Styling Popular Gathering Areas in Your Home

With the end of the year comes plenty of holidays, fun festivities, and family gatherings. While it’s easy to fret at the last minute about the way your home looks, there are a few ways to reduce that stress and style your home for any type of guest.

One of the easiest ways to make a positive impression using very little time is to style your gathering areas to make them feel both fully functionally and effortlessly decorated. Whether it’s a dining room table in need of a little sprucing up, a few empty shelves that could use some work, or a living room with a fireplace feature, there are plenty of ways to style these popular gathering areas in your home to create a space that feels warm and welcoming.

Fill Up Those Shelves

Design by HIBOU DESIGN + CO  Photography by DREW HADLEY

While shelving décor can be minimal throughout the year, now is the perfect time to fresh it up with new pieces! In otherwise simple spaces like on top of shelving that could use a little something, use cute, festive ornaments, scented candles, decorative objects and sculptures, or even lanterns. Stack items to make them feel full and add a few extra items here and there. While it may not seem like a lot, you’d be surprised at just how different and special your shelving can look with a little bit of “dressing up!” And, since shelving is typically located in living areas and hallways, your guests will be sure to appreciate the extra sentiment.

Add Some Extra Holiday Décor on Entryway Tables

Do you have an entryway table or maybe a sofa table that feels a little bare? Or does your table instead scream, “messy!” No matter what your current situation is with an entryway table or sofa table, you can easily give it an update that will make it feel stylish and composed. Plus, it’ll certainly be a noticeable upgrade in any gathering space!

This is the perfect chance to add some extra holiday décor. Pull out all the extra knick-knacks, add some brightness with white or multicolored lights, and consider setting out those holiday sculptures you don’t have a place for! If you’re low on holiday décor, that’s okay – pull out your candles, greenery, and photos.

Revitalize the Dining Table

Whether you’re working toward a moody look with dim lighting and an intimate feel or inspiring your guests with polished décor and sparkly elements, styling the dining table is a great way to make an impression. Start from scratch to style this gathering area, as you’re sure to meet here for a holiday dinner celebration.

Think about your dining table décor in layers – first, the tablecloth. Decide whether you want a bare wood table to add a rustic element or elevate the look with a cloth tablecloth that unites your style. If you don’t think a tablecloth is for you, a table runner can be a unique way to get added flair with less fabric.

Next, consider your dinnerware. Will you stack dinner and salad plates to save space and increase height? And, what kind of glassware do you need for each person, and how many? Each glass is used for something specific, so keep this in mind when styling your dining table.

Once you’ve determined the place settings, you can decorate! Add candles at varying heights if you have them, a centerpiece that steals the show, and gorgeous florals to add a natural feel. Or, combine all three to achieve a maximalist appearance. This beautifully styled gathering area will be a hit!

Get Festive with Your Fireplace Mantel

It’s no secret that people gather in the living room or den – two places where fireplaces are commonly found! If you have a fireplace mantel in an area where you think people will congregate, it’s time to get festive. One of the easiest ways to dress up a fireplace mantel is to drape fresh pine garland across. Not only will it look stunning and fresh, but it’ll smell good too! Layer on the décor with fresh dried orange garland or even wooden beads to add texture and a variety of natural materials.

For increased elegance, candles and stockings on one or both sides are an excellent choice. Plus, they’ll make the design feel full and complete. If you want to create mood lighting, you can also use string lights behind garland or strewn throughout. And, to finish the mantel, ribbons and bows in your coordinating colors will bring a fun, lighthearted feel!