Forget overboard glitz! A sprinkling of holiday flourishes is all you need to celebrate the season in style.

There is nothing quite like the joy of decorating for the holidays. Yet unbridled enthusiasm when decking the halls can sometimes lead to seasonal over-kill – you know that feeling you get when you’re walking through a Christmas shop instead of your own home? This Toronto abode shows how designer Orsi Panos gets the balance right when festooning festively without going over-board. Hint: use plenty of natural greenery, enhance items you already own and repeat, repeat, repeat.

Faux Real

Photography: Valerie Wilcox

“For the staircase, I chose an artificial green garland as the foundation because it keeps its structure, then I enhanced it with real branches,” says designer Orsi Panos. “Real branches are easy to add, impart a natural look and can be replaced if they dry out during the long holiday season.” A natural woven ribbon furthers the real feel and its gold trim has subtle seasonal glitz. The stockings are purposely not red. “I specifically chose white knit stockings, an untraditional look, to add a warm and casual holiday vibe to the staircase.”

All Natural

Photography: Valerie Wilcox | DESIGN, Orsi Panos, Orsi Panos Interiors. BOWLS, PLATES, HomeSense.

Orsi tempered the sparkly effect of the Fraser fir tree by opting for a more pared-back tabletop arrangement. “Vases of fresh fir and cedar branches – these we snipped from the backyard – augmented with fresh floral stems can set the holiday feel.”

Old Favourites

Photography: Valerie Wilcox

“You don’t have to rush out and buy everything new to create a beautiful table setting,” says Orsi, who likes to rely on her clients’ existing collections to make holiday magic. Here, she elevated the homeowners’ classic crystal stemware and everyday white dishware with a mix of materials and finishes, including softly textured placemats and showstopper mugs. “Look through your cupboards and see what works together in unexpected ways. That’s how I came across these copper beauties that layer in the festive sparkle every holiday table needs,” says Orsi. Note the fun substitution for napkin rings: an ornament take-home gift.

Festive Flourishes

Photography: Valerie Wilcox | CABINETRY, SHELF, Olympic Kitchens. Grey and white BACKSPLASH TILES, Surfaces & Co. Island STOOLS, Gresham House. PENDANT LIGHT, RH.

“Kitchens get a lot of use during the holidays, so I like to sprinkle in a bit of decor, but I always remain mindful that clients need space for baking and cooking. Hanging a wreath on the exhaust hood is a beautiful solution because it’s out of the way but also at eye level so everyone will see it when gathering around the kitchen island. I used a suction cup to secure it.”

In the Details

Photography: Valerie Wilcox

Orsi peppered the kitchen counter and shelves with arrangements of fresh greenery but kept them small – they have a cheery impact yet won’t get in the way of holiday baking and meal prep.

Bar Service

Photography: Valerie Wilcox | Chair CUSHION, HomeSense.

“A designated coffee bar and drink station is always a good idea for holiday entertaining, people can help themselves as they wish,” says Orsi. “Pretty touches, such as fresh cedar greenery under a plate of oranges, the warm glow of a candle, and greens draped over artwork can go a long way in creating a lovely holiday mood.”

Decorate & Repeat

Photography: Valerie Wilcox | BAR TABLE, Vintage Fine Objects.

The kitchen’s bay window is a testament to the power of design continuity. A simple wreath is in step with the fresh greenery found throughout the home and becomes a festive focal point thanks to the ingenious display beneath it: wrapped gifts positioned beneath a wicker bar table of fresh herbs.

Double Up

Photography: Valerie Wilcox | Blue ARMCHAIR, back CUSHION, Gresham House. TREE CUSHION, HomeSense. SIDE TABLE, Penney & Co. DRAPES, Night and Day Window Coverings. RUG, Decor Hut.

It’s easy to imagine sipping eggnog in this cozy corner that’s actually in the kitchen’s reading nook. Orsi set the scene with two small faux trees staggered to add a bit of height. “I trimmed them with a mix of ornaments in warm metals and whites to complement the home’s decor,” she says. “The varied sizes and shapes make it feel like the ornaments were collected over time.”