We have a rule about decorations and it’s this: There are no rules about decorations. It’s the time of year to have fun. Who needs rules?
There are ways, though, to make everything look its best. Old decorations with new, big with small—the best way to make sure all your decorations play nice together is to have a theme. Maybe it’s a color, or a collection of angels or Santas. When you repeat a theme in small groupings throughout your home, everything really starts humming. Or caroling, as the case may be.
For front doors and porches, you really can keep it simple and still make a beautiful impression:
- A unique wreath and welcome mat can be classic, fun or quirky
- Lighted decorations are easier than stringing lights
- Even easier—place lighted decorations inside a picture window so you can enjoy them too
Entryway ideas, like entryways themselves, come in small, medium and large:
- Berry Ball suspended from above
- Santa figure
- Nutcrackers
- Seasonal branches in tall vases
Put up a tree, in four stress-free steps.
Step 1 Lights & Topper
In general, you’ll want one 100-light strand for every foot tall your tree is. Make sure the plug-in end of the strand is at bottom. And set the tree topper in place now, so you won’t have to reach over fragile ornaments later.
Step 2 Garland
Drape strands starting from the bottom and working up.
Step 3 Ornaments
You’ve got your ornaments, right? Hang the largest ones first, securing those on the thickest branches if you have a real tree.
Step 4 Tree Skirt
Choose a skirt that plays off the colors in your ornaments or matches your Christmas stockings. Next, step back and survey your work. Who’s a genius? You are. A genius who might deserve some eggnog.
No Christmas tree?
No problem. There are plenty of fun, easy, space-saving alternatives.
- Potpourri Trees give you the classic fragrance of a fresh-cut tree
- Display ornaments by securing them onto draped garland or suspending from stocking holders
- An ornament stand can also double as centerpiece
- Fill a glass bowl or apothecary jars with colorful glass ball ornaments
A change of accents is all it takes to go from fall to winter.
A few special tips: Asymmetry is always more eye-catching than a perfectly balanced arrangement. Create extra height by hanging a wreath or mirror (or a wreath on a mirror) on the wall behind the mantel. And choose items of varying heights to keep things interesting.
Finally, protect your mantel’s surface with stocking hangers.
Quick additions: Christmas kitchen towels or a Snowman Cookie Jar. Or try running a strand of Christmas garland down the length of your kitchen island.
The space above your cabinets is a holiday display waiting to happen. If you have oversized or breakable Christmas decorations that you’re wary of setting out, this is the safest place to show those off. Need inspiration to start? See our ideas for above cabinets.
Whether you’re traveling for the holidays or just want to keep things simple, there are fun, affordable ways to still add cheer:
- Dress up your sofa or bed with a Christmas Pillow
- Two words: Christmas Nutcrackers
- Glamour + candlelight = Lanterns
- Display greeting cards in a red European glass bowl or platter
- Holiday Wall Applique Sets
|