INTRODUCTION
There’s no place quite like Scottsdale, Arizona to deck your halls with boughs of holly. Threaded with the raw beauty of the East Valley, our stunning desert locale calls for unique holiday decor that isn’t confined to the traditional red and green. Whether you are a seasoned local or a brand new desert dweller, here’s how to bring out the festive spirit in your Southwestern home using desert designs and a dash of Scottsdale charm.
EMBRACING SOUTHWESTERN JOLLINESS
Natural Elements and Native Crafts
Holiday decorating in Scottsdale starts with an appreciation for our beloved desert-scapes. In essence, aim to model your holiday setup after the Earth’s natural artistry found in the East Valley. Think Sonoran succulents nestled amongst pine boughs on your mantel, or locally sourced turquoise trinkets adorning your tree.
One cannot mention Arizona desert decor without paying homage to the Pueblo Revival style which masterfully blends the traditional Native American craftwork with our beautiful Spanish architecture. Add a uniquely local touch to your decor with handwoven baskets, ornate pottery, or even a chili pepper wreath.
Illuminations à la Scottsdale
In true Scottsdale fashion, your holiday decor should light up just as brightly as our starlit desert nights. Swap the standard twinkle lights with lantern-style string lights for a more rustic touch.
Consider incorporating into your design large, outdoor luminarias (paper bags filled with sand and a candle) leading up to your entryway. These light-filled bags have been part of southwestern Christmas traditions for generations and will deliver the warm, welcoming glow befitting any Scottsdale holiday home.
TRANSFORMING INDOOR SPACES
Cozying up the Living Room
Outline your comforting desert home decor with the soft touches of our warm winters. Consider embellishing your sofas with throw pillows and blankets featuring traditional desert motifs. Try muted earthy tones, and add interest with vibrant pops of southwestern colors like turquoise, terracotta, or sunset orange.
To give your traditional Christmas tree a desert spin, consider decorating it with dried orange slices, cornhusk dolls, or small ceramic pottery. Top it off with a star fashioned from twigs, or a handcrafted metallic sunburst for a radiant finish!
The Heart of the Home: The Kitchen
Leaving out the kitchen in our holiday decor round-up? “Not in my house!” The Scottsdale way of life sees the kitchen as an intimate family gathering place, especially during the holidays. Hang chili pepper garlands, set up a desert herb wreath, or use native Arizona flowers for a centerpiece.
Blend the old with the new by using modern metallic accents against a backdrop of rustic wood. Copper mugs and candle holders, for example, can add a touch of holiday glam to any kitchen decor.
SPLASHING HOLIDAY SPIRIT ACROSS OUTDOOR SPACES
Delightful Desert Landscapes
Scottsdale’s delightful outdoor living spaces shouldn’t be left out of the decorating fun. Create a harmonious fusion of the season’s festivities with your beautifully xeriscaped yard. Add a festive spin to your cacti by stringing away colorful lights, or add tiny red bows to the tops of agave plants, imitating Santa hats.
Also, turn your patio into a holiday sanctuary with comfy pillows, warm throw blankets, and a stylish outdoor fire pit. As an added touch, set up an Arizona-themed nativity scene featuring classic desert creatures.
CONCLUSION
With these tips as your guide, spreading holiday cheer through your home in Scottsdale becomes a wonderfully creative endeavor. Embrace the vast beauty of the East Valley, celebrate the blend of culture, and find ways for your holiday decor to tell the unique and magical story of desert living. Remember, the best holiday decor celebrates where you are, who you’re with, and the warmth that the season brings. Bring on the colorful lights, the chili pepper wreaths, and the joy of the holidays here in the heart of Arizona. Here’s to a spirited and happy holiday season with an unmistakable Scottsdale twist!
