Decking the halls MNN style: 2012 edition

With the imminent illumination of America's most famous Christmas tree — or at least the only one that warrants a Justin Bieber concert — it's a good a time as any to start bedecking your home with seasonal cheer.

Wed, Nov 28 2012 at 10:30 AM

Related Topics:

Green Design, Christmas

Photo: David Gallagher/Flickr

This evening, the more than 30,000 LED lights adorning the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, an 80-foot-tall Norway spruce from Jersey christened by Mariah Carey (shocker!) among others, will officially be flipped to the on position. And after a rough start, the national Christmas tree will also be illuminated in Washington, D.C., in a little more than a week. That said, if you prefer to align your own tree trimming and hall decking activities with the lighting of massive public evergreens, I’d say it’s now socially acceptable to blast Mannheim Steamroller (ugh) and go to town (or not) with the tinsel.

As in past years, I’ve been on the prowl for seasonal accoutrements that I think will inject a bit of holly-jolly-ness to any home. The emphasis, as always is on the handmade, the unique, and the eco-friendly — not the chintzy made-in-China stuff that will only last a couple of seasons before being crushed and/or eaten by the cat.

I’m also fully aware that the best kind of holiday décor — be it bedazzled hosiery or bedecked shrubbery — is the homemade kind. I have fond memories of some rather experimental macramé and clothespin trinkets crafted by my mom in the ‘70s along with my own preschool-era creations. However, but if you’re too swamped to break out the red and green pipe cleaners and glue gun for a zesty yuletide crafting session, holiday decorations and housewares designed and made with care by somebody else are a fine substitute.

So please, check out my holiday embellishment picks for this year. And at the bottom of the page, I've included my favorite Christmas tune to help get you in the mood if need be. Because nothing says Xmas like a lovelorn George Michael wearing various scarves.

Felt Ball Wreath in White @ West Elm ($39- $59)

Holiday Card Wreath @ VivaTerra ($38)

Rampli Deer Ornament @ Wolfum ($22)

Horrible Holiday Hooligans by Sebastian Reymers Design @ Etsy ($15 - Axe, Torch, and Saw available)

Happy Holldays Door Mat by Reed Wilson @ American Design Club ($50)

Leg Lamp Organic Cotton Tea Towel by Oh, Little Rabbit @ Supermarket ($10)

Stackable Snowmen by fruitsuper @ American Design Club ($44)

Mason Jar Ornament @ Terrain ($12)

Porcelain Nail Ornament by Pigeon Toe Ceramics @ Uncommon Goods ($25)

Reclaimed Sail Stocking by Katherine Rasmussen @ Branch ($47 - $49)

Reclaimed Metal Farm Pig Ornament @ Bambeco ($13)

Tree Tops by Karl Zahn @ Areaware ($12)

Advent Tea Party Calendar @ Donkey Products (€24.95)

Jonathan Adler Relief Menorah @ Jonathan Adler ($68)

Moose Doorbell Chime @ Daytrip Society ($28)

Mistletoe General Store Candle @ Terrain ($25)

Related on MNN: Check out this year's MNN holiday gift guide

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