Holidays Reimagined

Celebrate the holidays with this modern take on festive traditions.

There may be no season that hearkens to tradition quite like the December holidays. From long-standing family customs to red-and-green everything, one of the joys of Christmas is reveling in the comfort of the familiar—traditions that are special, but also the same, year after year.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t mix it up. In fact, creating new traditions can make it even more special, giving you and your loved ones a part of the holiday to call your own. Whether you’re looking for décor that leans more modern than North Pole, a fresh twist on the holiday meal, or a fun new activity to add to the roster, the following ideas can help you reimagine your celebrations. And who knows, they may be the start of new traditions you'll embrace for years to come.

16 Creative Color Schemes for Your Holiday Décor (That Aren't Red and Green)

Nothing says December like red and green—everywhere. Which is lovely, but it can be a lot, especially for people who lean more toward tertiary colors or pastels. Perhaps red and green clash with your décor, or you feel the need to bring in some pink this year. Whatever the case, consider one of these updated Christmas palettes for a modern and festive twist on the classic.

No Room for a Christmas Tree? Try One of These Creative Alternatives to a Traditional Evergreen

A Christmas tree decked out in its holiday finery is generally the preeminent focal point of a home decorated for the season. But bringing a big, thirsty, needle-shedding being into one’s living room is not for everyone—whether because of care requirements, aesthetics, or a matter of space. Thankfully, you can get all that arboreal glory without a traditional tree by rethinking your tannenbaum. We share creative DIY alternatives that may take up less space, but certainly don’t skimp on festive display.

15 Centerpiece Ideas That Bring a Festive Touch to Your Holiday Table

There is something to be said for a centerpiece comprised of evergreen, holly, and red candles. But you can say a lot more by bringing a fresh flourish to your table. Creative centerpieces set the mood for a meal and let guests know something special is on hand. In fact, a beautifully set table replete with eye-catching decor can rival even a Christmas tree when it comes to creating a festive ambiance. Our holiday centerpiece ideas will ensure that your table, and the food you serve, is the star of the show.

6 Christmas Party Themes That Are Festive but Fresh

If it’s December, it’s party season. Traditionally, that may have looked like Christmas sweaters and a bowl of eggnog—but this is a great time for a host to borrow from the season’s generous offerings and go all out on a convivial new party idea. From a whimsical winter wonderland and an après-ski theme to a seasonal speakeasy or galactic escape, these festive party themes will ensure a memorable time is had by all.

How to Plan a Holiday Open House Party—and Why It's the Best Way to Host

If you have never hosted an open house, perhaps this is the year to do so. The beauty of opening your home for the day is that it takes the pressure off of strict arrival times—which is a boon to guests during the busy holiday season. A more casual style of entertaining, an open house not only allows your guests flexible timing but eases stress for the host as well. No mad rush of guests at a certain hour, no multi-course meal to get on the table, and more time to leisurely mingle with friends and family throughout the day. If you’ve never hosted an open house before, or even if you have, our guide to planning one has all you need to know.

Tired of Your Traditional Holiday Menu? Try These Alternatives to 7 Classic Dishes

There will generally be some holiday dishes you have to include lest your family go on strike. But we are enthusiastic advocates of breaking from tradition and swapping out the main dish for something new yet still familiar. Our subtle workaround relies on identifying your standard dish and offering a suggestion for a similar idea with a more contemporary spin. Do you usually serve roast turkey? Why not try cranberry-stuffed Cornish game hens or spatchcocked saffron chicken instead? Each recipe is still a showstopper, just spiced up to bring new life to your holiday meal.

10 Creative Cocktail Garnishes That Add a Festive Touch to Your Holiday Drink

You’ve decked the halls with boughs of holly; now it’s time to be jolly—enter the festive cocktails and mocktails. If you have added festive trim to every corner of the house, remember that your cocktails deserve the same attention! From sugar-frosted fruit and decorative ice to fresh herbs, elevating your cocktail game enhances the drinks and makes sipping them even merrier.

40 Homemade Food Gifts That Beat Store-Bought Presents Every Time

Homemade food gifts check all the boxes. They are more personal than anything you can buy at the store, they are fun to make, and best of all, they are delicious to eat. Over the years, we have taken the art of making edible gifts to a new level, combining creative food and drinks with packaging so pretty they’ll think the gifts came from Santa himself. From fancy liqueurs and a festive array of confections to clever cookies and handmade crackers, you may be surprised by the wondrous presents you can concoct in your very own kitchen.

6 Sustainable-Yet-Beautiful Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Ideas

Being eco-friendly and reveling in holiday cheer need not be mutually exclusive. All it takes is rethinking some of the more wasteful practices, and how you wrap presents is a great place to start. Each year, 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper is produced in the United States, with an estimated 2.3 million pounds of that ending up in landfills. That’s a lot! Fortunately, an exquisitely wrapped gift does not rely on unsustainable wrapping—we think these ideas are even more beautiful than the norm.

20 Christmas Games for a Very Merry Party—Whether You're Hosting Kids, Adults, or the Whole Family

The best parties are ones where the conversation flows, and the laughter fills the room. One of the best ways to ensure a lively dynamic between your guests is to have some games and activities lined up. Whether to break the ice, keep the little ones entertained, or to encourage some post-prandial merriment, fun games will add a little competitive spirit to the holiday spirit (in the best way). We talked to event planners for their fresh takes on holiday games and activities, all of which guarantee a joyous time for all.

Read the original article on Martha Stewart.