Asian Christmas Decorating Ideas
Asian culture has been a significant influence on American decorating on and off throughout our country’s history. During the last couple of years, interest in Asian decorating styles and philosophies, such as Feng Shui, has surged. This year, many people are searching for Asian Christmas ideas to incorporate this trend into their holiday decorating. We’ve put together three of our most popular Asian Christmas decorating tips to inspire you.
Asian Christmas Tip #1: Rich Colors
Colors traditionally seen in Chinese or Japanese decorating, such as red, green and gold, pair wonderfully with a Christmas tree. Try winding a richly textured red ribbon around tree limbs and accent it with mesh in a copper tone. But don’t feel limited by traditional colors. Any colors that you love can make a beautiful Asian Christmas theme. Consider pastel shades, such as pinks and purples, or for a bolder statement, try shades across from each other on the color wheel. Since much of Asian decorating is inspired by nature, take your cue from colors you see outside.
Asian Christmas Tip #2: Lush Textures
Contrasting textures are a frequent element in Asian decorating. For example: bamboo and silk, handmade paper and jade, gold statues and river stones. Find ways to add similarly contrasting textures to your Asian Christmas decorating theme. Some ideas:
- Hang a bamboo mat on your wall, add greenery such as real or artificial bamboo or cherry branches and leaves, and pin blown glass Pagoda, Fan and Lantern ornaments in a pleasing arrangement.
- Create or buy your own Kadomatsu, or gate pines, that are traditionally used in the celebration of the Japanese New Year from just after Christmas until January 7. Kadomatsu incorporate pine, bamboo and ume tree sprigs to represent longevity, prosperity and steadfastness and often include silk ribbons or gold cords. Add handcrafted Asian Christmas Ornaments for more interest, such as our Kadomatsu Ornament.
- Carry the theme to the table. Surprise Christmas Eve guests with a delectable sushi dinner. Create a contrast between a woven reed tablecloth and elegant Japanese dinnerware. Top each plate with a combination of the freshest sushi and a sushi ornament guests can take home as a gift.
Asian Christmas Tip #3: Tree Topper
Let your tree experience a dose of Chinese or Japanese culture by replacing that tired angel with a magnificent and one-of-a-kind Asian tree topper. Consider a combination of:
- Fabric ribbons
- Fresh or silk flowers and greenery
- Bamboo or other types of branches
- Feathers
Finish the look with coordinating Asian ornaments such as Kimono Ornaments or Take-Out Box Ornaments. Don’t miss our entire collection of blown glass, handpainted Asian ornaments. For more decorating tips, visit our Ornaments Off the Tree article.