We decided this year that we’d go all out on decorating our basement for the holidays instead of doing the main floor of the house as we normally do. I have to say I’m really excited about how the space all came together. I’ve put together a respectable collection of holiday decor over the years, and since a theme can change from year to year I have begun to get pretty neutral when purchasing seasonal decor. What do I mean by that? If it’s not white, metallic or natural greens, I tend to pass on making that purchase. By committing to a palette I’ll be investing in holiday decor that I can reuse and incorporate in our home during the winter months.
It seems to depend on the year what metallic I am into, a few years ago it was silver, the year before it was gold, and last year was copper. This year I was able to get a set of matte metallic circle garland that incorporated all three colors (brass, nickel and copper), which allowed me to incorporate my collection of different colored metallics throughout our basement family room.
Before decorating I gather up all of my collected holiday items from years past, and one or two new items for this year. I added the metallic garland (seen above) and some buffalo check stockings ($13 bucks!) to my holiday-decor-arsenal this year. I wanted a simple understated vibe for the basement. I especially love the green from the freeze dried boxwood that purchased a few years back, which I draped it on top of the built-in cabinets in our “dining-nook”, and nestled in some gold tipped christmas trees. After spying that very cool cinema light box on CLJ‘s site, I snagged up my own this summer. We’ve changed out the message quite a few times – I try to keep my quips on the funny side (not-so-much-inspirational). “Merry Christ-mas” was Gus’ choice, and I suppose it seemed like a fitting sentiment.
The new garland from Burke Decor is draped across the built-ins, transitioning from our little dining/game area into the larger living space. I think it will also make the perfect backdrop at our annual holiday party and new years day celebraishes. Behind the sofa, I hung some white garland, two trees (one in white and one in silver) a set of ceramic deer and the copper “Merry Christmas” garland that I picked up at Target last year (this years version is also v cute).
The actual Christmas tree has stayed the same throughout the years. Following in Jeff’s family tradition, we gift the boys one new ornament every year. The tree is covered in their personal ornaments, white vintage crocheted snowflakes, big glass bulb christmas lights, and a sheepskin tree skirt.
Last year I was able to get a bunch of these battery operated fairy lights (yep, that’s what they call ’em), they were a bit hard to find, but this season you can seem to find them everywhere! They can be set on 6 hour timers, and the light they add to the space in the evenings is really sweet and nostalgic.
Have you guys checked out Burke Decor before? Cause if you haven’t, I think you should! Their holiday look book is spot on – It’s well curated, simple, understated, modern christmas decor. You seriously can’t go wrong. Burke has provided you guys with a special coupon code for 20% off, just use the promo code HENHOUSE at checkout.
Burke Decor wants to send you some of this super beautiful garland too – it’s so good that it doesn’t need to be used during just the holidays — I can imagine having lots of reason to decorate with it throughout the year. To enter the giveaway, head over to Burke’s holiday look book, let me know what your favorite holiday decor item is in the comments below. The giveaway will end this Thursday the 8th at 10pm (CST) and the winner will be notified Friday morning.
Burke Decor has provided me with the metallic garland used within this post. All thoughts are my own. Thanks to supporting the businesses who help support me!
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My Little Neighbor Table Lamp is pretty special, and it would sweeten every night.
Love all the different tree skirts. I need one of those. Also, the light up wreaths!
Wow, your basement looks great! I agree that buying neutral holiday materials is the way to go. It makes everything a lot more flexible.
I hadn’t heard about Burke Decor before, but I really like their stuff (especially the Ferm Living products, which are always great). I would probably buy the Ferm brass trees (solid and outlines) and incorporate additional wooden trees I own. Then I’d place some fairy lights loosely around them and enjoy all the different shadows at night.
I love, love, love the Aragen marble serving boards!
I want the Jingle Bells to live on my front door all year.
You’ve done such an elegant job of decorating – simple and special. This year is the first year I’ve really wanted to decorate for Christmas, now that my house is feeling like a home! I love the idea of making the house feel magical for the holidays and I think my boys will love it. Speaking of magical, the Artisan Luster Glass Garlands are gorgeous. Especially if they were lit with some fairy lights. For what it’s worth, I was ready to leave a comment before seeing the give-away!
