I have always loved holiday decorating, and this season I was especially excited to try something totally new! This year I have been inspired by the dark and moody home decorating trends we’ve been seeing so much of recently, and I wanted to bring this into my holiday decorating. Below are my 5 tips to achieving this moody holiday look:

2. Heavy layers. I have off-white walls and a white fireplace, so to achieve the moody aesthetic I was going for, I needed to darken my space, but painting the walls wasn’t something I wanted to mess with (although the thought did cross my mind more than once!). Instead, I opted to bring in heavy textures to help darken the space. I used a thick garland on the mantel and heavy wintery pine stems throughout. I also went for heavier fabrics, including chunky knit and corduroy throw pillows and velvet stockings, tree skirt, and ribbon detail.

3. It’s the little things that count.

Ribbon is a simple way to dress up your everyday decor for the holidays! I used accents of velvet ribbon throughout my living room and kitchen to accent decor and the Christmas tree. This helped to bring in a touch of vintage charm.

Gallery walls and layered photos are great ways to accent a space and using printable artwork is an affordable way to upgrade the look of your frames for any season. I found these vintage prints on Etsy and they were a simple way to complete the aesthetic I was looking for.

Natural elements are another way to bring in some vintage charm. I used pinecones, dried orange slices, and cinnamon sticks to accent the Christmas tree and decorative bowls, and to fill in gaps in the garland on the mantel and dining table. These natural elements also add interest.

4. Tablescape. I have never put so much emphasis on a tablescape, but I am in love with how this one turned out. The chargers - or plate coasters, as my husband refers to them :) - were the perfect starting point to bring in that touch of dark I needed to contrast our white dishes.

Next, the napkins! My overall inspiration for the entire holiday look for my home came from these napkins! The beautiful tartan pattern pulls together all the colors of the dark palette that I wanted. These napkins are a timeless traditional pattern, with a modern moody flare and the perfect addition to this tablescape. For a finished look, I added a small vintage bell and some greenery to each napkin ring.

5. Add some vintage finds. Vintage accents are a decorative staple for me. The brass deer, cast iron dachshund, and some of the books are vintage finds. These finds have imperfections and character that you just cannot get on newer, mass-produced decor. Adding a few meaningful vintage accents to holiday decor gives a space that collected, curated feel that I am so drawn to!

Looking for more ways to add a vintage aesthetic to your home for the holidays? More resources available on the blog - find how to make dried oranges or check out this $5 vintage bell hack.

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