Charleston holiday decor is absolutely magical. Hotels, historic homes and restaurants are decorated to the hilt, candles glow in windows and sparkling lights twinkle in the early dark.

Charlestonians love decorating for Christmas, and they do it like nobody else. The secret? Keep it simple, welcoming and local.

Some of our favorite elements are:

Wreaths made of magnolia leaves, oyster shells or sweetgrass replace traditional pine wreaths. You can skip the lights on these wreaths so their natural beauty can shine.

Ornaments made of shells, sweet grass or carved from driftwood are right at home on a tree with vintage glass or handmade ornaments.

White lights on Christmas trees and pine swags add sparkle to dark nights, and are fair game for creating welcoming winter porches, patios and piazzas too.

Red bows are traditional and plentiful on wreaths and swags in Charleston homes, hotels, restaurants and shops. If you need to add some Lowcountry elements to your own collection, take a walk through the City Market and start your own collection of ornaments made by Charleston craftspeople.

Many locals, including our own Elizabeth Hassell, spend quiet Christmases in the Ace Basin. These rustic and relaxing celebrations inspire those of us who stay in town to keep things simple, too. We decorate with handmade ornaments, seasonal root vegetables and whatever organic materials are at hand. Margaret’s home is adorned with ornaments and decorations handed down through the generations or made by her children (now grown). “Christmas is about family, friends and celebrating the birth of Christ,” Margaret says. “Whatever has meaning for you will be what makes your home beautiful during the Christmas season.”

We’d love to see photos of your Charleston Christmas, so please share them on our Facebook page!