Plaid: Make It Work!

I love the holiday season for its richness in traditions and rituals. I have many memories of sitting next to the fireplace and around the Christmas tree with laps covered by those L. L. Bean mainstays: the plaid woolen blanket. These days, I'm looking for ways to put those traditional pieces to new uses around my home. 

Restrained and contained, plaid can certainly be simple and clean like this deep brown number which pulls together the equestrian-themed guest room below. 

Elle Decor via Life of Riley

Forget about restraint, how about piling on the plaids? Even better, intersperse them with suitably coordinated prints and patterns for a deliberate cacophony of color.

House Beautiful

What better way to anchor a nature-themed outdoor holiday feast than with a tablecloth fashioned from a bright and cheery plaid blanket? (Added bonus, I love the use of simple burlap here as placemats!)

  

Sweet Something Design

But maybe you're one of those crafty types (how I want to be you!) and can't find what you're looking for at the shops? Voilà! Check out this DIY tutorial on creating a plaid ottoman. 

Design Sponge

So don't hide away those old plaid blankets. Bring them out in all their glory and let them help you celebrate the holiday season!