(Living)

Modern Holiday Décor That Feels Elevated, Not Cheesy

CB2

If you're design-obsessed (or just opposed to cheesy décor), decking your halls in garish decorations for the holidays probably isn't something you participate in. But if you're still a fan of festive vibes, you don't want to give up on adding a little spirit to your home altogether. In that case, look to modern décor that can easily be reimagined as holiday displays in your home.

For holiday parties, skip the tree-covered platters and instead opt for more simple (but still glam) options for entertaining. A cream and gold tray like the Jan Burtz Porcelain Trays in gold luster, which range from $78 to $106, will look beautiful stacked with appetizers or desserts.

On your dining table, an assortment of Hawkins New York Copper and Brass Louise Vases from Food52, which range from $35 to $195, will provide the perfect subtle hint of red and green mixed in with a more versatile copper. Or, forgo smaller flower arrangements and fill Tom Dixon's $290 small Bash Vessel with large poinsettias for a stunning contrast of gold and bright red.

Not sure how to avoid a dramatic holiday display in your living room? A few simple, small pieces scattered about should do the trick. CB2's marble trees, which range from $49.95 to $69.95, are the perfect answer to the obvious Christmas décor — just mix-and-match the sizes and colors to create a vignette on your mantle or coffee table that's so subtle, people might not even notice what they are. If stockings are a tradition in your home, One Kings Lane's clear and gold stocking holders for $75 look perfectly modern and will fit right in on any fireplace.

For the rest of your space, some barely noticeable additions will provide a flawless finishing touch. West Elm's Metal Sputnik Objects for $49 can be easily placed on shelves or side tables for a sparkly effect (that's not actually sparkly), and an Aviva Stanoff Velvet Pillow for $125 in a deep berry hue on various chairs and beds will add the perfect amount of warmth and color. With a few lit candles in Jonathan Adler's $88 Medium Berlin Candle Holders, you'll have shine, coziness, and festivity — and no cheesy décor in sight.

Decorating for the holidays in a current, non-cheesy way can be done – it just takes a few tricks and the right combination of pieces to create a festive feel that comes across as elevated. For a few ideas to get you started, keep scrolling to see a selection of modern decorations you'll look forwarding to having in your home.