6 Unique Christmas Decorating Ideas

Don't be afraid to use a mirror as a frame. This one, from Bellacor.com, is decorated with acrylic cameos by Liscious. A bit of double-sided tape holds them in place.

Arrangements of holiday cards and ornaments—not flowers—sit atop the mantel. Stark fashioned these graphic "bouquets" by fitting Umbra's wire picture holders into candlesticks from Rosanna Inc.

Normally, the mantel might host an evergreen garland. Here it looks even more festive festooned with glass beads from Jamali Garden. "The fireplace is an opportunity to do something creative," Stark says. Stage the gifts inside it, and you won't clutter the room.

"The cards you receive can also serve as ornaments for your tree," says Stark, who simply propped a Jezebel card among the branches. "Vintage doesn't have to be dusty and old. In this Victorian design, it feels very chic and glamorous."