5 Chic Holiday Décor Ideas To Get You Excited About Decorating
Holiday Decor Ideas
I know, I know! Can you believe the holiday season is sneaking up on us? Some of you just might not be feeling quite ready to think about holiday decorations just yet. But, I truly believe that it’s the prepping and planning that allows you to enjoy the season more! Once I have my holiday decorations up, I feel more in control. Then, I can take in the holidays without that task looming over my head. Because let’s face it, come Thanksgiving it’s go time! And, Thanksgiving is just 2 1/2 weeks away! Here are 5 simple tips to get you started. If holiday decorating doesn’t light you up 😉, these ideas will help keep it painless, and…you might even enjoy it!
If you need to get organized before the holiday so you feel less chaotic and frantic, you should check out this post.
Holiday Minimalism
Do you prefer a more minimalistic approach to Christmas decorating? Or are you on team Clark Griswold (from the movie Christmas Vacation)…the bigger and brighter the better? This year, I’m planning on a more neutral and minimal décor approach – a chic and classy Christmas! With my kids being older, I’m really drawn to simple but elegant décor that feels warm, seasonal and merry but not overdone! I’m sharing some of my favorite finds and easy decorating tips to get in the spirit! Keep scrolling for some simple tips below…
OK, what is your FAVORITE holiday tradition? Traditions are such a special part of this magical time of year and I’d love to hear what you and your family do to make it special. Please leave me a comment below!
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Tip #1) Replace Don't Add
If you are looking for a clutter-free holiday vibe in your house, instead of adding all the new decorations to your existing cast of characters, you can put away, repurpose, and refresh. You can still deck the halls but with a less-is-more approach. But, if you love holiday maximalism then go for it! It's all about creating what makes you most happy in your home. For me, holiday décor has more impact if it shines on its own. Here are some beautiful stand-alone pieces and a few pieces that would be easy to repurpose all year round! TIP: Take photos of your pre-holiday décor so you remember where everything goes! This is especially helpful for styled bookshelves and fireplace mantels.
If you aren’t a fan of bright red and green, don’t feel trapped with that color scheme! There are so many other options like winter whites, rustic neutrals, metallics, and dark blues and greens that will create the same warmth and a festive, joyful space. I’m going with deep green and winter whites this year. I’m using this fabulous ribbon and these bells for my stairs and similar garland. TIP: Use zip ties to keep your garland in place!
I always grab a few live greens to decorate with, but I typically mix those with faux greens because I put my decorations up early and the fresh greens don’t always last very long. You want good quality faux greenery that isn't too plastic looking. You can put a few stems in a vase or pitcher, tuck them behind a mirror, or add them to a bowl or table centerpiece. If your wreath needs updating, these swag options are cool and different! You can also tie smaller faux wreaths on the back of your kitchen chairs with pretty ribbon too...festive foliage that lasts (and lasts!)
If you're decorating your fireplace mantel or other focal points in your main living area, garland (also listed in Tip #2) is a beautiful option. I'm linking both a plain and pre-lit version below. These are high quality, drape and shape well, and look very authentic (after some fluffing!). TIP: start the greenery at one end of your mantel and drape it over the top and edge so it hangs down lower on one side, asymmetrically. It looks pretty cool! If it looks sparse, you can use ribbon, other green stems or pinecones to fill in any gaps. You could add your stockings to one side in a cluster with low-profile stocking hangers.
The family Christmas tree is the one thing I just can’t minimalize. Every handprint ornament and 3rd-grade paper mache masterpiece is going on that tree. I look forward to seeing those ornaments every year. They are so sentimental and if it’s tacky, so be it. BUT, I do have a second, smaller tree that I have fun decorating each year with more "grownup" ornaments. You can put it in your bedroom, office, or just anywhere that makes you happy!
Susan is the Busbee Style Digital Content Editor and a contributing writer. She has spent the last 25 years working in the magazine publishing industry as a content, circulation, and marketing consultant. Susan resides in sunny San Diego, CA with her husband and pathetically perfect pup, Rusty, and loves visiting with her 2 sons when they're home from college. With a passion for pretty things, witty words, travel, and all things family, writing HOME content comes naturally because, truth be told, her homebody game is strong! There’s no place like home!
Hi Victoria! WOW, thank you so much for your kind words. We’d love for you to share this post with your clients. We appreciate you!! Happy Holidays, Susan
Where I live, we already have snow on the ground and that makes me want to decorate for the holidays. I am going to try a tree collar this year for the live tree we get. I like the minimalistic look of the collar and it’s something new to try. As for traditions, we live in Bing Crosby’s hometown so watching White Christmas is a given. Cheers!
Hi Katie! I’m sure having snow on the ground really helps with getting in the Christmas spirit! I had my eye on a tree collar too. Thanks for sharing your tradition…we might have to add that classic to our holiday watch list this year. Have a great week! Susan
I love those brass candle sticks. I used to have a collection of those a long time ago, but brass was so “out” for so many years that I finally got rid of most of them. Of course now, I’m so sad I didn’t keep them
Hi Julie! I know just how you feel! It happens…and usually RIGHT after you let go of the item you had been holding on to! Hope you have a fabulous week and an amazing holiday season! Susan
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This is super stunning. I am high-end realtor and would love to share your post my clients will love these ideas
Hi Victoria! WOW, thank you so much for your kind words. We’d love for you to share this post with your clients. We appreciate you!! Happy Holidays, Susan
Where I live, we already have snow on the ground and that makes me want to decorate for the holidays. I am going to try a tree collar this year for the live tree we get. I like the minimalistic look of the collar and it’s something new to try. As for traditions, we live in Bing Crosby’s hometown so watching White Christmas is a given. Cheers!
Hi Katie! I’m sure having snow on the ground really helps with getting in the Christmas spirit! I had my eye on a tree collar too. Thanks for sharing your tradition…we might have to add that classic to our holiday watch list this year. Have a great week! Susan
I love those brass candle sticks. I used to have a collection of those a long time ago, but brass was so “out” for so many years that I finally got rid of most of them. Of course now, I’m so sad I didn’t keep them
Hi Julie! I know just how you feel! It happens…and usually RIGHT after you let go of the item you had been holding on to! Hope you have a fabulous week and an amazing holiday season! Susan