Ryan Canedy : Small Space Holiday Decorating Ideas

Cynthia Hoyt, the writer of Darling Down South has an eye for style and decor, no matter what the size of your space. Her small space holiday decorating ideas turned her own small apartment kitchen into a festive space for entertaining all through the holiday season.

It’s her contribution to our Holiday Style Challenge here on The Home Depot Blog. We sent her some mystery boxes of Home Depot Christmas decorations, and then we stepped back and let her add her southern flare.

When I was a child, my mother always challenged me with setting the table for the holidays. First came learning how to set the silverware — knives and forks to the right of the plate, spoons to the right for a more casual setting — then came learning how to fold a cloth napkin, and finally my favorite part: scavenging for decorations to adorn the table. After Christmas presents were unwrapped and the living room looked the equivalent of a shredder exploding, I’d spend the morning out in the woods. I’d pick up pinecones, branches of evergreen spruces, and boughs of holly from the prickly bush out front. In the afternoon, I split my time perusing whatever book I received for Christmas and adorning my outdoor collection with gold paint and glitter. I’d finish my masterpiece by arranging it all on the table with candlesticks and set the table with the nice china and gold silverware.

Fast forward to my adult life. Though I have disposable income to buy my own Christmas decorations for my tiny apartment, I still find creative ways to decorate my dining room for the holidays. I might not have the grand dining room table that my parents have, but the granite island is perfect for dinner for two or entertaining a crowd on its feet. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thrilled shopping for Christmas decor the weekend before November.

Small Space Holiday Decorating Ideas

When I think of Christmas, I like to revolve my color scheme around the traditional red, white, and green with bold pops of plaid and striped patterns. I tend to incorporate punchy pops of plaid throughout my home decor year round, so transitioning it into my holiday decor is as simple as trading out the table runner and buying new napkins.

As my story noted above, I love incorporating the outdoors and earthy elements into my decor year round, so adding mini boxwood wreaths to the upper pantry cabinets and a mini Christmas tree in the kitchen were the perfect touches of whimsy that played well with the adorable Martha Stewart Living station wagon I used as a centerpiece.

Since I’m working with a rather small space for a dining room, I wanted to add unexpected touches where I could, like the kissing balls hanging from the ceiling lights and the bar corner tucked just outside of my casual dining area.

That’s right, the empty corner in my tiny apartment turned makeshift bar cart thanks to not-in-use side table, a silver tray, some fun candle filled lanterns, and strong bourbon ready to be poured for guests who are coming over to celebrate.

I hope these ideas help you have a darling holiday season with your loved ones near and far! From my home, I wish you and yours a Happy Holiday Season and Merry Christmas!