Contemporary Christmas Decorating

To decorate with a contemporary style for Christmas, avoid the traditional red and green color scheme. Think about using the colors of winter instead. For cheap and simple decorating, cluster together white candles of different sizes on a table or mantle.

Color Scheme

Use a silver and white color scheme. "Better Homes and Garden" magazine suggests adding accents of apple green and brown as well. For example, place a silver table runner on the dining room table and set the table with white plates. Add apple green napkins with brown napkin rings and brown candle holders.

Use Twigs

Using twigs to decorate creates a wintry feeling that is both rustic and modern. Hang a wreath on the front door made of twigs, which you can buy at a craft store or make yourself by wrapping twigs around a wire base. Secure the twigs with glue and add cranberries to cover any sparse areas. "Better Homes and Garden" also suggests placing branches inside tall glass cylinders that have rock salt in the bottom to keep the branches in place. Place the cylinders in front of a window or on the ground next to a sofa.

Monocolor Tree

Rather than decorating the Christmas tree with a mishmash of homemade ornaments, choose a single color to decorate with. Use only ornaments that are in shades of blue, from icy to royal blue. You can also mix in some silver ornaments as accents. "Better Homes and Gardens" also suggests using a blue and brown color scheme to decorate the tree.

Decorate with Gifts

Use gifts as decorations. Wrap empty boxes with wrapping paper and display them on a mantle or side tables. Choose two to three shades of one color of paper, like silver or blue. Stack up two or three boxes of different sizes and wrap them with ribbon. "Better Homes and Gardens" suggests using egg-robin blue paper and brown ribbon.

References

• "Better Homes and Garden": Modern Christmas Decor, Turn Up the Shimmer
• "Better Homes and Garden": Modern Christmas Decor, Showcase Wintry Silhouette
• "Better Homes and Garden": Holiday Trend--Decorate in Blue and Brown, Embrace Simplicity
• "Better Homes and Garden": Holiday Trend--Decorate in Blue and Brown, Simple Elegance