Etsy's Handmade Blog
Choosing a Holiday Color Scheme: Jolly Traditional or Soothing Elegance?
Story by simplyhue
Published on November 3, 2009 in Spotlight 		Photo by

Hello Girlfriend and Danske

Vicki Dvorak from Simply Hue wants to know which color scheme gets you in to the holiday spirit.

Holidays around the globe are celebrated in many different ways and with a variety of traditions, decorating styles, and holiday colors that are unique to each country. Below I've narrowed down a couple of color scheme options you might want to consider. When choosing a color scheme for your home, whether it's for the holidays or year-round, first decide on the mood you want to create. 

Do you want to have an atmosphere that feels warm and inviting or would you prefer a soothing, elegant place to come home to after the chaos of holiday shopping? Let us know which color scheme you prefer in the comments below!

Inspiration photo by Danske, window photo by ellemoss, brown silk pillow by CreativeRedesigns, cream throw by Jackubina, silver mesh door bow by CecilBobby, and driftwood candles by NaturesCabinet

Colors: Brown, Beige, Cream, Gray-Green, Silver

Have you ever thought about using brown as the basis for a color scheme in your home for the holidays? I honestly hadn't until this year when I spotted the lovely inspiration photo for the collage of items above. Drawing from the colors in this photo, I chose several items from Etsy sellers that I thought would tie together nicely and create a soothing and elegant palette. Brown is a color you see often in nature. It represents security and stability. In its lighter tones, it's elegant and calming and in its richer tones, such as chocolate brown or espresso, it's luxurious and elegant. Add gray-green and cream to this color palette through your accessories. You might even want to consider painting an accent wall with one of these neutral colors!

Inspiration photo by Hello Girlfriend, birdseed ornament by naturefavors, red and white gate pillow by NestaHome, red barn photo by AThousandMemories, and topiary by thekeepershouse
 
Colors: Red, Green, White, Silver, and Gold
 
For a home that feels festive and inviting during the holidays, decorate with red, green, white, and gold. Bring in rustic decor with nostalgic vintage pieces such as a rusty red sleigh, or a cozy plaid flannel throw blanket. If you would rather have a traditional color scheme with an elegant touch, bring in gleaming gold ornaments, sparkling strings of lights, and velvety rich-colored toss pillows. Decorating doesn't have to be expensive, either. Visit local antique shops and discount stores, search for your items on Etsy, or think about what you might have tucked away from your childhood that would work with the color scheme you've chosen and the mood you want to create.

Which color palette do you prefer?

Since Etsy is a place that draws people from all around the world, we would love to hear how you decorate for the holidays! What colors do you use and how does this come out in your family's traditions and customs?
 
Post in the comments below and have a wonderful and happy holiday season!
 
Further Resources:
ColorMatch
Benjamin Moore Virtual Fandeck
Color Marketing 2009 Color Trends
Fashion Trendsetter
 
Holiday Decorating Books:
Country Living Merry and Bright
Christmas With Southern Living 2009
Holidays Around the World
 
Note: Etsy Items selected by Vicki Dvorak from Simply Hue and arranged by Rachel Follett from Lovely Clusters
Tags color palettes, colors, decorating, duel, holidays, home decor, housewares, inspiration boards, Lovely Clusters, Rachel Follett, shopping, Simply Hue, SPOTLIGHT, Vicki Dvorak
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156 comments     Login to add your own!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:27 p.m. itsastitch

Gorgeousness! Makes me so excited to decorate for the holidays.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:27 p.m. bylynnkrestel

i love the traditional reds and greens mixed with browns...
although the above greys, creams, and browns - beautiful!!

our favorite family tradition - esp in tough economic times - stockings!! you can buy little treausres...
so fun!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:27 p.m. itsastitch

Gorgeousness! Makes me so excited to decorate my place for the holidays :)

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:28 p.m. VintageEye

the color does set the tone, doesn't it?
great article, thanks!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:28 p.m. CarryTheWord

I have to say I prefer the traditional red,and green, but the other choices are lovely also!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:28 p.m. MayaLee

Wow!
I love it!
So much inspiration!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:28 p.m. bijouxdellostregatto

Oh it's so hard to choose one color scheme!
Probably the first, with brown, because it's really innovative! (But I love also the classic red and green!!)

