5 Holiday Spaces We Can’t Can’t Stop Thinking About

Holiday decorating doesn’t have to be complicated, or over the top (though there’s no judgement here if it is). We’ve been revisiting some of our favorite holiday homes to see what really makes them shine, and it turns out it’s all in the details. Carefully layered greenery, a simple festive wreath, a playful vignette. These are the little styling moves that make a space feel festive without feeling staged. So you can consider this your holiday cheat sheet, with tips you’ll actually want to steal.

Set a Welcoming Tone

This entryway shows how a few thoughtful touches can make a space feel instantly festive. A light garland draped along the staircase brings in just the right amount of greenery, while a small tray vignette—with an ornament, a sprig of foliage, and a smattering of vintage matchbooks—keeps things pulled together without feeling overdone. The overall effect is bright, airy, and quietly seasonal.

Styling Tip: A hint of greenery and one styled surface are all you need to set a relaxed, welcoming holiday mood.

Turn a Corner Into a Holiday Workshop

In this dining room, a simple bar cart gets a clever seasonal upgrade as a wrapping station, proof that festive ideas don’t need an entire room to shine. Rolls of paper, ribbon, and tags stay neatly gathered on the cart, making the whole setup feel intentional instead of chaotic. Paper chains draped overhead add a playful, handmade touch, while a few well-placed accents tie the space back into the rest of the holiday decor.

Styling Tip: Look for small surfaces you can repurpose for the season. Sometimes a forgotten corner is all you need for a surprisingly charming moment.

Let the Details Do the Talking

This modern, minimal setup proves that holiday style doesn’t need to be over the top. Simple greenery on the mantle keeps the look clean and fresh, while colorful stockings add just the right punch of personality and festive cheer. It’s a reminder that thoughtful contrast (quiet base, bold accent) can make even the simplest arrangements feel festive.

Styling Tip: Focus on one standout detail to carry the holiday look, because sometimes less really is more.

The Art of Layering

If a more nostalgic, slightly chaotic look is your style, this space is a masterclass in how thoughtful layering can turn a room into a holiday haven. The tree and mantle combine greenery, stockings, and candles for depth and richness, while the coffee table adds another layer with a tray of snacks, a candelabra, and small decorative touches. A cozy throw on the chair introduces texture, tying everything together. Each layer builds on the last, creating a space that feels warm, festive, and lived-in.

Styling Tip: Layering is everything: mix greenery, candles, textiles, and small vignettes to create a room that feels full, festive, and effortlessly styled.

Elevate Your Bar Cart with a Wreath

These spaces show how a simple wreath can instantly make a bar cart feel festive and intentional. Whether the cart is stocked with classic cocktails or piled high with desserts, the greenery overhead adds a sense of height, texture, and holiday cheer. It’s a small touch that makes a big visual impact, framing the cart and tying it into the rest of the room’s festive decor.

Styling Tip: Hang a wreath above a bar cart (or any vignette) to create an instant focal point and add a layer of festive polish.