Whether you’re listing your home during the holidays and want to tone down the decorations, or you want to simplify your holiday decor theme, a neutral palette can help you avoid a cliche holiday scene. Another benefit of choosing a neutral theme is that no matter your home’s existing style, neutral holiday decor can seamlessly integrate into the look and feel of the space. It’s easy to get caught up in the traditional holiday color combinations, but if you’re looking to create a serene seasonal backdrop, read on for insight into how you can integrate a neutral holiday decor palette into your home.

Bring the outdoors inside

Incorporating natural elements indoors creates an organic seasonal backdrop. Whether it’s displaying a bowl of pinecones, draping evergreen garland on the bannister, hanging wreaths throughout the interior, adding evergreen boughs to light fixtures, or displaying birch tree logs in a basket, bringing these outdoor elements inside is the perfect starting point for your holiday decor plan. Or, if you prefer to keep things minimal, consider these elements your decor plan for the season.

Emphasize light

The holidays should be about warmth and spending time with the ones you love. A house decked with white string lights or twinkle lights provides the ambience for cozy nights spent on the couch watching holiday movies. The mantle, light fixtures, greenery, banister, and of course, the tree, are all excellent areas to light up.

Be deliberate with your color scheme

Avoid a hodgepodge of colors or cliche holiday themes by sticking to an edited, neutral color scheme. Possible color combinations include: creams and metallics; white and brown; green and brown; green and white; green and navy; or blue, white and green. Carry the color scheme throughout your various holiday vignettes.

Carefully edit

Be selective with the holiday decor items you put on display, and be discerning with any new items you purchase. Resist displaying or purchasing something unless you are certain it will seamlessly integrate with the neutral palette.

Display textured, neutral fabrics

Displaying neutral toned throw pillows and blankets in materials like faux fur and chunky knits create a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere. An oversized, cable knit blanket and plush faux fur pillow basically begs you to take a few minutes to recharge, while taking in the ambiance of the atmosphere.

Simmer neutral scents

No holiday decor theme is complete without a seasonal scent, but be careful not to select one that is too overpowering. An alternative to strongly-scented candles is to boil a pot of water, fill it with oranges, cloves and cinnamon sticks, and bring to a simmer. The subtle scent will fill your home with a pleasant holiday aroma.

Set a neutral tablescape

If you want your tablescape to remain neutral, but are looking to add some drama to your dining decor, set the table with dark dinnerware. Matte, black plates and bowls create a stunning contrast against a centerpiece made of winter white flowers and evergreens.