Bridging the gap between holiday and spring decor

For those of us residing in states that feature all four seasons, and for those of us in WI that experience a longer than average winter season- it can be a bit of a shock to take down the holiday decorations and be expected to immediately replace them with tulips and all things spring. I felt especially disoriented by the abrupt transition at Bath and Body Works. I do not want to put away my cranberry and evergreen candles and replace them with lilacs and cherry blossoms while the snow gathers outside my window for the next three months. We need a better transition from all that glitters to “almost summer” to ward off the seasonal depression many experience due to short white days and long cold nights. So here’s what I’m packing up and here’s what I’m putting out to bridge the gap.

White ceramics always feel New Year fresh

Holiday decorating for me leans more towards maximalism than minimalism. I start with a few favorite pieces and add in Christmas cards as they come in the mail and sprigs of pine and holly as I unpack ornaments until my bakers rack is almost overflowing. The new year is a great time to strip an entire shelf or cabinet and give it a do over. One way to create a clean winter look is to decorate using all one color of dishes. White feels especially fresh.

This display at Urban Evolution in Appleton features items for sale but it would be an equally charming way to show off your collection of ceramics in your home.

Embrace pillows that are still winter but not holiday

I ordered these vintage inspired pillow covers on RedBubble a few years ago. Then I matched the smaller ski pillows off Wayfair. Skiing is still very much a winter activity but the primary colors in these don’t scream- Christmas! They are a lot less holiday feeling then a red buffalo check or even a pillow with evergreen trees so they make sprucing up the sofas in January feel like a refresh.

Frosty garlands

I personally think the greenery and little lights you can deck out your house with should stay up after the holidays. At least through the dreariness of February. I also came here to say I forgot how cool pine cones in big glass hurricane jars were as a transitional decoration. It’s clean and sculptural in a way that perfectly embodies “January” to me!

You can add your spring decor in gradually

Yellow is a vibrant spring color but this arrangement feels more seasonally neutral. It’s a chance to start putting some Easter decor out early without the jellybeans and bunny rabbits. A light pink is also a transitional winter shade that works nicely with the upcoming Valentine Day holiday.

I have a few decorations I always hesitate to put away, including this bird nest that stayed out for winter and got a touch of snow. It will be ready to be revamped once I see some melting and sunshine around here. Usually by March, when we host our friends for corned beef and cabbage, I get excited for the first signs of spring and the greening of the yard. It also signals the time when our 3-season room becomes a part of the house again. Until then I am going to embrace the restorative vibe of the winter months and not be in such a hurry to rush to greener pastures. They will be here soon enough!