7 Simple Ways To Deck Out Your Kitchen Countertops For Christmas

There's a good chance you will find yourself spending at least a little extra time in the kitchen ahead of the holidays. And if you're hosting a Christmas cocktail party, this heart of the home always seems to be where guests naturally congregate.

That's why overlooking your kitchen countertops when decking the halls leads to one big missed opportunity for spreading Christmas cheer. Luckily, there are several effortless ways you can accessorize them, and here are a few ideas to get you started.

Put Out a Christmas Cookie Jar

Perhaps you've been invited to a Christmas cookie exchange, or you just can't resist those holiday shortbread cookies at the grocery store. There's no better way to store your lot than in a Christmas-themed cookie jar. This one, shaped like the Jolly Man himself, is a family heirloom in the making.

There are so many ways to style a cookie jar, but simply putting it next to a small bud vase with an evergreen sprig inside should do the trick.

$48 at dillards.com

Fill Your Glass Bowls Festively

Put your collection of adorable footed bowls to good use and display a bundle of old-fashioned ornaments inside. There's a good chance your favorite ornaments will be safer here than on your tree if you've got curious toddlers or cats running about.

Another option that is perhaps even more fitting for a kitchen counter is to fill your bowls with pomanders. These oranges stuck with cloves will emit the most comforting scent.

Display a Mini Tree

If you've got a portion of countertop space without any cabinets above it, you can add some interest to the area by propping up a small Christmas tree there. This one stands at just 24 inches high and comes with the most adorable hobnail container. It also lights up, which will make those dark evenings in the kitchen that much cozier.

Add Some Charming Glow

Cozy mood lighting is a big part of what makes holiday decor so alluring. While you certainly need a well-lit cooking space, you can channel a bit of the cozy ambiance by adding more candlelight to your countertops. If you go the votive route, look for a cute Christmas-themed holder. But if candle sticks are more your style, you can opt for a classic brass or gold set and accessorize them with red and green candle sticks or velvet bows tied around the base.

$29 at dillards.com

Don't Forget Santa's Sleigh

Santa's sleigh is an iconic part of Christmas, and your kitchen countertop is the perfect place to show off Santa's ride. Add a bit of texture and whimsy with a statement countertop sleigh. Fill it with ornaments or oranges for a colorful display.

$99 at dillards.com

Use the Nice Kitchen Towels

No matter how hard we try, it seems like kitchen towels always end up on the counter rather than hanging in their appropriate places. But if you invest in a stylishly festive set, they will look amazing wherever you place them. This set is a great option if you already have plenty of chinoiserie displayed in your kitchen.

Use Platters to Corral Decor

At the end of the day, your kitchen countertops need to remain clear and functional so you can focus on all the holiday food prep. If you find that they are looking a bit cluttered, consider putting out a couple of Christmas-themed platters and limit your decor to what you can fit on top of them. The platters will help create gorgeous vignettes.

Read the original article on Southern Living