Christmas is Genia Gilchrist’s favorite time of year.
She fully commits to her heirloom holiday decor once you step inside, with no room left untouched.
(Even small spaces in her home are decorated with a few bottlebrushChristmas trees.)
Credit: Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
She shares her simple tips for adding special touches to old and new holiday icons.
Placing an urn on either side of the porch creates a welcoming and well-defined space with a seasonal touch.
Trimming the tree becomes a family event when ornaments remind you of special people and past Christmases shared together.
Credit: Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
Sneak in Sentimental Pieces
Genia skirts tradition when dressing up her tree’s base.
She accents the Christmas spirit by grouping shiny mercury-glass pieces.
Mix Metallics with Fresh Evergreens
In Genia’s family room, ordinary items receive special holiday accents.
Credit: Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
Replace sprigs every one to two weeks to keep the decorations fresh.
Magnolia leaves add a Southern touch and give holiday greenery a full, fresh look.
Putting the cookies in a clear glass jar allows the treats to take center stage.
Credit: Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
Tuck few sprigs of seeded eucalyptus into the display to complete the holiday look.
Test Kitchen Favorite:Check out our bestSlice-and-Bake Cookiesfor a delicious treat to fill your cookie jar.
More than 10 variations give you plenty of options.
Credit: Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
Store-bought cookies look great on display, but we can’t pass up the aroma of freshly baked goodies.
Placing decorations in groups of three creates unity in any space.
She combines all of the ribbons for bows onwindow wreathsin the dining room and kitchen.
Credit: Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
The textures play off one another without appearing too matchy.
Your combination will look effortless, and you’ll save time on purchasing materials for presents.
In her kitchen, Genia uses footed dessert stands to hold her favorite hot chocolate Santa mugs.
Credit: Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
Marshmallows stand at the ready for when family members want to partake.
A few bottlebrush trees of various sizes give a seasonal touch when grouped on small shelves in the kitchen.
Or, use those spaces to display an eclectic grouping ofmini Christmas trees.
Credit: Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
Instead of spreading small trinkets around the house, group them together on a table or sideboard for impact.
Hang Fragrant Garlands in Unexpected Places
Garlands and greeneryshouldn’t be confined to front doors and banisters.
No piece is forgotten in Genia’s home, as even the furniture gets a festive dressing.
Credit: Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
She tucks in sprigs of greenery and seeded eucalyptus for a few hints of holiday color and scent.
Care Tip:Submerging mercury glass in water may cause unwanted peeling.
Wipe pieces with a damp rag to keep the sparkle without stripping off the mercury.
Credit: Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
