Ok, I’ll admit it. I’m usually a get my Christmas decor up December 23 type of girl. I don’t know why the holidays always seem to sneak up on me. But this year is entirely different! Not only is the Loft fully decked out {on December 1st no less}, but this year I did my very best to create the ultimate yuletide feeling. Though I did have a bit of an incentive!

As promised, today we’re revealing the entire holiday setting we styled for Martha Stewart Living! I’m so excited to share all the details and how you can achieve this lush look at home.

There are just a few key pieces that we kept in mind to create the cozy-chic look I was going for. Here’s all you really need to mimic this festive feeling: a tree, garland, wreath and table {a cuddly lab like Bailey is a bonus!}. Let’s break each component of the decor down, starting with the tree…

I wanted to create a neutral and monochromatic color palette to let the tree itself really shine {yes, it is faux and pre-lit but you wouldn’t know. I’m officially a convert!}. To do so, we chose metallic ornaments in the bronze, gold and copper family that added just the right amount of sparkle while not taking away from the 9-footer!

To avoid dragging endless boxes of faux garlands and Christmas baubles out of storage right before leaving for Australia, I used {mostly!} fresh trimmings, including a pine garland and even live flowers in the tree! Succulents and seasonal greens were dotted in the gaps of the tree to really amp up the unique factor. I must say, I now want to add succulents to every single one of my Christmas trees- I love their graphic shape and how their dusty color added such an interesting modern touch.

As for the fresh garland, I called on a friend {and professional!} to string us a beautiful 6-foot garland that we draped asymmetrically on the fireplace {using 3M hooks and wire for easy removal once the season is over!}. However, if you’re the DIY kind of gal, there are great tutorials out there to guide you through making your own. A fresh garland is worth its beauty in gold. It dries beautifully and will last you straight into the New Year! I love highlighting the fireplace with such a dramatic touch- it really is the statement maker. That meant that the rest of the mantle decor could be kept simple. Some mismatched brass candle holders for the must-have candlelight and a simple golden-hued wreath that I snagged a few years back watches over it all {I really like this wreath too!}.

With the tree up and the mantle set, you can’t forget about the rest of the room. I love the idea of throwing a romantic indoor holiday picnic for two. It’s the perfect way to make Christmas Eve feel a bit more special, especially if it’s just two of you home for the holiday {or as a special private moment once everyone else has gone to bed!}. I’m often missing family around this time of year and spending quality alone time with your other half really makes up for it.

I set the scene by spreading a linen over our coffee table {I used a metallic linen for a hint of sparkle!}, laid out some chunky blankets and brought the pillows that are usually on the couch down to the floor. No fancy dinner is necessary – I would serve up a champagne-infused cocktail {our next cocktail recipe is coming soon!} with your favorite desserts {any of these delectable treats would do nicely}.

As I shared with my holiday tabletop, I always condone mixing and matching your plates to make the setting feel special! A few simple pieces of greenery {plus an errant succulent} and a few of ornaments scattered around on the table are all you need and you’re set to go. Oh, don’t forget to have some classic Christmas tunes on in the background!

So there you have it: an uncomplicated way to style your home for Christmas that even Madame Martha herself would surely be proud of.

It actually feels quite nice to have the Loft all decked out. If how quickly this year has flown by is any indication, I’m afraid we’re going to blink and the holiday season will be over. How do you slow things down to fully enjoy this time of year? I’ve been making a point to sit with all the twinkle lights aglow for 10 minutes each night which seems to be helping. I forget how fun it is to revel in holiday spirit. I’d love to know your tips to making this season last!

PS: Be sure to check back later today for the first debut of our Gift Guides! Don’t think I was going to leave you hanging on Cyber Monday! If you can’t wait – here’s what’s on the tippy top of my wishlist.

original photography for apartment 34 by Aubrie Pick // garland & tree florals by Natalie Bowen Designs // plates and glassware c/o Frances Lane // styling and art direction by erin hiemstra