Shea McGee just shared her top tips on styling your kitchen for the holidays – and they're the perfect balance of festive and functional

It's finally time to put up your holiday decorations. Christmas trees, garlands, and wreaths adorn our favorite, coziest rooms in the home, but what about your kitchen?

It's one of the trickiest rooms to decorate for the holidays – and one many people leave bare – because it's such a functional space. But it's one you'll spend a lot of time in during the festive season, so why not add some festive cheer?

Interior designer Shea McGee certainly thinks it's a good idea, taking to Instagram to share her 'five tips to style your kitchen for the holidays.' Here's what she had to say, and everything you need to recreate her favorite kitchen Christmas decor looks.

1. Decorate an island with a statement vase

Kitchen island Christmas decor is a great place to start. At the center of your space, it's the feature your eyes will be first drawn to and instantly give your kitchen a festive upgrade.

Because of the more functional use your kitchen island is required for, it's best to go for something that doesn't take up too much space. 'Use a large vase for greenery that looks good with or without branches,' suggests Shea.

In her kitchen, Shea has opted for a large black vase with a worn finish. It looks fabulously festive filled with branches, but looks just as striking left empty.

2. Play with height

A vase sat alone on a large kitchen island can look empty, but pairing it with other decor is a great way to play into the festive theme practically. Consider what will make sense for your space and what decor will pair well with your chosen vase.

'Style with a low bowl or tray,' suggests Shea. Playing with height is a fool-proof way to add visual interest and an aesthetic way to pair different pieces. In a kitchen, it could be a simple fruit bowl or a tray filled with candles and decorative objects.

3. Add a seasonal plant

If you want to bring in something a bit more natural, mini potted plants are a beautiful choice. And at Christmas, Shea suggests: 'Use a little potted plant or an herb in your kitchen.'

Opting for something seasonal is the best way to bring a sense of Christmas into your scheme – it could be a miniature Christmas tree like in this kitchen or a potted herb you associate with holiday food (rosemary works well).

You could take it one step further by tying a bow around the pot, or even decorating your mini tree with equally tiny ornaments, like these Mini Embossed Mercury Glass ornaments from McGee & Co.

4. Introduce antique silverware

There's something about silverware that feels decidedly festive. Perhaps it's because of the focus on hosting and dining, or because it pairs so beautifully with Christmas decorating staples.

But when you're styling your kitchen for Christmas, Shea is a big advocate for mixing old and new. 'Use antique silver accessories,' she says. This could be a pitcher on a shelf, a tray on your countertops, or even a crock filled with cutlery.

Antique silverware is usually really easy to find and with a good search, you can find some affordable options. Look out for silver hallmarks to ensure they are authentic, though!

5. Make a festive feature of your range

If the island isn't the focal point of your kitchen, the range area probably is. As such, it seems like a waste not to focus your decorating efforts here. 'Decorate the range area by using a wreath on your hood and a dishtowel on your stove,' says Shea.

In this kitchen, a luscious yet simple wreath has been hung on the range hood. Finished with a burgundy velvet ribbon tied around the center, it feels festive without being fussy. Make sure you secure a wreath well if it's above the cooker – you don't want it falling into your feast on Christmas day.

There are so many ways to style your kitchen for Christmas – and Shea's tips prove festive can be functional. Choose one or two of these ideas to bring the seasonal decorations into your space, and check out our Christmas decorating ideas to inspire the rest of your home.