooden carvings (in this case, hearts!), garland, candy in a beautiful display jar, or the occasional festive knick knack.
I think a great way to display these decorative bits-and-bobs is on a raised serving tray (pedestal?), cake stand, or a tiered tray which makes them look a bit less haphazard and more intentional. Don’t try to cram everything onto them either… look around your space and see what areas / surfaces might benefit from a little color or zhuzh-ing up with festive items.
If you’re looking for more Valentine’s Day inspo, I have some suggestions for celebrating (with friends, by yourself, or with a significant other) and even more decor inspiration (liked tiered tray styling) and food ideas on my Pinterest!
Happy Valentine’s Day, friends!
Sending hugs —
xx, Natalie
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