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:31 p.m. missindie

oooh pretty! thanks for the inspiration!
xo.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:33 p.m. TwistedCrystals

Great piece and selections! :)

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:35 p.m. craftaria

Jolly Traditional is the best!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:36 p.m. fantasymarks

All about the elegance here!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:36 p.m. monkeyandsquirrel

my husband and i just bought our first house... we've only been in it for a week now. i have no idea how we're going to decorate, but i can't wait to figure it out!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:36 p.m. KnitsForKids

Maybe one of these days I will not be clogged up so much by work and will actually have the time to decorate and bake for the Holidays as the pictures above inspire me to do. Personally, I love silver and white.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:37 p.m. sewlola

i love both color palettes but the Jolly Traditional is my favorite! ♥

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:37 p.m. UNAshop

traditional red and green, puts me in the mood for xmas!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:38 p.m. UNAshop

mmm were did my comment go??
well, red and green, puts in the mood!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:39 p.m. artstudio

Really elegant and makes me want to go shopping. Just love the Red Barn photo!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:40 p.m. wildsoul71

I like the jolly traditional colors. It reminds me of the magic of my childhood Christmases. Everything is bright and shiny and sparkling with excitement. I want to capture some of that wonderment for my kids, too.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:40 p.m. Exlibrisstudio

I really like your Soothing Elegance Color Scheme, but both are beautiful and very well choosen!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:40 p.m. BabbidgePatch

great inspiration photos ~ I'm partial to the red/green/gold/silver/white :)

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:43 p.m. lovelygifts

We love the red, green, white and gold color scheme. Especially lots of red with gold accents, white snow, brass ornaments, red bows.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:43 p.m. beckykazana

Ooh, I love them both, but this year we're celebrating in tropical Hawaii so I think luxe ivories are a better fit. Great post!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:44 p.m. tinybirdarts

I love the cheeriness of the second scheme, time for pumpkin pie!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:46 p.m. vivikas

Pretty!!
In my house the traditional reds,greens and browns set the mood for the holidays. :D

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:47 p.m. Artulia

gorgeous color palettes!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:47 p.m. ThePaperTray

Great article! I want to decorate now!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:48 p.m. willotoo

I'd like to see my home looking calm like the first palette but I'd get more excited Christmas shopping in the second palette.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:49 p.m. edor

I like the first one for my own space and the 2nd one to visit! Planning on "making over" shop to be a little more winter-y also!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:50 p.m. PettiBear

I love the natural color scheem the best-Colors: Brown, Beige, Cream, Gray-Green, Silver are totaly my colors

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:51 p.m. FrillyButts

I prefer jolly traditional. I think it is just more fun and festive! I can't wait to start decorating!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:51 p.m. emberdream

'Brown, Beige, Cream, Gray-Green, Silver'

I love the softness that these colors offer to a very spirited and joyful holiday. I would add a lot of silver and copper to bring out the warmth and inviting feel to the array. An accent of red would be touched throughout to bring out the festiveness along with the green as they would make a great combination.

This brings quite a bit of joy while still leaving many possibilities to the imagination of one's mind to create and experience their own holiday season.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:52 p.m. BLinkDesign

I love the SOOTHING EARTHY TONES!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:52 p.m. bastillebleu

Both are truly beautiful!! Its a difficult choice as Im really drawn to both color schemes for different reasons, but having to choose one... I'd have to go with the traditional red and green as it provides fond memories from years past.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:54 p.m. concentric

I am usually attracted to traditional holiday color schemes. Those vibrant colors are great eye-catchers and work well in almost any interior. I can see the neutral hues in an equally neutral, elegant interior. Mine's not one of those right now :)

