Stop Dreaming of a Red-and-Green Christmas

This holiday season, unwrap some new hues

By Timothy R. Schulte
CTW Features

Red and green.Stop believing those are the only color options for holiday decorating. Go for hues that exude a wintry feel without kitsch or commonality.

Stop going green (and red)

Go white instead. The Arctic trend – white, white and more white – is carrying on the snow-and-ice trend that has become popular for the holidays, says Michelle Lamb, editor of “The Trend Curve,” a bimonthly newsletter for what’s hot in color, pattern and design. Hints of blues and grays add color accents to this icy theme. Santa? Replace him with a penguin. Arctic has been all over the box office – “March of the Penguins,” “Happy Feet” – and box-office success is just one factor that pushes a trend.

Stop thinking everything has to go on the tree

Go to the table. These holiday color trends are spectacular for tablescapes or runners, says Lamb. And the Arctic trend is great for theme-based accessories, she adds. “In everything, from candles to table linens, it’s really pretty broad.”

Stop being dull

Go for some shine. Opulence is another theme for this winter, with gold as the heart of the look, accented by bronzy tones, says Lamb. “Metallic makes everything feel rich and warm,” she says.

Stop being bland

Go for some spice. Like spicy colors – burnished acorn, cider gold, toasted brown, nutmeg glow – winter colors are very warm, says Lamb. This includes mixing and matching, such as combining different-textured surfaces, or bright metallics alongside ones that are slightly less shiny.

Stop being scared

“Consumers are so much more sophisticated,” says Lamb. “There are many more opportunities to explore color beyond [the traditional].” However, if it’s those classic colors that are desired, Lamb suggests using them in layers. Use the other sides of the colors – brights and deeps – to give them a different look and feel.

Go for it.