Design for Living: Deck the Halls

I love a tree, but having spent the last few Christmases in Florida it's proving not to be as evocative as in New York.  So, this year I'm reimagining my tree ornaments, placing them instead in decorative porcelain or wooden bowls clustered in groups anchored by a pretty tray sitting on the console, kitchen counter and dining table.  

Here are some ideas for putting a new spin on decorating with your Christmas ornaments, florals and wreaths.

Loving this mix of chinoiserie, delicate white florals cut low and shiny orbs in a bowl for the perfect vignette - One Kings Lane

Loving this mix of chinoiserie, delicate white florals cut low and shiny orbs in a bowl for the perfect vignette - One Kings Lane

Glamour and sparkle with an eclectic mix of crystal and silver votives for a traditional vibe

Glamour and sparkle with an eclectic mix of crystal and silver votives for a traditional vibe

Acorns in a stemmed silver candlestick...who would've thought - I like it!

Acorns in a stemmed silver candlestick...who would've thought - I like it!

The chandelier gets decorated too...simplicity is key here with ivy and golden acorns sparingly woven throughout

The chandelier gets decorated too...simplicity is key here with ivy and golden acorns sparingly woven throughout

Hang decorative elements in groups of 3 or 5 for dramatic visual impact

Hang decorative elements in groups of 3 or 5 for dramatic visual impact

This very elegant high impact vignette created with a classic chandelier and crystal from Baccarat - the simple backdrop of green and white is spectacular! Carolyne Roehm at Weatherstone, her home in Connecticut - photography by Sylvie Becquet

This very elegant high impact vignette created with a classic chandelier and crystal from Baccarat - the simple backdrop of green and white is spectacular! Carolyne Roehm at Weatherstone, her home in Connecticut - photography by Sylvie Becquet

Bringing together traditional red, gold and white color scheme creating a very sophisticated and individualized look

Bringing together traditional red, gold and white color scheme creating a very sophisticated and individualized look

Choose one floral and use it in abundance - photography by Sylvia Becquet

Choose one floral and use it in abundance - photography by Sylvia Becquet

For the traditionalist, a beautifully decorated tree by interior designer Suzanne Rheinstein, originally from New Orleans

For the traditionalist, a beautifully decorated tree by interior designer Suzanne Rheinstein, originally from New Orleans

Suzanne Rheinstein brings her Southern-style charm to Christmas decor, mixing flourishes of greenery and citrus...oranges studded with cloves set in a crystal bowl make a simple yet elegant statement

Suzanne Rheinstein brings her Southern-style charm to Christmas decor, mixing flourishes of greenery and citrus...oranges studded with cloves set in a crystal bowl make a simple yet elegant statement

Serving a classic Southern citrus punch from silver goblets adds a touch of formality - Suzanne Rheinstein

Serving a classic Southern citrus punch from silver goblets adds a touch of formality - Suzanne Rheinstein

A grouping of Chinoiserie vases offset the lush stair garland and white florals

A grouping of Chinoiserie vases offset the lush stair garland and white florals