Chrissy Teigen's intricate shelves have reimaged how we decorate our kitchens for the holidays – it's the solution for a notoriously hard-to-decorate space

Here at H&G, Christmas decor is the hot topic of the moment, and perhaps the most discussed aspect of seasonal stylings is the tree. However, some of us with small homes might not have the space to display a statement tree.

There are countless alternative Christmas decor ideas for small spaces, but one of our recent favorites is Chrissy Teigen's subtle kitchen shelf styling.

In a post shared to her Instagram page, we can see Teigen's kitchen shelves decked out with classic garland, which drapes beautifully on the elevated surface, along with some pink, glittered nutcracker figurines and green glassware, both of which provide some festive flair to the area.

Seeing as the kitchen is a major hub for the holidays, with many of us preparing large meals and congregating with guests in the space, it makes sense to add some decor to the area just as we would with a front hallway, living room, or dining room. Teigen's shelves set the precedent.

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Kitchen cabinets and shelves are a fantastic starting point for kitchen Christmas decor, as they don't require major makeovers; rather, some small additions can really elevate the space. We can see that many of Teigen's regular cookbooks and glassware remain on her shelves, while the garland and nutcracker figurines fit right into the existing design scheme.

On an elevated surface like an open shelving unit, a garland makes a fantastic accessory to place on the base. Those with closed cabinets can tie garlands, ribbon, or tinsel around the handles to achieve a similar impact.

One consideration to be mindful of is the placement of garland. Ensure that the garland is secure on a shelf or surface and that it will not catch on any dishes or glassware to avoid any breakage.

We would be remiss not to mention the green wine glasses. While green glasses are a staple in the home all year round, tapping into the colorful glass decor trend. Green is a key color in traditional Christmas color palettes, so placing these glasses on a display shelf further heightens the festive feeling in a kitchen.

Beyond glassware, try incorporating Jadeite plates or ceramic, red cereal bowls for more Christmas ambiance. Mugs are also a classic form of Christmas decor, with plaid or tree motifs and patterns bringing cheer into the kitchen.

Above all, personalize shelves with any Christmas decor that is sentimental to you. The glittery nutcracker statues are just one option among figurines and accessories that can instantly transform a shelf from space to hold dishes and glassware to a display surface.