A Grandmillennial Decorates For Christmas

If there is one thing a Grandmillennial loves more than wicker and needlepoint, it is styling their home for the season. As we start to deck the halls of the Hamlin house I realize my love for traditional decor extends beyond our day-to-day furnishings and is found in our boxes of Christmas treasure. A hallmark of “Grandmillennial Style” is individuality with pieces lovingly collected to tell a story and set a scene. What better way to do this than through an accumulation of themed treasures that are a result of what is practically socially sanctioned hoarding? While a Grandmillenial doesn’t follow a formula per se – her style is more instinctual – the basic elements of this aesthetic in any given situation to which I lovingly subscribe can be boiled down to the following: traditional textiles, quintessential themes, classic finishes, nostalgia, and a touch of whimsy. Whether you consider yourself a Grandmillennial and regularly check the box of every category I just listed, or you’re just thinking about dabbling a bit this holiday season, here are some selections that could get even the grinchiest Scrooge into the spirit.

Traditional Textiles

Chances are that a Grandmillennial decorating for Christmas is mad for plaid and punctuating her trappings with festive needlepoint and embroidery. If she’s a GM (Grandmillennial) to the core, she is personally responsible for that handiwork. Otherwise, a casual needlepoint lover like myself relies on the talents of others. We’ve had our Land’s End stockings for years and they cheerful additions to our mantle. Usually we are busting out our tree skirt right about now but this year we are trying a woven tree collar to keep the cats away from the water.

Quintessential Themes

Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate all maner of decorating this time of year. I thoroughly enjoy seeing others be creative and live their seasonal dreams. Not to mention the chance to see how those of different faiths celebrate and honor their special holidays. In any setting, a GM will be inclined to include quintessential themes within her design with enough editing that it doesn’t go overboard. At a beach house, you might find Audubon waterbird prints as an homage to her seaside setting. On the countryside, equestrian and botanical motifs are likely suspects. And a for a GM celebrating Christmas you’ll see mangers, nutcrackers, rocking horses, Santas, angels, wreaths and greenery galore.

Classic Finishes

“Silver and gold, silver and gold … on every Christmas tree. ” as sung by Sam the Snowman in the iconic 1964 Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer. And you know what goes great with blue and white porcelain? Why red and green of course! Throw some mixed balsam and a spray of winter berries in that ginger jar. Plant an amaryllis in your cache pot. Nestle some poinsettias in a foot bath. While you’re at it, set the table with your Christmas china. If you’re a Grandmillennial, the odds are good that you have Christmas china. If you’re not, the odds are good you think we’re crazy for having a set of plates we use for just one holiday season. But just wait till you find out that it’s only one set out of our multiple that were “steals/toogoodtopassup/whowouldgetridofthis/perfectforvalentinesday” impulse buys at our local thrift store.

Nostalgia

I would be surprised to see the GM decorate her Christmas tree in anything but a collection of meaningful ornaments that represent travel, accomplishments, loved ones, and cherished memories. Though if she errs on the more edited side of the spectrum of GMs perhaps she has a themed tree with a cohesive decorative vision versus an accumulated mess of baubles ranging from macaroni crusted pre-school creations to Waterford snowflakes. I love to decorate the girls’ rooms with a little touch of the holiday so this year we’ve got a ceramic light up Christmas tree coming to our house. If you’re wanting to settle into Nostalgiaville this season, pick up an ornament (or 10) that mean something to you. This precious station wagon stood out to me because it reminds me of my mom’s iconic woodie style Buick she drove for most of our childhood. Speaking of my mom, I have her to thank for my taste in Christmas movies and music. It just isn’t Christmas until I hear the score from Charlie Brown and It’s a Wonderful Life can’t be beat.

A Touch of Whimsy

For all her appreciation of tradition, the Grandmillenial isn’t stuffy – she’s fun! And she’ll put a jaunty Santa hat on a Staffordshire dog to prove it! If that sounds right up your alley, or you know someone who’d love it, the WillaHeart print below would be a perfect gift. Speaking of Santa hats, I love having them lying around to add to the Christmas spirit. An easy way to incorporate whimsy into your seasonal decor is through ornaments. A deviled egg was the perfect gift for one of our favorite couples with whom the deviled egg love runs deep. While quintessential motifs abound and there are plenty of reindeer, elves, and nutcrackers on my tree, there’s always room for quirky fun!