Over the top Christmas light displays...
A wreath on the door and probably every window...
A poinsettia in every room...
And the nativity set in a most prominent position...
Christmas in the South is truly unique, marked by long standing traditions and an abundance of Christmas cheer displayed for all to see. If you are lucky enough to be a Southerner or if you have spent a Christmas in the South, you know this to be true.
Sure not every Southern family celebrates Christmas the same way, but as the first region to celebrate Christmas in the United States, I think we Southerners feel a special commitment to make the holiday bright, meaningful, and especially charming!
Why charming? Well, by definition Charm is the power or quality of giving delight and isn't that what decorating for Christmas is all about? Adding to the delight of the season in celebration of Christ's birth?
And we Southerners have a special kind of charm! ?
The Rules of Southern Christmas Decor:
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First of all, you can never have too many Christmas trees!
This is a fact universally recognized across the South. It doesn’t matter if the trees are 12 foot tall or table-top size, more than one Christmas tree is a must in a Southern Christmas home.
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Drape greenery around anything that will stand still long enough!
Use greenery to adorn mantles, stair rails, columns, and really anything that is not moving. Be sure to mix your evergreen boughs with classic Southern plants like boxwood and magnolia.
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Flowers are not just for summer!
Bring on the flowers with planters of paper whites, amayrillas, and poinsettias. If you are feeling particularly ingenious, you can even make a Christmas tree out of poinsettias.
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Citrus fruit as decor is classic and will never go out of style!
Use it as decoration and stocking stuffers. Citrus fruit was once a rare and prized commodity in the South usually arriving from tropical ports in the winter months, so many Southerners gave oranges as gifts and treasured this once a year treat. This tradition continues although many kids aren’t quite sure why.
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Around here we put our crazy on display and add a bow!
Embrace your creativity and add a touch of Christmas whimsy even if you are a traditionalist. Your whimsical element can be more subdued like a velvet bow on a spaniel statuette or you can channel your inner Steel Magnolia with a wreath bedecked by baby Jesuses.
I’ve incorporated many of the above Southern Christmas decorating tips in my home. I do every year mostly subconsciously because this is how my mother and her mother before her decorated their homes – it’s Southern tradition!
Varied Texture is Important to Create Feeling and Interest.
Variations in surface will help make your holiday decor more interesting and appealing to the eye. Varying textures add depth and dimensionality. In most basic terms, texture is how things feel or at least how they are perceived to feel. Just think about the difference between a soft fleece throw and a silky sheet. You can both see and feel the difference between the fuzzy fleece and smooth silk.
In this way, texture contributes to the feeling of your seasonal decor. Smooth textures will make a vignette seem sleek and bright, while rougher textures often create a feeling of coziness.
Adding texture can be as easy as mixing fabrics with different textures. For instance, use a table runner in a satin or smooth fabric on top of a linen or velvet tablecloth.
Using natural elements like greenery is often the best way to add texture to a decorative vignette!
I hope the Southerner's Guide to Charming Christmas Decor will help you create that special Christmas magic in your home and celebrate this wonderful holiday season.
Merry Christmas Y'all!
If you are looking for more Christmas decorating help and local to the East Tennessee area or Western North Carolina, check out my personalized holiday design services. I will work with you to decorate your home for the holidays, designing tablescapes, custom florals, front entry displays, and tree decor. Learn more here!
