Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason, better known as husband-and-wife interior design team AphroChic, are experts in making a house feel like home. Prior to building their 10-year-old blog-turned-brand, the two moved across the country together and back, making homes in Philly and San Francisco, before finally settling in their beloved adopted hometown of Brooklyn, N.Y.
They’re also experts at celebrating the holidays with their signature “modern, soulful style,” which has been featured in Elle Decor, House Beautiful and the New York Times, among others. Last weekend’s first snowfall found Jeanine, a self-confessed “country girl,” reveling in the holiday spirit.
And since we need a little Christmas right this very minute, we asked the pair—who, in addition to their Facebook Live series, HGTV’s Sneak Peek With AphroChic, will soon be appearing regularly on The Glow Up—for a few low-effort, high-impact decor ideas for the holidays. With two weeks to go before Christmas Day, here are a few of their favorites:
Put Your Feet Up
If you celebrate Christmas, holiday stockings are one of the easiest ways to bring the spirit home. Hang them from a mantel, staircase or wherever you have space to display them. You can find them at any price point, with really great buys starting under $15. The important thing is to find stockings that fit your color palette, since holiday decor is way beyond red and green these days. Explore gray, cream, purple—whatever fits into your home’s decor.
Stacks on Stacks on Stacks
An organized holiday is a happy holiday, and one of the best ways to keep everything moving along smoothly is with a holiday gift table. However, this can be more than an organizational tool; a gift table is another opportunity for holiday decor. Stack it with cards and presents for (and from) friends and family, wrapped in your favorite gift wraps.
Writing’s on the Wall
Want an afternoon activity that can make a big impact? A chalkboard feature wall can be a great way to set off your holiday decor. Use it to keep track of upcoming events: Have an Advent calendar, or count down the days and lessons of Kwanzaa. Here, AphroChic’s Black Cherry chalkboard paint provides a warm backdrop to a holiday mantel.
Raise the Bar
For easy entertainment this season, look for spaces that can be utilized for quick setups that’ll help you have all of your necessities close at hand. Holiday china, glasses and drinks can be as close as your nearest credenza or coffee table. Almost anything can be a bar cart; just throw in some festive decorations to complete the look.
Get Cultured
The winter holidays are about more than the mainstream. This season, whatever your holiday might be, make it personal by including pieces of decor that speak directly to your heritage and background.
The Glow Up gift tip: Trying to find something for the design enthusiast in your life (or want to bring some modern, soulful style into your own home)? AphroChic’s design book, Remix, makes an excellent gift—and looks great on the coffee table!