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:54 p.m. SewnNatural

Beautiful!! Really inspirational, especially the soft earth tone palette. Thank you so much for including our balsam fir sachets!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:56 p.m. recycledwares

beautiful. i wouldn't of thought to put brown and silver together, but it looks fabulous.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:56 p.m. EleanorsDesigns

I personally prefer the soothing tones

Nov. 3, 2009 at 2:59 p.m. PoPkO

love the browns and grays for walls. i have a nice holiday accessory duo that has the red and green pallet mentioned above http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?... thanks for the links too!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 3:01 p.m. rumandrubies

Beautiful! I was actually discussing this dilemma with the hubby yesterday. Thank you for the inspiration!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 3:02 p.m. poppyswickedgarden

It's so funny my mother and I have clashing ideas of Christmas beauty! I love the big colorful 50s retro style decorations and my mom loves the classy silver and gold tones! They are both gorgeous though:)

Nov. 3, 2009 at 3:05 p.m. PoleStar

Pops of color seem so much more homey to me during the holidays, so I really prefer Red, Green, White, Silver, and Gold.

That picture of the barn in the snow dust covered furrows really sums up the holiday spirit to me.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 3:06 p.m. StaciesLoopholes

I really like a more elegant version of the traditional-- deep red, forest green, and silver. Yummm!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 3:06 p.m. StudioCherie

I love Vicki's inspiration boards. I hope this is going to be a regular feature!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 3:07 p.m. inspirationrecycled

I absolutely prefer to decorate with the more traditional palette of green, red, white, and gold for the winter holidays. It reminds me of childhood and of fun time, so I actually find it to be both soothing and cheerful. But the other, more subdued color scheme is also lovely, and I would be delighted to visit and friend and find his or her home decorated that way!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 3:13 p.m. oyster

I'm on team "soothing and elegant", but feel for team 'traditional'. It gets a bad rap because it is so easy to go 'garish' instead! :D I imagine a lot of us gravitate toward what we grew up with.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 3:15 p.m. CassiasGarden

Elegant, Elegant, Elegant.
That's my vote!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 3:17 p.m. notyourgrannyssquare

Beautiful work! Such great colors, awesome examples, and you gave us something to ponder when decorating. Thank you for your article.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 3:22 p.m. CAgoldbear

My colors the last few years have been a silky deep cranberry with a light chartreuse green. It's a big shift for me from the bright jewel tones I used before (purple, teal and gold).

Nov. 3, 2009 at 3:24 p.m. Sumikoshop

WONDERFUL.......
I love Colors: Brown, Beige, Cream, Gray-Green, Silver
so soft and relaxing...

Nov. 3, 2009 at 3:26 p.m. SaraBJewelry

the red barn photograph is just amazing! and i love the driftwood candle holders - simple and organic.

{i love to use the light blue, brick red and white combo at holiday time - a little unusual but very fun}

Nov. 3, 2009 at 3:33 p.m. baconsquarefarm

Great article, enjoyed looking at the pictures and appreciate the red barn picture surrounded by snow covered ground. I have fruit basket upset in my home at christmas, a bit of everything.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 3:36 p.m. BizzieLizzie

Oh, I love the traditional colors, but your choices other than - are eye catching as well! Great article!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 3:36 p.m. baconsquarefarm

Enjoyed the article twas a great read, old barn with snow covered ground caught my eye, since we live on a farm I suppose. We've got fruit basket upset in our home, splashes of various styles from retro to tradional with junk and antiques.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 3:36 p.m. simplyhue

Thanks for your kind comments, everyone! I'm enjoying reading them. :) You have some great ideas for holiday color schemes, too. I like the deep cranberrry with light chartreuse green. Very original!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 3:36 p.m. BizzieLizzie

Oh, I love the traditional colors of Christmas, but your non-traditional are eye catching as well! Love the article and depiction!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 3:38 p.m. baconsquarefarm

3rd times charm I hope, can't copy the text correctly. hmm.

Great article enjoyed all the pictures especially the red barn surrounded by snow.

