christmas decorating ideas

christmas decorating ideas

Christmas is right around the corner and with it come trees and ribbons and ornaments and lights and … oh goodness, what are you supposed to do with it all? Don’t let stress over Christmas decorating make you lose the Christmas spirit. Here are 40 Christmas decorating ideas that will bring joy to your home this holiday season.

1. Incorporate lanterns into your design.

You can use put candles inside or (as shown below) fill them with ornaments and lights for extra holiday spirit.

2. Embrace different color schemes.

Holiday decorating isn’t restricted to just red and green. Try out different color schemes that are still festive but refreshingly unique.

3. Make a banner for your fireplace.

You can use paper or fabric, but making a simple banner to hang over your mantel adds a special homemade touch.

4. Add natural elements to your design.

Incorporating pine cones and other rustic elements into holiday décor make for a homey, wholesome feeling.

5. Get crafty with the kids.

The holidays are about family and what better way to emphasize that than having your little ones help out with decorating? This reindeer craft is an adorable example.

6. Make an ornament wall.

Talk about a conversation piece! And all you need is ribbon, ornaments, and a staple gun. It’s a bit time-consuming, but the result is a contemporary holiday piece.

7. Use old Christmas cards.

Not sure what to do with all of those old Christmas cards? Make yourself an adorable holiday collage.

8. Use pictures instead of name tags on your presents.

This is a small, personal addition that will make your presents a design element and touch your loved ones this holiday season.

9. Fill your apothecary jars with Christmas goodies.

A simple and affordable way to put a “holiday spin” on items that are already sitting around your home.

10. Put your stockings in different places.

For Christmas dinner, you can put your family members’ stockings on their respective chairs. Or, consider putting them on your entryway staircase. The options are endless!

11. Try an alternative Christmas tree.

If you are in a smaller space, allergic to pine, or just want to try something different, consider a modern take (like this driftwood option) on your holiday tree.

12. Add subtle holiday elements that match your room’s preexisting color scheme.

For a more understated (but still festive) design, use colors already found in your space.

13. Make ornaments from your favorite holiday book or sheet music.

Use papier-mâché and a little bit of glitter to create a truly unique ornament for your tree.

14. Use mason jars for a rustic holiday theme.

Mason jars are an adorable and cheap addition to your design. You can fill the bottom with Epsom salt to look like snow, like in this example.

15. Make your fridge a snowman.

Super easy and super cute—this little addition will make both kids and adults smile.

16. Use Christmas music as design inspiration.

What are the holidays without some Christmas carols? If you are a musically-inclined family, use your instruments to create a beautiful metallic mantel display.

17. Turn your stockings into silverware holders.

You can either knit some up on your own or purchase pre-made mini ones. Either way, you have a creative addition to your Christmas table.

18. Fill your wreath with pine cones.

Green wreaths aren’t the only way to go. Shake things up (in a good way!) by adding more natural elements, like pine cones and berries, into your wreath.

19. Put your candy canes to use!

The candy cane has become an instantly recognizable symbol of Christmastime. Hang them above your windows for a quirky, sweet holiday design.

20. Use extra ornaments for a modern take on wreaths.

You can use whatever color or size of ornaments match your design.

21. Make your own Advent wreath.

While there is nothing wrong with the traditional design, incorporating your personal design to the wreath can make it extra special. This one made from pottery candle holders is lovely.

22. Find inspiration from your location.

Whether you are from the outback of Australia or the beaches of Florida, use your surroundings in your design. For example, this beautiful tree was inspired by the coast.

23. Scatter “presents” around your home.

A super easy and cost-friendly option to spread a little Christmas cheer. You can use leftover boxes from your Christmas shopping.

24. Decorate white ornaments as “snowmen” and use as a cute centerpiece.

Another easy craft that your kids will also enjoy.

25. Birch wood is a beautiful design element.

Touches of birch wood, like in this example, bring a woodsy, cabin-like feel to your Christmas decorations. Don’t you just want to curl up around the fireplace?

26. Pair vibrant wreaths with graphic pieces for a contemporary mantel.

Limit your color scheme to two or three colors and choose elements with clean lines to create a truly unique holiday display.

27. Make a “hot cocoa bar.”

There’s nothing like a delicious, warm cup of hot chocolate around Christmastime. Find inspiration from this absolutely beautiful setup.

28. If you have shutters, fill the slits with garland.

Use the architectural elements of your home to your decorating advantage.

29. Create a life-size, interactive Christmas calendar.

As much as I like those pop-out chocolate cardboard calendars, there’s something fun about this display. Fill each bag with a special Christmas treat—your kids will love it!

30. Use your holiday cards to make a Christmas tree.

Another easy way to display this year’s Christmas cards. All you have to do is tape them to the wall!

31. Turn pine cones into mini trees.

Stick a star on top and place the pine cone into candle holders to create a lovely table centerpiece.

32. Decorate your piano.

Drape some garland over the top of your piano or set up a Christmas village display and you have a Christmas-carol-ready instrument!

33. Hang ornaments from your windows with matching ribbons.

A simple way to add a bit of holiday whimsy to your window treatments.

34. Add holiday-inspired pillows to your home’s seating areas.

Whip up a few slipcovers to throw on pillows for your couches, chairs, etc. You can even add some to your mudroom like in the adorable example below!

35. Don’t forget to decorate the inside of your front door!

Many people put garland around the outside, but why not add a bit of zest to the inside as well? Now you can remind people of the holiday spirit as they come and go!

36. Surprise your guests with a decorated headboard.

Put your visitors in the Christmas mood by adding a bit of garland or Christmas lights to the headboard. You can even throw on a personalized stocking to make them feel right at home.

37. Bring Christmas to the kitchen.

I don’t know about your family, but mine spends a lot of time in the kitchen during the holidays. Buy a small Christmas tree for your kitchen island or hang wreaths from your cabinets.

38. There is such a thing as elegant cut-out snowflakes.

Cutting out snowflakes is no longer just for kids. Dangling a few large snowflakes above your table can be a chic and beautiful option.

39. Use your leftover wrapping paper to create a wreath.

Follow the instructions at the source to create a truly unique and striking holiday piece.

40. Put presents in your unused fireplace.

Even if you won’t be roasting chestnuts over an open fire, it doesn’t mean the space has to be neglected. Place some wrapped boxes (or suitcases, like in the picture) for a wonderfully festive display.

Featured photo credit: A living room at Christmastime lit only by the fire and Christmas tree. via Shutterstock

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