The Designer’s Perspective: Transforming Historical Spaces
I’ve had the pleasure of bringing historical holiday decor to life through designs rooted in tradition, including a Victorian-inspired tablescape, a classically adorned Christmas tree, and the addition of garlands to fireplaces and staircases. Each design element was thoughtfully curated to enhance the unique character of the spaces while creating a warm, festive atmosphere.

Victorian Tablescape:
For the dining room, I created a Victorian-inspired tablescape in a palette of gold, green, red, and white. A crisp white linen tablecloth served as the foundation, while gold candleholders in a Victorian style, adorned with green-and-beige checked ribbons, provided a sense of elegance.

Green candles shaped like sapin trees added a seasonal touch, while gold cutlery completed the luxurious aesthetic. To bring the Victorian theme to life, I incorporated a chevalet displaying a 1900 Christmas menu, a vintage table clock, and a framed drinking menu in an ornate gold frame. The result was a dining space that celebrated the season while evoking the grandeur of a bygone era.

Traditional Christmas Tree:
The living room was anchored by a traditional Christmas tree adorned with pinecones, patterned ribbons, and luxurious accents. The tree featured warm red, brown, and green tones, complemented by high-end ribbons that elevated its visual appeal. Every detail was chosen to exude warmth and nostalgia while maintaining an air of sophistication.

Garlands on the Fireplace and Staircase:
To complete the decor, I draped lush garlands across the fireplace mantel and staircase. The garlands featured natural greenery interwoven with gold accents, pinecones, and ribbons to match the tree and tablescape. On the staircase, the garlands cascaded gracefully down the banister, creating a sense of flow and harmony throughout the home.

Core Principles for Historical Holiday Decor
Respect the Architecture:
Each design was tailored to complement the architectural features of the space. The decor enhanced details like intricate moldings, fireplaces, and staircases, ensuring that the home’s historical charm remained the focal point.

Incorporate Storytelling:
The designs paid homage to the history of the homes, incorporating Victorian-era elements and classic holiday traditions. Each piece, from the framed menu to the vintage clock, added depth and a sense of narrative.

Use Timeless Materials:
High-quality materials like velvet ribbons, brass candleholders, and fresh greenery ensured that the decor felt authentic and elegant, perfectly suited to the historic residences.