Fruit basket upset is found in our home at Christmas many styles from modern to tradional with antiques and warmth.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 3:42 p.m. coolranchstudio

love this article - i definitely i lean towards traditional, but with a bit of a twist. i love metallics, :)

Nov. 3, 2009 at 3:44 p.m. livefunky

Beautiful! I love the color palette of the vintage ornament, those are the colors I'm drawn to this year.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 3:46 p.m. cozycottagecreations

These color schemes are breathtaking! Very inspiring! I have to say I love the browns - it's a surprising choice and you make it work so well. I do love a splash of gold at Christmastime - and a deep cranberry red as well!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 3:46 p.m. TheMissingThread

I love a combination of both! I go more to the elegant soothing colors though, and non traditional. The colors I use for my decorating are blues, greens, silvers, whites, creams, and golds, but I also love warm touches of cozy colors, like a red plaid blanket, or rich browns. It doesn't have to be one or the other. When done right, a mix of both is elegant and soft, plus warm and cozy!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 3:47 p.m. thecraftpantry

Sooo stunning!!!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 3:54 p.m. worksofwhimsy

I'm more of a traditional kind of gal, I guess. I collect vintage German decorations and our tree is decorated with a crowded hodge-podge of sentimental ornaments. Christmas just wouldn't be the same in all those neutral tones. I guess you could say, we're traditional inside the house, and soothing elegance outside, with the snow, bare birch trees and pines.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 3:59 p.m. VixVintage

We start out with the traditional colors red mainly then morph into the winter neutrals for a couple months. Thanks

Nov. 3, 2009 at 4:05 p.m. SimpleJoysPaperie

I enjoy so many styles and color schemes, I can't choose just one! I love the traditional red and green colors and so I decorate a tree with my kids (now grown) handmade school ornaments using those colors. I also decorate a tree with all kinds of early American and primitive ornaments made by my online primitive / folk art friends in shades of barn red, olive green, mustard, colonial blue, etc. And last but not least, I LOVE decorating a tree with white, ivory, cream, and tarnished silver! :)

Nov. 3, 2009 at 4:25 p.m. jibbyandjuna

This brings back good Christmas memories for me. My father is an artist and at Christmas the house became his project. He started with color and things went from there. We had a burgundy and silver Christmas with glittered papier mache fruit , a gold and yellow Christmas with birds and feathers, a purple and pink Christmas (it was the 70s), a brown and silver Christmas with pinecones and seashells. He never spent a huge amount of money because he recycled, re-used and re-made whatever was needed. This was just magical for me as a kid! He taught me that decorating should be fun because otherwise whats the point!

This year we will be doing woodland with sparkle.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 4:27 p.m. RedorGrayArt

I prefer a lot of whites with touches of red...I think it also depends on what region you live in...we have no snow so the white add to the feeling...I like clean simple ...your article was really well done by the way!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 4:28 p.m. thebestvintage

Really lovely!!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. sharonclancydesigns

So lovely and festive! Really stunning selections here!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 4:32 p.m. soule

I really like the driftwood candle holders...oh and that red barn!... very pretty selections!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 4:35 p.m. LethaColleen

Soothing Elegance...although I might try to work in a pale version of a maroon to the palette (if there is such a thing!) :)

Nov. 3, 2009 at 4:36 p.m. PuzzleBoBuzzles

I love the idea of using an inspiration photo. Beautiful.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 4:44 p.m. simplyhue

Wow, Jibby and Juna, your Christmas' sound so festive and memorable. Your Dad sounds super creative.

Letha Colleen, a pale maroon sounds gorgeous!

Thanks so much for your comments. :)

Nov. 3, 2009 at 4:47 p.m. paramountvintage

the red is so beautiful against the creme, white, and silver palette. GORGEOUS!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 4:55 p.m. MyMoms

Oh, how beautiful! Love the colors & the finds!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 4:55 p.m. SunshineandRavioli

They are both beautiful but my heart belongs to a traditional Christmas...

