Guest Picks: Multipurpose Holiday Décor
Decorate for the holidays with 20 items that work just as well the rest of the year too
Christmas is almost here, which means it's time to dust off the two-meter fake tree and the boxes of baubles, Santas and reindeer that take up half of your closet space for 11 months of the year. Ugh!
What if I told you that you could mix a handful of Christmas-y decorations with a bunch of non-holiday–specific accessories to create an understated and elegant festive look that doesn't waste money or storage space?
By picking your favorite theme (I've gone for Woodland, Contemporary, Glam and Folk here) you'll be able to show off your beautiful new purchases year-round!
— Alicia from Atypical Type A
What if I told you that you could mix a handful of Christmas-y decorations with a bunch of non-holiday–specific accessories to create an understated and elegant festive look that doesn't waste money or storage space?
By picking your favorite theme (I've gone for Woodland, Contemporary, Glam and Folk here) you'll be able to show off your beautiful new purchases year-round!
— Alicia from Atypical Type A
Little Birch Jewelry Stand - $32.00 »
You can't have Christmas without a tree, but who says it has to be an enormous green plastic model? Repurpose this elegant jewelry stand into a tabletop tree for small spaces. (Bonus: you'll need fewer decorations.)
Iridescent Sparkle Light String - $24.00 »
It's party season, so it's time for some sparkle! This pretty garland would be perfect for those Christmas and a New Year's Eve soirees, as well as parties throughout the year.
Mercury Glass Catch-All Dish - $6.00 »
Add some mercury glass accessories, such as this votive holder, to up the glamour factor.
Ruffle Laundry Bag - $39.00 »
After a quick wash, this ruffled laundry hamper transforms into an elegant Santa sack.
by Hard to Find
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Anna-Carin Dahl Tealight Holders - AUD 70.00 »
If your style is more earthy than glam, incorporate some natural elements and friendly forest creatures, like these stunning silhouette tealight holders, to your decor.
by Hard to Find
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Pigeon Light - AUD 149.00 »
For a no-fuss, modern Christmas, try simple yet funky accessories in white, steel and smooth timber, like this cool dove lamp.
by Hard to Find
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Pin Board Plain Dyed Chocolate - AUD 69.95 »
Transform your humble memo board into an easy display for all those holiday party invitations and cards.
by Hard to Find
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Squirrels - AUD 135.00 »
Little ones will love playing with this squirrel decoration from Bride & Wolfe. The only problem is choosing which side to display: the autumn tones or the crisp winter white?
Woodland Tray: Owl's House - AUD 35.00 »
Pretty much anything red and white will look appropriate at this time of year, so experiment with different styles, like this retro-inspired tray.
Laerke Duvet Cover - $69.00 »
Inspired by mid-century European folk art, this bedspread would look just as good whether you're enjoying a summer Christmas in the southern hemisphere or are snuggling up with your hot chocolate.
by emerald + ella
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by Hard to Find
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Bean Bag 'Tuffet' - AUD 154.00 »
This time of year often means having to fit a lot more people in your home, so seating can be an issue. Repurpose this sweet cross-stitch-style footstool into extra seating when guests come calling.
Welcome Home Rug - $19.00 »
All those Christmas parties are great, but there's nothing like your own home at Christmastime, don't you think? I'm looking forward to taking a week off and actually enjoying my home, doing some nesting, cooking, reading and entertaining.
by emerald + ella
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Etched Lantern »
There's no cheaper and easier way to make a space feel festive than with lighting. These pretty etched candle holders will look perfect for the season but are sure to get used all year.
Chalkboard Placemat - Set of 2 - $24.00 »
Write holiday wishes or indicate seating arrangements on these fun chalkboard placemats. After a couple of champagnes or red cordials, you can be sure the whole family will have a ball coming up with new messages and drawings.
Mobile Spider Frame - $12.00 »
Your happy snap holder can become a paper chandelier of Christmas cards from loved ones.
Block Word Ornament - $11.00 »
OK, yes, I am including an actual tree ornament. But this one, based on Robert Indiana's famous pop art sculpture, would make a super cute home accessory by removing the ribbon.
by Hard to Find
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Nordic Light 4 Arm, Black - AUD 129.95 »
This modern yet classic candelabra would make the perfect centerpiece year-round.
Next: 30 Beautifully Inventive DIY Christmas Decorations
Next: 30 Beautifully Inventive DIY Christmas Decorations







I go though my cupboards and cabinets and gather up everyday similar objects for a display, such as all my silver bowls and glass candlesticks. I have filled them with fruits, nuts, pinecones, twigs, vintage ornaments, and one year mirrored ball ornaments. Another year it was vintage Christmas postcards.
Another year I gathered up all my various lanterns from around the house, for a mantle display, trimmed with burgundy ribbons, pinecones and a white lighted pine garland.