We recently had the very fabulous Lauren Rivietz tell us how to keep your cool while planning the perfect party this holiday season. Which got us thinking about our own holiday parties and how we were going to bring some personality and flavour to the season. We already discussed the quintessential dinnerware and table setting for the holidays, but there is so much more when it comes to creating an atmosphere and evoking that homey, comfortable feeling. 

We collected some of the best ideas out there to help inspire this year. Whether it's DIY or some fabulous pieces to collect and bring out every year, here's what we're coveting this season:  

Spread the cheer with these items:

1. Zara Home Red Bobble Crown (C$35.90)

2. Anthropologie Bottlebrush Tree (US$68.00-88.00)

3. Anthropologie Felted Owl Garland (US$48.00)

4. Firefly String Lights (US$28.00)
 
5. Zara Home Pine Cone Christmas Candle (C$25.90)

6. Holiday Skating Boot Stocking (C$14.99, at Canadian Tire)

7. Zara Home Wooden Twigs Christmas Candle Holder (C$16.90)

8. West Elm Sisal Bird Ornaments (C$6.71- 8.95)

9. 8 Inch Reindeer Stocking Holder (C$14.42, at Walmart)

10. 50 LED Snowflake Light Set (C$16.93, at Walmart)

DIY Décor Ideas:

Build an advent calendar: they look amazing, but they don't have to take an amazing amount of work. Personalize it to your tastes and your family's personality. 


(images via youaremyfave.com, lamaisondeloulou.com)

Place settings and cards: bring some of the outdoors in with these spruced up place cards. 


(image via spoonforkbacon.com) 

Make your own garland: with a vintage, retro vibe to them, these are sweet and bring fun to any occasion. 


(images via this-is-glamorous.tumblr.com, brit.co) 

Holiday palette flowers: not just a summer décor item, flowers in a holiday palette give life to a space.


(images via sundaycrush.com, pinterest.com) 

DIY centrepieces: creating a centrepiece that looks like a million bucks doesn't have to cost it. Try using sugar in a vase to look like snow. Use ornaments in a palette of themed colours and simple, seasonal fruits or veggies. 


(images via bhg.com, sugartotdesigns.blogspot.ca) 

Mini tree: Having a huge Christmas tree isn't always practical for small spaces. Try a mini tree and decorate it- super cute! 


(image via bhg.com)
 
What are your holiday decorating plans this year?