Nov. 3, 2009 at 4:57 p.m. revelry

While I really like the warmth, subtlety and elegance of the whites and beiges, I have to do the red and green thing at my house. My husband and kids would never let me get away with whites and beiges. *sigh*

Nov. 3, 2009 at 5:06 p.m. MilkpodStudio

Loving the first set of photos! Elegant Nature. These are exactly the colors I am drawn to this year...beiges, browns, golds & ivory. So soothing & toasty warm!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 5:20 p.m. TanyaMac

OoOh this article has arrived at just the right time - I'm designing some new bauble sets for christmas! Thanx Vicki! ;)*

Nov. 3, 2009 at 5:36 p.m. MilkpodStudio

Loving the first set of photos! Elegant Nature. These are exactly the colors I am drawn to this year...beiges, browns, golds & ivory. So soothing & toasty warm!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 5:39 p.m. odiliafu

Love the red, green and silver earthy tone colors. Dreaming of the scents of Christmas....

Nov. 3, 2009 at 5:43 p.m. BululuStudio

I like to celebrate the holidays with fun colors, vivid colors, and the rest of the year soothing. :D

Nov. 3, 2009 at 6:13 p.m. walkthetalk

I LOVE this article!! Color is so important~ My preferences are a rainbow mixture of traditional and jewel-toned colors for the kitchen and family room where lots of fun and laughter and activity occurs and then simply highlighting one of those colors (my favorite is red) and combining it with earth tones and hints of gold and silver for the rest of the home for the holidays.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 6:59 p.m. LoveAtFirstBlush

Oh wow, colour boards! We deal with colour stories at work everyday (I work as a fashion designer for my day job) and we look at colours on a daily basis. I must say I love the neutral tones of the first palette.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 7:05 p.m. ColorfulCasual

I always go back to good ol' red and green.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 7:38 p.m. blueskyclouds

I love white and silver. Or silver and another color. And sometimes just an offbeat color, like this:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Nov. 3, 2009 at 7:56 p.m. LisaFerinDesigns

I absolutely love some silver-grey accents for Christmas. So pretty with red especially. Beautiful picks.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 7:58 p.m. FluteTeacher

I like the traditional reds and greens and whites!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 8:04 p.m. DalkullanJewelry

I love the Christmas season! Such a wonderful time of year. I go with the traditional red and greens in decorating, I've got a lot of heirloom Christmas decorations from Sweden that I use.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 8:06 p.m. girltuesdayjewelry

I'll take both, please!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 8:34 p.m. 4TheSparrowsNest

Oh, this is such a fun article! I truly enjoyed reading it and viewing the lovely color collections. I am decorating my first home for the first time this holiday season, and I am definitely drawn to the sophisticated neutrals. Gorgeous!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 8:41 p.m. hooraydesignshop

Fabulous article, Vicki! I love the two color schemes you put together.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 8:52 p.m. NaturesCabinet

I am actually decorating this year in neutrals and metallics, so I would have to choose the first board. I love the traditional red too, that was last year...I always try to do a different color scheme than the previous year. A big thanks to Vicki for choosing my driftwood candle holders to be on your inspirational board!!!!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 9:29 p.m. revampedart

I love the feel of each of them, but I cannot live without contrast & splashes of bright colors, so I would pick the second one.

Thanks!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 9:29 p.m. MRSMKM

Hello Vicki,

Love the palettes you selected, your presentation. They are wonderful. For me, I'll go with the combination below, because it is simultaneously serene, modern yet antique, classy yet welcoming.

Colors: Brown, Beige, Cream, Gray-Green, Silver

Love the products you highlighted in both cases and I'll bet there are many more delightful etsy options that would be lovely as well.

