For most of us here in the Bluegrass State, it's second nature to throw in a few Kentucky-themed items in our home décor. Whether your tastes reflect a passion for bourbon, equestrian pursuits, team pride, or family heritage, you probably have more than a few items lying around the house. Of course, it’s easy to go overboard on the Kentucky love, so I asked Liz Toombs, a Certified Interior Decorator and owner of Polka Dots & Rosebuds Interiors in Lexington, for some holiday decoration advice.  Liz was kind enough to share five tidbits about embracing your own personal Kentucky style:

1. Choose decorations that mimic the Kentucky countryside. Whether your style is rustic or luxe, there's a way to adapt the colors of the Bluegrass State to decorate your Old Kentucky Home. “As Kentuckians, we can easily use many of the fabrics and symbols that represent our state in our holiday decorations. Classic burlap and plaid fabrics convey Kentucky country homes, while shades of purple and green reflect the shades of Kentucky bluegrass,” advises Liz, who plans clients’ holiday décor months in advance.

2.    Try a flocked tree. Liz loves the trend of trees that look like they were just plucked from a snowy field, noting that pairing these trees with warm textures bring the vibe of a Kentucky winter into your home. Flocked trees are beautiful on their own, and require minimal decoration to provide a significant impact. She notes that you can find reasonably priced flocked trees at stores like At Home and Lowe’s.  Add Maker’s Mark and Louisville Stoneware ornaments for a Bluegrass touch.

3.  Work with collections.   Have a collection of Christopher Radko or vintage ornaments? Liz suggests that you pair them with new pieces: “Vintage crystal ornaments look beautiful when paired with old-world beaded garland. I love mercury glass! I’m so glad that it’s popular again; it pairs well with newer decorations.” She also suggests tucking magnolia stems and long pine needles/sprigs into trees, mantles, and wreaths for a classic, Southern look.

4. Use those heirlooms! Most of us have statement heirloom pieces that may just be collecting dust in a china cabinet. Use the holidays as an excuse to let them shine! Liz suggests that you set your tables with your very best pieces:  “It’s so Southern to place pretty heirloom pieces such as silver platters, soup tureens and punch bowls on your buffet or dining table. They look festive filled with ornaments or floral arrangements,” Liz suggests.  “Depending on their size, you can arrange some heirlooms, such as flatware or china tea cups, in a tree by twisting the branches to hold them.”

5.  Re-purpose well-worn heirlooms! Those pieces that have been passed down for generations often start to show signs of love – and wear! If, say, you have a collection of stockings that your great-grandmother hand-stitched that are too worn for display, but too special to be tossed, Liz suggests draping them over the side of an heirloom bowl or vase for an unexpected look or arranging them at the base of your Christmas tree for an unexpected alternative to a tree skirt.

Thanks so much to Liz Toombs for this awesome holiday advice, and check back tomorrow for her advice for holiday decorations when you're short on time.  Liz's award-winning firm,  Polka Dots & Rosebuds Interiors, offers complete design services for homes, offices and Greek housing.

{Photos courtesy Liz Toombs.}