Welcome to my traditional, cozy Christmas living room filled with plaid accents. This year I’m completely smitten with tartan and had to bring it into our holiday decor.
Decorating this space for our second Christmas in this home has been so much fun. Last year was a learning curve—figuring out how our existing pieces would work here and purchasing a few items to fill in gaps. I even bought a new tree for this room last year, so it felt great to simply lift it from the attic and dress it up this season.
Each year I try to settle on a subtle theme to guide my holiday decorating. After falling for red-and-green plaid last year—starting with a plaid duvet in the bedroom—I kept finding plaid pieces that inspired more. That led to picture frames, ribbon, and a full tartan look that felt right for our home.
LIVING ROOM SOURCES: Christmas tree; red tartan ribbon; plaid wrapping paper; green wrapping paper; Frame TV and seasonal art; antelope pillow covers; round wooden tray; firewood basket; sectional sofa (twill, parchment); favorite jeans, boots and sweater.
The plaid ribbon gives the room a warm, lodge-like feel that suits our navy walls and the large, comfortable sectional where our family spends most evenings. I wanted the tree to echo that cozy vibe: traditional, nostalgic, and relaxed.
A little secret: many years I decorate the main tree the way I envision it for photos, then the kids add our sentimental ornaments afterward. This year the tartan ribbon and our family ornaments felt like a natural match, so I left the tree dressed in our personal favorites. I also added a few signature ornaments I use each season, like a golden deer and gold mercury glass baubles I found last year.
To dress the tree a bit more, I tucked in blue-and-gold berry stems for contrast, but kept the overall look casual and approachable. The tartan ribbon remains the star, tying the tree to the rest of the room’s decor.
MANTEL SOURCES: Christmas tree; red tartan ribbon; plaid and green wrapping paper; Frame TV art; round wooden tray; firewood basket; birch logs; mantel greenery; vintage-inspired rug; hanging bells; white stockings; fair isle glass trees; brass star figure; storage ottoman.
I tied the plaid ribbon into bows throughout the mantel greenery. Bows instantly make mantel decor feel more festive. This year I hung the garland slightly off-center—cascading to the left—then added a few brass hanging bells on that side for a nostalgic touch.
By the fireplace I replaced an old galvanized bucket with a woven basket for holding birch logs—small changes like that help the room feel cohesive and updated while keeping the comfortable, familiar atmosphere we love.
The view you see when you step through the front door is one of my favorites. I swapped one console basket for a large dough bowl filled with pine cones, gold ornaments and pomegranate stems—a simple vignette that feels seasonal without being fussy.
CONSOLE TABLE SOURCES: Console table; white and brass lamps; console baskets; plaid and sherpa pillow covers; pillow insert; dough bowl; wood chain decor; coffee table books; plaid picture frames.
A peek of plaid from a pillow tucked into a basket brings a playful hint of pattern to the entry, and a plaid picture frame on the console repeats the theme. Cozy textures like sherpa and velvet make the room feel inviting during colder months.
I also added new artwork in the alcove between the living room and entry. A winter abstract with berry tones ties the navy living room to the nearby green powder room and will live there through the winter months. It’s subtle, seasonal, and ties the room’s palette together beautifully.
My bookshelves are another favorite spot for holiday touches. I added a simple nativity scene with twinkle lights, swapped in plaid frames, and set out a reversible “Merry Christmas” sign. Most of the shelving items stay year-round, which makes seasonal swaps quick and impactful.
Tiny surprises—like a peek-a-boo Santa tucked among other items—bring smiles and keep the shelves playful and warm.
BOOKSHELF SOURCES: plaid frames; storage boxes; faux fern; unpainted nutcracker; Merry Christmas sign; green books; pinecone bookends.
I changed the tree base this year by layering a basket-style tree collar over a beloved plaid tree skirt—simple, layered styling that looks charming even when presents are piled on top.
From the bookshelves looking toward the sectional, I layered older plaid pillows with new green velvet ones for depth and texture. A few faux trees sit simply beside the mirror for balance and height.
LIVING ROOM SOURCES (condensed): red tartan ribbon; plaid wrapping paper; antelope pillow covers; midnight blue and plaid pillows; green velvet pillows; round wooden tray; sectional sofa; tabletop trees in woven baskets; white and brass lamps; storage ottoman.
Decorating can feel uncertain at times—I often pull things out, step back, and make changes over a few weeks until it feels right. I even tried a different ribbon on the tree at first and reworked it before committing to the tartan. I’m so glad I stayed true to the cozy, nostalgic vision: family ornaments plus tartan ribbon created the warm, homey look I wanted.
When a decorating idea comes together, it’s such a joy to live with it through the season and watch the room fill with holiday moments. Thank you for sharing this cozy holiday tour with me—wishing you and your family a blessed and peaceful Christmas season.
xo, Laura
See my Christmas trees from past years:
- Green & Blue Plaid Christmas Tree
- Blush & Brass Christmas Tree
- Flocked Plaid Christmas Tree
- Navy & Green Farmhouse Christmas Tree
- Navy Buffalo Check and Turquoise Christmas Tree
- Flocked Farmhouse Christmas Tree
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