Thank you so much for the inspiration,

Ardith

Nov. 3, 2009 at 9:43 p.m. breadandroses2

I deeply appreciate the interplay of subtle, natural tones but our very old house is rather dark in the winter (7 ft. ceilings) so color is essential to brighten things up. Discovered Pratt & Lamberts 'Gladsome' some years back at a clients home and this wonderfully soft & mellow shade of muted buttercream yellow did wonders lightening up the cave effect from low ceilings and regional leaden skies. It acts as a natural tone neutral yet has life. Color is essential!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 9:48 p.m. breadandroses2

Color! Though I deeply appreciate the subtle interplay of natural & neutral tones, our old house has 7 ft. ceilings and color is essential to lighten the cave effect when winter skies stay grey for days in this region. Holiday color need not be traditional, either.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 9:54 p.m. accentonvintage

Great color combination. great ideas!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 9:55 p.m. adVintagous

I love the idea of subtle colors for the holidays! Sometimes the red and green color combos can get a bit overwhelming. Maybe just a pop of red...

Nov. 3, 2009 at 10:29 p.m. lovejill

LOVE them both...but I gotta have a little red!

Nov. 3, 2009 at 11:31 p.m. eclipse

Lately I have been loving black, white & silver as a holiday color scheme. I saw this used a lot in a visit to The Netherlands in November 2006, and then by the next year (2007) the color scheme had made it to the USA and has been growing in popularity. Very graphic with lots of sparkle.

Nov. 3, 2009 at 11:34 p.m. astrarach81

okay christmas is one of my favourite times of year. it's an excuse for lots of baking, crafting & sharing love with my nearest and dearest. my boyfriend put his foot down four years ago when we first moved in together, insisting on buying a small live tree that could grow with us, and that has been the start of our xmas traditions. we DIY as many decorations that we can, with a new take each year, and although our little xmas tree may now be a stick in a pot (i know i'm terrible for killing it) we still get festive. that being said, i'm a sucker for bright red & green at christmas. it just screams YAYE at me as i get home.

Nov. 4, 2009 at 12:27 a.m. Iammie

Nice article and nice picked!

Nov. 4, 2009 at 12:30 a.m. ovgilliesdesigns

Gorgeous!

Nov. 4, 2009 at 1:45 a.m. eroa

Thank you! This article is very helpful. My shop showcases a variety of colors with half of my change purses in festive holiday colors while others are more representative of the fall and winter seasons.

Nov. 4, 2009 at 2:13 a.m. amoronia

Beautiful and classic color schemes!

Nov. 4, 2009 at 2:41 a.m. GgaBulShop

Awesome!!

Nov. 4, 2009 at 2:48 a.m. felicitycrew

I like both schemes! However, with grey painted walls in the living room I'll probably go for the second one this year.

Nov. 4, 2009 at 4:06 a.m. ohmiroir

To me Christmas has to be red!! Lovely items picked! x

Nov. 4, 2009 at 4:39 a.m. forgetmeknottreasure

For me it depends on the feeling of the year. If I want a more somber mood I use the icy hues of blues and silvers. A shimmery winter scene with the fireplace and snow outside.
If I want a more elegant warmth I use the warmth from deep red purples and gold. It is very inviting and the greens and reds of the holidays incorporate and play very well into it.

Nov. 4, 2009 at 5 a.m. BrianaEdelmanDesigns

Stunning! I love the subtle colors of the first palette, it's very calming, serene. Maybe because the second color scheme (to an extreme) is what I'm used to from growing up.

I'd go for the first palette with a little touch of red here and there.

Nov. 4, 2009 at 7:08 a.m. candythomasgourdart

Soothing and elegant has it for me.Love the picks.

Nov. 4, 2009 at 7:28 a.m. steinschmuckdesign

Wonderful!!

Nov. 4, 2009 at 7:45 a.m. OneClayBead

Both are beautiful and inspirational but I LOVE the cool pallette!

Nov. 4, 2009 at 7:45 a.m. craftpile

I like both choices, but my heart holds dear to the nostalgic. I love to collect vintage decor. It creates a warm cozy feeling and brings back cherrished memeories of when I was a child at Christmas time. Great article!

Nov. 4, 2009 at 7:49 a.m. MagicMarkingsArt

Such a wonderful and inspiring collection of color. Love the soft snow and cheerful reds! Kudos on another delightful collage of color my friend.

