Decorating for Christmas doesn’t have to be limited to the typical “red and green” palette. Over the years, we’ve played with different color combos. This year, we’re doing a Colonial Coastal Christmas mashup, inspired by Sara’s recent trip to Bermuda’s historical district in Hamilton where she learned about the rich history between the island and the colonies.

A brief lesson for history buffs: a ship headed to Jamestown was shipwrecked on Bermuda in 1609. After the surviving crew and passengers made it to Jamestown, members of The Virginia Company returned to Bermuda and set up the second permanent British colony.

Bermuda today is known for its pink sand beaches and clear blue waters. Guided by these colors (and with addition of greens and oranges), we decided to take Christmas traditions on a vacation by infusing our tablescape with tropical influences.

We love bringing nature inside, especially when it’s cold outside, so we incorporated palm fronds mixed with garland greenery. Calling upon colonial tradition, we wove oranges throughout: orange tower centerpieces cheekily resemble a Christmas tree, strands of dried orange slices bring an organic aesthetic around the room, and whole oranges are artfully placed on tabletop bud vases.

Pineapples, a beloved symbol of hospitality, punch up the space (both on the table and on plates).

Silver flatware and candleware bring to mind the icy cool winter weather while blue-trimmed accent plates evoke the warm beaches of Bermuda. Pink glasses, wide pink velvet ribbons, and pink placemats with decorative borders that call to mind strings of pearls give this tablescape a unified, yet slightly less formal and more playful feel.

Even if your holidays are landlocked, take a page from our book and incorporate coastal elements such as an oversized shell, perfect for chilling wine and champagne or staging candles for ambiance.

If decorating your whole house or room feels too overwhelming this time of year (we get you; all those holiday concerts and parties and late night shopping sessions for family presents can take a real toll!), consider creating a festive-feeling corner.

This light-filled sunroom features a table for two zhuzhed up with festive planters and accessories like a nature-inspired art nouveau lamp with a vibrant green shade.

White sofas, armchairs, and an ottoman keep the sunroom feeling simultaneously bright and cozy, and this antique Swedish table with its rustic paint finish is the perfect space for a reading respite from the busyness of the holidays!

Whether you go whole hog with an entire house holiday theme or just pick a few festive decor details, we hope your holidays are happy and healthy!