Tartan has been around for a couple hundred years. It originated in Scotland, used to wrap and make souvenirs. In recent years, tartan has made a comeback, especially around the holiday season. It’s traditional green and red colors lend a festive spirit. Today we’ll be showing you 5 ways to incorporate tartan into your holiday decorations!

1 – Tartan Christmas tree skirt

The first way to incorporate tartan into your Holiday decorations is to use it as your Christmas Tree skirt. The traditional deep green tones in tartan compliment the green of the tree beautifully. If you prefer, finding paler tones and shades of Tartan for under your tree provides an elegant and welcoming stage for all your gifts! Tartan Christmas skirts are available online. Alternatively, use a tartan throw blanket or, if you have some Tartan fabric on hand, don’t be afraid to make your Christmas tree skirt yourself! This allows you to tailor the skirt to the exact right size. There are plenty of online tutorials on how to easily make your own Christmas skirt. And remember to keep the fabric scraps!

2 – Tartan Wrapping Paper

If you’re not using a tree skirt, try wrapping your presents with Tartan instead. This is reminiscent of how tartan was traditionally used: as paper to cover souvenirs. You can easily order tartan wrapping paper online for a few dollars. Be sure to get other wrapping paper in different shades of tartan, as well as other complimenting patterns and colors. Once the gifts are wrapped, add a solid colored bow and place it under your tree! Having all the gifts under your tree coordinate with each other adds sophistication, is beautiful to look at, and will get everyone excited for the gift exchange!

3 – Make Tartan Bows and ribbons

If you’ve made your own Tartan Christmas tree skirt, use the fabric scraps to make bows! You can also purchase pre-made tartan ribbons and bows to use for decorating. The advantage of simple bows is that you can attach them to items already in your house to give them a festive style and to save money. Tying tartan bows around vases, pots, on the backs of chairs, and even hanging them on doors is sure to transform your house into a beautiful winter wonderful!

4 – Use Tartan Throw Blankets and Cushions

One of our favorite ways to use tartan during the holidays is switching out cushions and throw blankets with their tartan alternatives. There is nothing more welcoming than an armchair with a thick tartan blanket for curling up by the fire. Get Tartan cushion covers to avoid having to buy totally new cushions. Take this to the next level by using tartan bedding in your bedroom. Pairing a tartan duvet with some red and gold pillows will have you even more excited to take some time off for the holidays!

5 – Wear it

Our last tip for using tartan for the holidays is to use it on yourself! Tartan scarves are a mark of wintertime and a timeless piece to add to your wardrobe. Not only that, but they’ll keep you cosy! A tartan skirt paired with a black blouse is a classic holiday look. But if you’re afraid of looking like a schoolgirl, go bold and opt for other tartan statement pieces such as tartan pants, shirts, or blazers for your office holiday parties. The trick is to let the tartan take center stage. Pair it with solid complimenting colors to have it really stand out. If you’re unable to get these pieces, try getting a tartan hair bow, for a subtle holiday touch.

Love Tartan?

If you’re like us and love tartan all year round, check out our article on the history of tartan and ways to use it in your home, holiday season or not!