Nov. 4, 2009 at 7:51 a.m. craftpile

I love anything cute that brings back nostalgia. Warm fuzzies, childhood memories, cozy cottage, Christmas cheer. I always hope to create cherrished memories & traditions for my family.

Nov. 4, 2009 at 8:01 a.m. BlackStar

I love both themes. I change colors each year. Last year was green, blue and white with lots of fresh cut evergreens and pinecones from our property. I haven't decided what to do this year.
Whatever it is, we will be using LED holiday lights. Great energy saver!

Nov. 4, 2009 at 8:05 a.m. BlackStar

I forgot to add........I love Country Living's holiday books and Martha Stewarts holiday books. (and the holiday editions of their magazines). Lots of inspiration.

Nov. 4, 2009 at 8:46 a.m. zombuki

At my craft show last year I did my colors as lime green and magenta - a play off the traditional red and green - it went over really well!

Nov. 4, 2009 at 9:04 a.m. Princesseneige

The both are beautiful!
The first one make me tbhinking about the Flamish style, and the second about the Scandinavian.

Nov. 4, 2009 at 9:07 a.m. Bluebrooch

Decisions decisions. I love the vintage and "antique" feel of the elegant colour scheme but who does not adore the bright reds and greens of your childhood! Stick to one striking colour and you can still do an elegant X-mas... like all different hues of green!

Nov. 4, 2009 at 9:12 a.m. moonthroughfog

beautiful. I have decided for a white christmas this year

Nov. 4, 2009 at 9:18 a.m. QuiltFinger

Love the monotone Christmas, also a big fan of jewel tones and simple pairings like gold or silver with rich greens, blues, or cranberries. MMM! I wonderful season to decorate for!

Nov. 4, 2009 at 9:20 a.m. jewelrybyjackie

Soothing Elegance is definitely my style. The selections are just lovely. I am feeling inspired to redecorate for the holidays!!

Nov. 4, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. oldworldprimitives

I prefer the Jolly Traditional color scheme because it's so festive. I do really like the Soothing Elegance color scheme that you have put together as well too though - perhaps I will try a room in that palate this year!

Nov. 4, 2009 at 10:19 a.m. EpicBones

color schemes are a lot harder than they look! my boyfriend and i just painted our walls mustard yellow...not sure if i like it. maybe i just need accent accessories and things now?

Nov. 4, 2009 at 12:11 p.m. efran

Gosh, I don't know - I love them both!

Nov. 4, 2009 at 12:23 p.m. JourneyDesigns

I love, love, love the traditional colors! It reminds me of the magic of childhood and I want my own kids to have the same feeling. Although the other is really beautiful.

Nov. 4, 2009 at 12:39 p.m. foundling

I think I prefer the more subdued theme.

But I love that color palette generator!!!!!

Nov. 4, 2009 at 12:41 p.m. cricketapollo

Love the neutral scheme--what a good idea!

Nov. 4, 2009 at 12:48 p.m. VelveteenHabbit

Thank you so much for featuring my haeger pottery. I have so many greens and creams and am loving this look together with the browns of pine cones, twigs, rusty metal ornaments and metallic glimmers here and there. I was thinking that my pine cone assemblages go well in the brown ivory gray green palette as well. I definitely feel the brown green ivory and gray thing going. And funny it is all bountiful in nature right now. Just look outside-here in the midwest browns grays creams and shades of green red and rust predominate. Loved this piece!!!!
Cheryl at VelveteenHabbit@etsy.com

Nov. 4, 2009 at 12:51 p.m. voleurdebijoux

I love the soft white shades of winter...so lovely.

Nov. 4, 2009 at 2:06 p.m. katrinakatryn

I bought red,green and blue gray paper the other day, and the gray/silver really freshens up the traditional red and green. I also saw a combination of silver, white and purple - a bit different and very striking.

Nov. 4, 2009 at 5:10 p.m. posiesforlulu

Lovely! I am so excited! Christmas is almost here!

Nov. 4, 2009 at 5:23 p.m. MagnoliaFern

How can you pass up those beautiful bright reds and greens?! Traditional all the way!

