How to take traditional holiday style and reinvent the decorative wheel for a party setting that pays tribute to the tropics.
 

Classic architecture and contemporary furnishings may not sound like soulmates, but they’re a match made in heaven in Julia Williamson and Eric Nuttall’s 5,400-square-foot home, located in Toronto’s Lytton Park neighbourhood. Designer Jennifer Reid’s blend of styles provides the perfect backdrop for the daring infusion of colourful modern elements that reflect the homeowners’ fun lifestyle. When it comes to Christmas, the couple, along with their two-year-old son, Jackson, (pictured below), loves nothing more than decorating their home and spending quality time with family and friends.

And while some would see their fresh interior as befitting a traditional holiday aesthetic, the fearless couple has no problem making an unexpected statement instead. The home’s vibrant textiles and clean-lined silhouettes perfectly complement a more eclectic (read: tropical) approach to celebrating the season. Here’s how you can follow suit and embrace the unconventional for your next festive party. Once you witness your guests’ reactions, you won’t look back!

 

1 Make a splash: Stir things up at your holiday party by serving a signature drink that speaks to your unique decorating theme. Not only will it help bring a little pizzazz to your bar cart, but the attention to detail is sure to impress guests.

 

2 Think beyond red & green: Not every interior suits the typical holiday palette. Instead of fighting your home’s existing colour scheme, run with it. Here, statement-making dining chairs backed with lush turquoise velvet anchor the fresh table setting, which includes matching glasses and a bold botanical table runner (it’s actually a strip of graphic wallpaper!).

 

3 Go south: In lieu of evergreen sprigs, establish a more international flavour for your tablescape with natural elements like tropical fruit. Fragrant satsuma tangerines, their stems and leaves left on, add a hit of colour and greenery to each plate while eschewing the expected holiday decor.

 

4 Use flower power: The flowers that take centre stage on your dining table should be an expression of you, not just the season. Whether it’s hydrangeas, tulips or calla lilies that give you joy, create true-to-you arrangements for a one-of-a-kind scheme. In the dining room, unexpected bouquets of fiery orange garden roses with sprigs of seasonal berries give off a festive feel while still complementing the room’s contemporary finishes. What’s more, you’ll love looking at them long after the party ends.

 

5 Pace yourself: Your Christmas party doesn’t necessarily need a big dolled-up evergreen. A unique interior makes enough of a statement on its own, so try not to go over the top with the details. A few eclectic ornaments are more than enough.

 

6 Let it all hang out: You may have to get creative with your decorative accents to achieve your novel style. Try swagging lengths of ribbon between groupings of baubles on your fireplace mantel to echo a traditional garland and underscore your seasonal scheme.

7 Keep it simple: Less decoration means more room for mingling (and dancing!). The living room’s year-round palette was easily enhanced for the season with the addition of a few wrapped gifts, some strategically hung ribbon and sweet arrangements of flowers and fruit.