Coastal Christmas

Traditional Christmas silhouettes shine through the coastal d?cor because coastal elements mimic traditional decorations. However, the colour scheme is very different from traditional colours. A beach inspired palette is marked by shades of sand, pastel blue and green, yellow and navy blue which bring a fresh welcoming atmosphere to any Christmas setting. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Wreaths and Garlands • Evergreen wreaths and garlands decorated with coastal elements from bleached starfish to rope impart the spirit of a coastal Christmas.

• Combine shells and starfish with berries.

• Create a wreath or garland with starfish, sand dollars or shells and sprinkle with white glitter. You can also spray paint a grapevine and add to the arrangement or aqua ribbons.

• Drape the porch, the area above the doorway or staircase with fragrant garlands adorned with ocean elements.

Tabletop • Choose place settings in watery blue and watery green colours. Use a white table cloth with three clear glass vases for the centerpieces: one with a bouquet of flowers and the others filled with sand and ocean elements to create a beach scene.

• Alternatively use white place setting on an aqua tablecloth with a burlap runner, sea urchin inspired glassware, vase with white flowers and scattered coastal organic elements.

• Mint is a fabulous colour to add to a coastal theme.

• Add tropical green leaves to the centerpiece.

• Introduce sparkle with metallic painted pinecones and metal candle stands.

Beach Towel Stockings • For a bit of fun, if you are in for a craft project, make Christmas stockings from your used beach towels.

Hang them on the staircase, the wall or on the doors.

Trees • Mini shell Christmas trees offer a great combination of the ocean with the traditional Christmas silhouette.

• Your evergreen Christmas tree can be converted to a coastal delight by adding ornaments and ribbons that are reminiscent of coastal style. Use burlap for the skirting.

• Silver beads, a snowflake decorated starfish treetop and gifts wrapped in turquoise and pale blue paper create subtle imagery of a coastal Christmas theme.

• Shades of aqua, turquoise and white create a crisp, festive holiday vibe. Glass pinecone ornaments bring a traditional holiday motif to the tree.

Room D?cor • Paint the living room walls powder blue or pastel green.

• Coordinate the Christmas tree ocean ornaments with the walls and place nautical details throughout.

• Group a trio of ornaments on the coffee table with burlap or raffia to have continuity of the tree decorations in the space.

• Small nautical touches in the living room are amped up at Christmas by adding touches of turquoise, metallic and coral accessories, and subtle nods to seafaring creatures complete the theme.

• Ship’s wheels, sailboats, and lifeguard-chair ornaments also adorn an evergreen tree.