Nov. 4, 2009 at 6:08 p.m. artwithallie

Love the colour/photographic inspiration boards!!
I too have always been a red & green traditional Christmas decorator.

Here in the fantastic land down under (Australia) it was 36c the other day...so definitely not thinking of snow!!

Nov. 4, 2009 at 7:09 p.m. riricreations

I can't choose~I love them both...I'm very eclectic. I use lots of live greenery in my home, and most of my holiday decor coordinates with the color of the room I use it in..., and I add in silver or gold to spice it up. The creations I sell in my shop range from whimsical to traditional and everything in between~even some decor, like my Blessing blocks that can be turned to the "every day" side and stay out all year long~lovely and practical too.

Nov. 4, 2009 at 7:51 p.m. RitualBath

Thank you so much for putting these color stories together. I so love the colors of the winter season, I almost can't wait to decorate.

Nov. 4, 2009 at 8:51 p.m. RSSDesignsInFiber

Though I have put my own color schemes together successfully for years now, I appreciate the advice in this article --

but I think that color scheme of Blue and White was left out and I have actually seen books about it -- it is popular in certain cultures and with certain people and it is one of the color schemes of americana and french country decor.

Just a suggestion from my little corner!!

Nov. 4, 2009 at 10:14 p.m. jbeaudet

These are gorgeous! I can't wait for the holidays!

Nov. 5, 2009 at 3:28 a.m. polkadotsandblooms

This article is very inspirational. Thinking of it I've been included brown into my seasonal colour scheme for a long time. However, I think this occurs rather on an subconscious level due to my ongoing desire to reflect a natural element in my christmas decoration.

Nov. 5, 2009 at 12:41 p.m. cassidycay

I love this! Absolutely gorgeous! I can hardly wait to start decorating.

Nov. 5, 2009 at 1:07 p.m. congcongdesign

Red.absolute red.nice pick here.

Nov. 5, 2009 at 1:42 p.m. ornamentsbydeb

Great article - color makes such a difference in the mood!

At our house, we tend to use a mix of many colors, since we have hand-painted ornaments and those made by our kids and grandkids through the years. A "homey" feel is what I go for! I do use a lot of gold and deep red as a constant theme, though.

As far as sellers go, blue, purple and black and white are becoming more popular, as well as the traditional!

Nov. 5, 2009 at 4:45 p.m. BaldiBearART

I have got my dose of inspiration thanks, now i'm off to create ... thanksfor great article

Nov. 5, 2009 at 7:55 p.m. whyte

I love lots of white at Christmas, adding the traditional red and green accents.

Nov. 6, 2009 at 9:51 a.m. designlab443

What is this mess right above me, and really... they had to post the same thing 3 times!

Any who... I love christmas!, I love christmas!,I love christmas! I am ready to start making my holiday gifts.

Nov. 6, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. ShellingSailfish

I love all the reds!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 1:31 p.m. ShellingSailfish

I love all the Reds! Very Festive!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 3:04 p.m. JeannineRobertsRoyce

There is no limit to what can be considered for holiday. I used turquoise and watermelon in illustration for this holiday card.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Nov. 7, 2009 at 9:59 a.m. OwlandMouse

That's a hard decision, but I love the addition of gray with the traditional colors!

Nov. 7, 2009 at 1:18 p.m. BlueCrushBeads

Im so glad I came across this article before I started my Holiday Crafting, Its taught me to try step away from the traditional bright red and green, think outside the box, love it!!! Thanks a million!!

Nov. 7, 2009 at 3:03 p.m. theninestories

Thanks for featuring our cabin . woodgrain . fireplace glasses!
Great article. I am so excited to start decorating this year. When can I begin!!

Nov. 8, 2009 at 5:57 a.m. mgilinfo

gorgeous.

Nov. 10, 2009 at 3:55 a.m. CecilBobby

Beautiful. I"m more partial to calm and sparse, clean lines and simplicity. This is a great article.

Nov. 14, 2009 at 12:55 a.m. MoonstarGifts

Love the photos! Love this season:)

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