With Thanksgiving officially behind us, we are welcoming in Christmas decor with open arms. For many of us, this means dusting off our boxes of accessories, or acquiring some new ones.
Eva Mendes has given us some Christmas decor ideas in the form of her kitchen island toppers. In a post recently shared to her Instagram page, we can see the Ghost Rider and Hitch star has added some mini trees, along with a festive bouquet to her kitchen counter. The holiday-friendly accessories pair perfectly with her more permanent kitchen fixtures, including a gold faucet and woven lampshades.
While tablescapes are a main focus for those of us entertaining and hosting on Christmas, adding festive decor in unexpected spaces is a fantastic way to spread the cheer around the home.
Eva Mendes' simple miniature trees are lovely countertop accessories, and this potted version is a great starting point. This artificial pine tree has a natural, undecorated look and comes potted in a round white container that's versatile enough to look good on every kitchen counter.
Mendes' cleaning sponge company is already a favorite here at H&G, so you can imagine our delight when we spotted them on her island (alongside those all-important Christmas trees). This pack of 12 is the perfect Skura starting point. The scrub side is premium, non-abrasive, and safe for non-stick cookware. They dry fast and have 99.9% fewer E. coli than cellulose sponges.
These small table trees from Wayfair are a great way to get an elegant, festive look. Their translucent texture, warm glow, and intricate design beautifully reflect light, creating a magical ambiance in every kitchen. They're a luxury twist on Mendes's unique set-up.
These elegant wine glasses are seasonally appropriate in their beautiful green hue but can easily be used all year round. We love the elongated stem and sturdy base – perfect for festive drinks alongside miniature trees (or gathered around your larger tree).
This realistic green faux garland features foliage of mixed pine branches, and eucalyptus leaves for a natural-themed festive look. It offers the same pared-back, natural look we love in Mendes' kitchen.
Comprised of Noble fir, western red cedar, blue Juniper berries from Oregon, ponderosa pine cones frosted with white paint, faux rose hips, and faux icicles, this bouquet is the perfect table centerpiece for the holidays.
While it can be exciting to purchase new items, it is important to consider items you already have on hand to ensure that clutter does not build up on surfaces like your kitchen countertops.
'Before diving into the excitement of decorating, take the time to clear away any clutter. A clear and tidy space will leave you with a calm, relaxing, and welcoming environment that’s perfect for unwinding during the busy holiday season,' says Rebecca Baddeley, head of design at JD Williams. 'Sort out which of your items you no longer need so you can make room for the festive décor, presents, and guests that will soon fill your home.'
Once a clean space has been arranged, Baddeley recommends plotting out a general palette for your Christmas decor, whether you are adding some simple accessories to your countertops or plotting out a tablescape.
'Begin by deciding on what color scheme reflects your style – reds, greens, golds, and whites are perfect for incorporating Christmas-themed colors,' she says. 'Next, use a festive tablecloth or runner as the base for your display. For an elegant touch, think velvet or linen. You may want to choose the same color runner and napkins to create a harmonious feel to your table.
She continues, 'For the centerpiece, use seasonal flowers such as white lilies, red roses, or amaryllis and arrange these in a vase. Incorporate evergreen branches for added texture. Traditional Christmas plants like poinsettia, Cyclamen, and mini pine trees can also be used to create a focal point. Use Christmas napkins, name settings, ribbons, and crackers for an added decorative touch.'
Additionally, we recommend adding some scented candles onto a counter or tablescape to further enhance the festive ambiance in your space.
Baddeley has a few scent recommendations: 'Experiment with different scents such as pumpkin, cinnamon and apple to get your home smelling like Christmas.'
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