When Monica Lavin decorated her Savannah home for Christmas, she believed in starting with what you have.

The couple fell in love with its historic charm, which shines during the holidays.

Lavin prefers to enhance the existing decor with fresh seasonal touches when decorating.

Monica Lavin on her front porch with her two dogs

Credit: Alison Gootee; Styling: Elizabeth Demos

“We want our guests to feel welcome when they step inside,” she says.

A sophisticated palette paired with treasured family keepsakes offers just thatthe warmest of holiday greetings.

Give Old Favorites New Life

“We look for ways to maximize what we have.

Historic Savannah brick home decorated for Christmas with greenery and blue ribbons

It isn’t necessary to buy all-new decor.

Here, Lavin added cranberries to accent the bases of a pot and a hurricane.

Ornaments from the family’s travels adorn the tree, and cascading blue and red velvet ribbons top it.

Blue front door with Christmas wreath with blue ribbon, pinecones, and bells

Savannah resin artist and acrylic painterMary Margaret Monseescreated the paintings of magnolia blossoms hanging above the fireplace.

“I usually stick to more muted colors like greens and blues for the tablescape.”

She also works green and white linens into the tablescape.

Blue and white foyer decorated for Christmas with greenery and red and blue ribbons

Show Your Cards

“We’re always looking for new ways todisplay our Christmas cards.

Make Creative Moves

“No design elements are fixed,” says Lavin.

Treasured Traditions

Needlepoint stockings displayed along the mantel are family keepsakes.

Banister greenery swag with red bow and pinecones

Elegant Embellishments

Tie pinecones and berries with a velvet bow in a contrasting tone.

Wrap Artist

Beautiful presents can double as festive decorations.

Twice as Nice

Drape greenery and berries on lights.

Christmas Tree with Red and Blue Ribbons

Credit: Alison Gootee; Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Keep them away from bulbs for safety.

Glitz and Glimmer

Lavin puts the tree lights on a dimmer to ensure a lovely glow.

Greenery and Stockings hung on fireplace mantel

Credit: Alison Gootee; Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Blue and Green Dining Room with Striped Walls decorated for Christmas

Blue and Green Table Setting for Christmas

Galley kitchen with light green cabinetry and exposed brick wall

Credit: Alison Gootee; Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Eat-in galley kitchen with banquet seating and light green cabinetry

Credit: Alison Gootee; Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Needlepoint Christmas Stocking Hung on Fireplace

Credit: Alison Gootee; Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Festive bar cart and couple portrait decorated for the holidays

Credit: Alison Gootee; Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Pinecones with berries and blue ribbon on greenery swag

Credit: Alison Gootee; Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Christmas presents wrapped in green and blue paper with red ribbon.

Credit: Alison Gootee; Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Foyer light fixture draped in greenery and cranberries

Credit: Alison Gootee; Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Red sailboat ornament on Christmas tree

Credit: Alison Gootee; Styling: Elizabeth Demos