The holiday season is here, and it’s the perfect time to fill your home with festive cheer! Whether you’re a holiday decorating enthusiast or just looking for simple holiday decorating tips, we’ve gathered expert advice from across the country to help you create a merry and bright space. From handmade wreaths to fresh greenery, these easy decorating ideas will elevate your home for the season.
We’ve reached out to experts for their best advice on how to create a merry and bright home this season—whether you’re in your Seattle, WA home, a New York apartment, or anywhere in between. Read on to discover their tips for adding festive flair to your home.
1. Make your own wreath
“Bring in a luxe and lively feel to your Christmas décor by making your own fresh wreath,” suggests Ashley Whatley with Stay Home Style. “You can attend a wreath-making workshop, visit a local flower farm, or forage for the perfect mix of fresh winter greens. This not only makes for a fun and festive DIY activity, but an affordable and special way to bring life and Christmas cheer to any space.”
2. Holiday decorating can be simple and fun
“Decking your halls can be as simple and enjoyable as foraging around outside, applying a little metallic or white spray paint, and mixing your finds with family treasures,” shares Copper Penny Flowers. “Gather evergreens like white pine, cedar, and holly for the beauty and fresh scent, and whatever branches, bark, acorns, seed pods, pumpkins, small logs, vines, and wild berries catch your eye. Weave in a string of fairy lights or ribbon garlands, tuck in treasured ornaments or figurines, and finish off with dramatic orchids, bright gerbera daisies, or romantic roses to make your holidays winter wonderful.”
3. Go all-natural with a simple holiday theme
Becca Sweetman, Owner of Sunrose Floral, recommends hanging a custom wreath on your door, adding a vase of holly or Ilex berries in the kitchen, and placing some lovely potted narcissus or amaryllis bulbs on the coffee table. She adds, “If you’re still wanting more, try a cedar garland on the mantle beside your tree. Even the simplest décor can bring you into a cheery state to celebrate the holidays. If you’re not sure where to purchase this décor just stop by a local flower shop or nursery – there’s sure to be an expert there to help you.”
4. Holiday decorating doesn’t have to be hard or expensive
“Even dollar store items can look like a million bucks if you style it right,” states Lidia Romeo of Design Inside the Box. “This wreath was made from an old wood round, some paint and dollar store decorations. Add some ribbon and you have an instant modern wreath that is stylish but didn’t break the bank.”
5. Start a crafting tradition
“A simple holiday decorating idea is to use the same wreath base each year, start a tradition to craft a new Holiday wreath each year,” explains Shawna Fosket from North Shore Crafts. “If you are new to wreath making, start with a class from your local floral shop, then re-visit the local floral shop each year to buy the newest on trend greenery ensuring each year is fresh and new. Each year you grow in your knowledge of making a wreath, boosting your creativity, feel-good mood and filling your home with something you love. “
6. Think homemade when it comes to decorating this holiday season
“While most store-bought decorations are made with plastic and other non-biodegradable material, homemade decorations are much more fun, sustainable, and low-cost,” shares Goodwill Industries of Arkansas. “Make your own holiday garlands, wreaths, and centerpieces with fruit, pinecones, and other items you can find in nature. The planet, and your wallet, will thank you.”
7. Don’t be afraid to add a little DIY into your holiday décor
“Handmade ornaments like these felt ones you can create from Fabulous Felt Christmas Cookies can create memories for your family for years to come,” says Elizabeth Farr of Elizabeth Made This. “Plus in the middle of a hectic holiday season, spending a little time to make something can be a mini retreat of a project that’ll help you relax and enjoy the moment.”
8. Create a holiday “look” in your rooms
Holiday Warehouse recommends looking for focal points in your home when planning for decoration needs. “Instead of dispersing décor throughout a whole room, pick key moments and create a ‘look’. Creating thematic scenes gives your décor a substantial and impressive look.”
9. Decorate the chandelier
Edith & Evelyn love to drape faux garland, sparkly ornaments, and twinkly lights through the arms of the chandelier over the dining table. “This is a simple holiday decorating idea and such a pretty way to decorate for Christmas- it creates holiday cheer without taking up any table space.”
10. Use unique containers in place of a tree skirt
“One of my favorite ways to decorate for Christmas is to use unique containers at the base of my tree in place of a traditional tree skirt,” shares Diana Marie of Diana Marie Home, IG: @dianamariehome. “Using things such as wicker trunks, large planters, metal buckets, or wooden crates to hold your tree adds character and cozy charm to your home during Christmas. As a bonus, using these items often adds height to your tree as well.”
11. Embrace nature in your festive décor
“Decorations are expensive this year, but if you want to make maximum impact, look for stems that are tall, like ilex berries,” advises Mel at Urban Jungle Cambridge. “For an instant touch of holiday cheer, place a cluster of branches with bold red berries in a vase. Tall amaryllis make a similarly festive statement, whether you buy them cut or potted. To add even more seasonal spirit without overspending, consider incorporating cedar or pine in clear glass vases, along with Christmas bulbs from last year’s décor. You can also create a simple yet charming display by arranging pine branches and pinecones in a clear glass bowl on the kitchen counter. Don’t forget your front door—this year’s garland should feature a more natural look with pinecones and magnolia leaves. The return to natural elements creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that’s especially desired this holiday season.”
Simple holiday decorating to transform your home this year
With these simple holiday decorating tips, you can transform your home into a festive wonderland without breaking the bank or stressing over complicated décor. Enjoy the season with a home that’s as warm and inviting as the holidays themselves!
