The Real Chic Life

First, I’m excited to announce the winner of our Ralph Lauren giveaway- Jessica Waites! Congrats, please email therealchiclife@gmail.com to claim your prize.

Thanks to everyone who entered, we loved reading all of the charming ways that our readers make their homes feel like the holidays. We’ll be announcing another exciting giveaway on Tuesday!

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I wanted to build on some of the amazing comments we received on the Ralph Lauren giveaway about preparing our homes for the holidays. The truth is the holiday season can be joyful, but it can also feel overwhelming to match the high bar that’s been set by social media. Everywhere you look there are trends, themes, and endless inspiration. But the most stylish holiday homes aren’t the ones with the most décor—they’re the ones with a clear point of view.

An effortlessly chic home only needs a signature that makes your space warm, personal, and distinctly yours.

Here are elegant, intentional ways to add signature touches to your holiday home that stand out beautifully without ever feeling overdone.

1. Start With a Signature Scent

Scent sets the emotional tone of your space. It’s the first thing guests notice and the easiest way to create a cohesive holiday atmosphere.

How to Make It Yours:

Choose one candle or diffuser that becomes your holiday staple. This year I’ve selected Nest Holiday as my signature home scent. The scent makes me feel nostalgic and happy, and it’s usually easy to find on sale. If you need more inspiration for your home’s scent, check out our recent post on the best luxury holiday candles. But great holiday candles are available at every price point. Once you have your holiday scent, layer it by placing the same scent in key zones: entryway, living room, and near the tree. Create a simple ritual: light your signature candle every evening at the same time to mark the start of “holiday mode.”

Your home becomes instantly recognizable by this warm, cozy aromatic signature.

2. Add a Botanical Element You Repeat Every Year

Greenery brings life into your home and instantly makes your décor feel elevated. I love a garland on my mantle and staircase. Here are some other signature ideas:

• A specific type of wreath (magnolia, cedar, eucalyptus)
• A single floral arrangement you recreate each December
• A bowl of cloved oranges, pomegranates, or fresh evergreen cuttings.

Repeating the same natural element each year becomes a charming tradition.

3. Choose a Color Accent That Defines Your Aesthetic

You don’t need a rigid theme—but having one color that appears throughout your décor creates a chic sense of continuity.

Signature Color Examples:

• Forest green with brass
• Cream with warm wood
• Burgundy with champagne gold
• Navy with matte black accents

Use your accent color sparingly but consistently: in ribbon, candle holders, textiles, or even your gift wrap.

 4. Curate One Statement Moment

Every chic holiday home has a “hero” visual. It doesn’t have to be extravagant—just intentional.

Ideas:

• A beautifully styled mantle
• A wreath gallery wall
• A dramatic floral centerpiece
• A decorated console table in the entryway
• A candlelit window

5. Display One Sentimental Touch

The chicest homes always weave in emotion—tastefully and subtly.

Sentimental but Stylish Touches:

• Frame old family holiday photos in matching frames
• Display a favorite ornament in a glass cloche
• Incorporate handmade items from children or grandchildren in one curated spot
• Showcase vintage pieces that tell a story

These add soul without clutter. Or consider incorporating a personalized detail like:

• A custom family crest displayed subtly on a stocking tag, ornament, or framed print (you can have an artist design your family crest on Etsy. I did this for my wedding and it included some meaningful symbols and an image of our dog.)
• A monogrammed tree skirt
• A wax seal on your wrapped gifts
• Giving your home a name and incorporating it into your décor (My kids and I came recently came up with Wellington Row for our home and I love the idea of using “Winter on Wellington Row”)
• A custom holiday playlist you play every year

These elevated details feel bespoke and thoughtful.

6. Create a Signature Kitchen Moment

The kitchen is the heart of the home during the holidays—give it its own signature touch like:

• A beautifully styled hot cocoa tray
• A citrus simmer pot that becomes your December ritual
• A holiday tea station with pretty jars and ribbon
• A festive cake stand with seasonal treats

7. Keep One Tradition That’s Uniquely Yours

A signature touch can be as simple as one thing you always do.

Examples:

• Lighting the tree every morning for a few quiet minutes
• Baking the same nostalgic recipe on a specific day
• Hosting a candlelit night once a week in December

Chic homes are built on meaningful rituals—not just décor.

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Signature touches aren’t about following trends—they’re about creating a holiday environment that feels curated, warm, and unmistakably your own.

Whether it’s a signature scent, a specific ribbon, a botanical moment, or a sentimental detail, the beauty lies in repeating these choices year after year. That’s how traditions are born—and how your holiday home becomes part of your family’s story.

Xo, Courtney