Offbeat Christmas

I love tradition and all that comes with the holiday season, but sometimes thinking outside of the box is in order.

In these photos I feature a different motif for holiday decorating and entertaining. Red and green take a backseat as accent colors to a stunning black and white theme.

The idea to deck the halls in unexpected hues came to me several months ago when I was planning a pink tablescape to complement a breast cancer fundraiser for the PBS show, “The Holiday Table.” As I was searching for a playful pink Christmas tree, I came upon these wonderful black conifers. I immediately thought of the Baccarat Zenith chandelier designed by Philippe Starck, which set off a design trend that’s been cropping up in both fashion and interiors.

Whether you have a contemporary or traditional décor, these black and white pieces work because the lines and patterns are classic while the  color scheme has a modern flair. Maintaining the continuity of your aesthetic is more important than adhering to a strict style or color theme, especially for temporary adornments. Additionally, seasonal decorating is a fun way to try out new ideas without committing to major changes.

Even if you’re not ready to give up the old red and green entirely this year, consider switching themes for a special lunch gathering or cocktail party. Your guests are sure to love a fresh take on the Yuletide celebration.