Are you one of those overly excited decorators who put up their holiday decorations weeks before Halloween? Or are you more laid-back to wait until Christmas Eve to deck the halls? It doesn’t matter when you get into the holiday spirit; decorating your home should be fun. And since we’re only months away from the holidays, now is the perfect time to start planning.
Candles on the windows, string lights intricately draped around the porch, and a wreath hung on the door are all staples of holiday décor. But if you want your home to stand out, go past the basics. It could mean splurging at Primark for the fanciest baubles to bedazzle your tree or raiding the clearance aisle at HomeGoods for red and green throw pillows.
Let’s get creative with our holiday décor this year. Here’s our pick of fun tips and tricks to help you beautify your house for the holidays:
Sort your Old Beauties
You probably have a huge box of gaudy holiday decorations you’ve collected over the years. Whether it’s a cute ghost garland that your children crafted when they were little or a set of snowflake plates passed down from your grandmother, now is the time to sort through them.
So, get a self-storage unit, pull out the box of holiday decorations, and take inventory. It will help you decide what to keep, what to donate, and what to replace. Maybe you already have a hocus pocus cauldron or a set of plastic reindeer but are missing a key piece like a string of lights or an artificial tree. Spend wisely.
Stock on Candles
The more, the merrier – that’s what makes rounds when it comes to candles during the holidays. Candles on the windows, the mantle, and the dinner table create a warm and welcoming ambiance. Different heights of pillar candles displayed on a tiered tray make for an elegant centerpiece, while tea lights in Mason jars can be used as outdoor lanterns.
Candles also make your home smell right out of a holiday catalog. We love the smell of pine, cinnamon, and vanilla. You can also easily find apple spice, gingerbread, and peppermint candles.
Where’s the Bar Cart
During the holidays, we all need comforting beverages, and you should have plenty to choose from and for everyone.
A bar cart is not only for hosting parties; it can also be used as a holiday decoration. Stock it with all the essentials—glasses, bottles, mixers, and garnishes. And don’t forget the holiday-themed straws. Fancy up your bar cart by adding some cheesy holiday decorations like a mini Christmas tree or a string of lights. Now you’re ready to whip up some holiday cocktails.
You can use a console table or a kitchen island if you don’t have a bar cart. Just get creative with it. If you ask us, the more festive, the better.
Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly
It may be an adage, but it’s still relevant today.
Hanging greens like garlands, wreaths, and swags is an easy way to add holiday cheer to your home. Drape a garland around the banister, hang a wreath on the front door, and put up new quotations or holiday cards with washi tape.
The only trick here is to pick the right color pallet. Each festival or holiday has a specific color scheme. For example, Christmas is usually red and green, while Hanukkah is blue and white. So, be relevant; it’ll exude the right holiday vibe.
Cocoa Bar Fun
Never underestimate the magical power of a cocoa bar.
The intense flavor of peppermint, the richness of chocolate, and the sweetness of marshmallows come together to create a heavenly experience. And setting up a cocoa bar is super easy. All you need are mugs, hot chocolate mix, peppermint sticks, marshmallows, and maybe some whipped cream.
Of course, you’ll also have to teach yourself to share such a delicious concoction. Even if you don’t plan on hosting a holiday party, a cocoa bar will be your best friend when you cozy up on the couch to watch holiday movies.
New Bedding, New Mood
Your bed should be your happy place. Your pick-me-up spot after a long day. So, why not make it extra cozy during the colder months? Trade in your light and airy summer bedding for something warmer, like a down comforter or a faux fur throw. And don’t forget to add some festive pillows. You’ll be stunned at how much difference new bedding can make.
You might have family and friends staying over during the holidays, so ensure everyone is comfortable. Also, give them a reason to exclaim “WOW.”
Use your Vertical Space
Do you have a lot of stuff but not a lot of space? Start thinking vertically if you’re running out of horizontal surfaces to put things on. For example, you can use a tension rod to hang a string of lights or garland in the windows. Or, you can use Command Hooks to hang holiday cards or wreaths on the walls.
Utilize your space to the best of your ability, and you’ll be surprised at how much you can fit. Vertical decorations also look amazing while dressing a dining table or a mantelpiece. Again, you won’t compromise foot space, and your home will look chic and festive.
Plan Cool Kitchen Décor
There’s no denying that your kitchen will be the busiest room in your house during the holidays. Whether roasting a duck or baking a pie, your kitchen will see a lot of action.
But that doesn’t mean it can’t be festive. Deck out your kitchen with some fun holiday décor. For example, it could be spatulas with custom wood handles that say “Trick or Treat” or “Merry Christmas.” Or, you could bake some holiday-themed cookies and put them in a mason jar with a cute label. Get creative and have fun with it.
Confetti, Cones, and Balloons
Balloons are always a good idea. They make any room feel more celebratory and festive. If you’re throwing a holiday party, don’t forget to decorate with balloons. You can even put confetti or streamers inside the balloon before you blow it up. But ensure to have a clean surface to do it on.
If you’re not into balloons, try using party poppers or confetti cannons. They’ll add a touch of fun and excitement to any holiday gathering.
Final Thoughts
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and loved ones. But you don’t have to forget about yourself. You’ve done a great job turning your house into a cozy humble abode. So now, you can put on a gown, sip some cocktails, and boast about your holiday décor skills. You deserve all the hype. After all, your house looks fabulous. So, go out there and celebrate.