Gosh youve been NAILING it on your blog lately! I love that metallic garland myself! Such a fun giveaway!
if i decorated for christmas, i think our styles would be very similar. i LOVE your christmas tree! It’s really hard to find trees around here that look like that.
oh, and i love the string candleholder by ferm living. i’d personally never spend that but i think it’s beautiful & simple.
I love the Candleholder String- could totally be used like an Advent Wreath but with more of a solstice vibe!
The faceted marble and rosewood serving pieces are fab!
LOVE the copper houses! Would look so cute with fairy lights inside. Great job on the decorations, love your style!
I love the Aragon Marble Serving Boards by Roost
I love the Jingle Bells as well as the Artisan Luster Glass Garland.
I love their glass garland. Your basement looks so cozy! Perfect for winter keexin.
I love the lighted birch forest!
I love the icy wreaths and branches! They would make any room feel cozy all winter long!
I love the snowball glass votive holders by Roost. They would be beautiful used inside or outside.
Burke Decor -yes.
I love the abalone wreaths!
Your space looks so pretty! I think it makes sense to stick to a color palette, but I think it’s too late for me. We have too many quirky pieces that wouldn’t ‘fit’ and I can’t bear to toss them. Eclectic for the win! :D
Thanks for the info on Burke Decor – lots of great pieces and I especially love that metallic garland. Thanks for sharing!
I am dying over the brass garland! It would be fabulous all year round and I’d love to see it displayed in my bedroom. But if I am looking at the collection for something Christmasy…..those brass trees are so timeless and festive :)
That brass garland really is perfect! Everything looks lovely. :)
Love the tree skirts! There a lot of lovely things there. Thanks for sharing!
LOVE the faceted marble & rosewood serving pieces. Thanks to you and Burke for hosting this giveaway!
Love that lighted birch forest!
They have very nice merchandise; thanks for the introduction. The marble serving boards would be great for holidays parties, as well as all year round.
Love those cute concrete condos!
I read your blog regularly and enjoy your design and playful home schemes while maintaining minimalist design. You using Burke Decor makes perfect sense. You make their beautiful pieces look even more smart and snappy. I agree with some of your other followers that the marble cutting board would be a great addition to a holiday table– as would a set of those Verglas sandblasted barware glasses… esp. the martini glasses would make a winter holiday party classy.
Keep sending out those idea vibes and inspiring us to want to change things up and make our homes functional and pretty.
I love the tree skirts! I definitly need one of those!
I’ve never heard of Burke Designs, but they have so many cool things. I’ll have to keep them on my radar now. I especially love the Winterland trees. They’re all so simple yet really pretty! Also, your basement looks awesome!!
Love your holiday look. I perused the lookbook… and I want all the brass geometric ornaments! The garland is great too. And the mountains xmas tree blanket.
I love the metal garlands! I’d probably keep them up year round….
I love the metal garlands! I’d probably keep them up year round….
Love your blog! And, I also love the copper abodes!
Okay, my kiddo would LOVE those concrete condos because he is obsessed with all things tiny and what’s better than tiny houses? I, however, love the ceramic ornaments. I also like the geometric brass ones. I might have to buy some for our tree next year! I love your space, Alison. Once again our design aesthetics mesh so well. I have been craving that clean, almost Scandinavian style of decoration this year for Christmas and I think you have achieved it.
The metal garland is honestly my favorite-it would look beautiful year round for sure. But, the candle holder string is also amazing.
Ooh those snowy willow trees!
I love the lighted birch forest, the ceramic ornaments, etc…! The garland is too cute and seems like it would be super versatile!
The decor is beautiful…living with someone with very different taste as my own. I live vicariously through images from others. We at least agree that metallics are beautiful.
I really like the candleholder string!
The faceted rosewood and marble serving pieces are dreamy!
You did an amazing job with your holiday decorating. I like holiday decor that compliments a home’s regular look, and doesn’t veer towards too “Christmasy”. I could totally see myself sipping a cocktail from a Golden Berry glass. Merry Christmas!
My favorite decoration is my little german spinning candle holders.