Do you reinvent your holiday decorating theme every year? I tend to stick with one signature look, and for us that’s always been a blend I call “forest and sea.” It combines coastal touches with woodland accents and feels warm, layered, and familiar. Each season I add a few new pieces to keep things feeling fresh without losing the sentimental items that make our home feel like ours.
This post is in partnership with World Market.
Lights set the mood for me, so I use twinkle lights and battery-operated candles throughout the house. I layer garlands, arrange trees of different sizes, and mix in our treasured ornaments—some coastal and some woodland—to keep the look unified and full of character.
Thanksgiving is just a week away and we’ll have family here—about fourteen people for dinner this year. With Christmas right on its heels and a book deadline looming, I’m focusing on the essentials so the house feels welcoming without getting overwhelmed.
Is the full menu planned and all the shopping done? Is the house spotless from top to bottom? Not yet. 🙂
Still, I set the table and created a cozy mood in advance, and that alone makes me feel accomplished. A festive, warm, and welcoming home is the priority—and I know we’ll pull together a tasty meal so no one goes home hungry.
A full guest list nudged me to refresh some tableware. I paired simple white plates with black-and-white buffalo check cloth napkins and slate blue/green woven placemats for a mix of modern and rustic charm.
I shop at World Market often because I find unique pieces there. I chose white textured stoneware plates that come in four subtle patterns, which gives the table a collected, layered look without being matchy-matchy.
While shopping I picked up a few whimsical accents: ruffled paper tabletop trees with lights, wood tree-and-pinecone string lights, and snowflake votive holders. They weren’t strictly necessary for Thanksgiving, but they extend the seasonal look through winter and pair well with our existing decor.
The lighted tabletop trees are battery operated and portable, so I can move them if we need extra table space for serving. At night they create a soft, glowing centerpiece that feels like a tiny winter wonderland.
One find I was excited about: candlestick wall sconces. They add so much character and a cozy glow to our spaces—just the kind of detail I enjoy bringing into the home.
Mixing sentimental items with a few new finds creates a layered, personal look. The keepsakes tell our story, while fresh pieces add delight and a sense of discovery that keeps the home feeling alive.
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Happy Holidays!
