Wondering how to decorate for Christmas? Follow these simple ideas and tips for decking the halls this holiday season!
After nearly a decade of decorating for a blog, I sometimes forget how natural it feels to plan seasonal décor. That changed when we moved into a new house in 2019 — designing for a new space reminded me how intimidating decorating can feel if you’re starting fresh.
Christmas decorating ideas can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure where to begin. I receive many emails from readers asking for help, and I understand: it can be an uphill climb. So here are the straightforward steps I follow to bring Christmas into our home while keeping things cozy and real.
Should My Home Be Magazine-Worthy?
First, let’s clear something up. Someone recently asked how to make her home “magazine-worthy.” While magazine pages and Pinterest boards are great for inspiration, your home doesn’t need to match a photo perfectly. I work hard to make our spaces look good for photos — and I’ve learned tricks over nine years to stage shots. But trust me: there’s almost always clutter just out of frame.
My home looks picture-perfect for only a few seconds before pillows end up on the floor, popcorn appears under the tree, or ornaments are repurposed for play. So instead of aiming for perfection, ask yourself two simple questions when decorating:
- Is it something you love?
- Does it create a warm, inviting, cozy space for your family?
If the answer to both is yes, you’re on the right track. Use magazine images to inspire you, not to pressure you. Create a space you love and that welcomes your family—perfection can wait for the photoshoot.
How to Decorate for Christmas
Step 1: Decorate the Front Door & Entry
Start at the front of the house—your door and entry set the mood and welcome guests. Hang a Christmas wreath or make a simple burlap wreath adorned with faux greenery and berries. If you prefer to buy one, choose a wreath that reflects your style—natural greens, magnolia, or a classic berry wreath all work well.
If you have a console or entry table, add a small nativity scene, seasonal greenery, or large ribbon bows on lamps. Store-bought bows are a fast option if tying ribbon isn’t your favorite task. Displaying framed Christmas art or simple printables on the entry table is an easy way to add personality without cluttering the space.
Step 2: Decorate The Christmas Tree(s)
Next, set up your Christmas tree—or multiple trees if you have the space. Trees create immediate holiday atmosphere. In our previous house we had two: one in the living room and one in the dining room. In our current home we enjoy four trees placed in the living room, bedroom, office, and a child’s room.
Tree decorating can be as simple as lights and homemade ornaments or as layered as ribbon, picks, garlands, and faux foliage. I love adding textures—cotton stems, lamb’s ear, wooden beads, galvanized ornaments—to create depth and interest. If you’ve never layered lights, take time to add extra strands to make the tree glow warmly; it’s a game-changer even on pre-lit trees.
Step 3: Decorate The Mantel
I enjoy decorating the mantel for every season and start thinking about it weeks ahead. Gather what you already own—wreaths, vintage frames, lanterns—and plan a focal point in the center. A large piece like an old window frame, a pallet sign, or a DIY cathedral window works well to ground the mantel and provide a backdrop for greenery and stockings.
Balance the surrounding pieces around that center point. I often create small groupings on either side, using the rule of thirds to make each vignette feel intentional. Triangles are an easy visual guide, but asymmetrical arrangements can be just as striking—don’t be afraid to mix symmetrical and asymmetrical looks.
Step 4: Decorate All the Surfaces
Once the entry, trees, and mantel are done, spread the cheer to other surfaces. Add holiday pillows and cozy throws to sofas and chairs. Use a kitchen chalkboard to write a festive phrase or countdown. Hang mini wreaths on cabinet doors, wrap empty boxes as decorative gifts, and place small snow scenes in mason jars to create seasonal vignettes.
Add twinkle lights to bookshelves or windowsills, tuck greenery into light fixtures, and include a few homemade or inexpensive décor pieces to keep the look personal and budget-friendly. Small touches repeated throughout the house—like a motif of berries, pinecones, or a signature ribbon color—help create a cohesive, festive feel.
Use everyday items creatively—candles, bowls, and simple greenery—to transform surfaces without buying lots of new decorations. Try one or two new ideas each year to evolve your holiday style gradually, making decorating less overwhelming and more enjoyable.
Remember: you don’t need a magazine-perfect home to celebrate beautifully. Let those images inspire you, then adapt ideas to suit your family’s habits and your home’s layout. If a magazine calls, you can worry about perfection then—until then, have fun and make memories.
Happy decorating!
