Traditional Christmas colors with a hint of pink give our home a timeless holiday feel. Here are my 2021 decorating plans for the living room, bedroom, dining room, kitchen and more.
Last year was our first full Christmas in this house, and I was overwhelmed at where to start. For the first time I actually planned my decorating ahead of time so I could visualize each space, and it made the whole process much easier.
Before that I’d only sketched ideas into my Holiday Planner. Creating a visual plan helped me avoid impulse purchases and gave me confidence when pulling the rooms together.
I know some people think it’s too early to share Christmas ideas in October or early November, but I share early so you can find pieces you love before they sell out. Planning early lets you enjoy preparing rather than rushing at the last minute.
It’s also much easier to decorate when you’ve already learned what worked last year. That experience makes the season feel less overwhelming. Let’s dive in!
This post contains affiliate links for convenience. See disclosure policy on the original site.
The photo below shows our living room decorated the first Christmas after we moved in—pretty minimal compared to now!
Last year we upgraded our living room tree and I haven’t stopped smiling about it since.
Grand Frasier Fir Christmas Tree | Woven Basket Tree Collar
I’d wanted this tree for a couple of years. It’s an investment but worth it—the size and fullness fit our corner perfectly. The branches look full even without ornaments, and I can’t wait to decorate it again.
Now, here are my plans room by room.
Christmas Decorating Plans for the Living Room
My approach this year is to reuse much of last year’s decor while adjusting the color balance—more green alongside the classic red and plaids. Laying everything out visually helps me avoid overbuying and keeps the look cohesive. If you like mood boards, making one can really streamline your decisions.
Key items I’m using in the living room: cedar garland, pomegranate stems, knit stockings with gold stars, red and green plaid ribbon, brass bells, deer and mercury glass ornaments, a console table with white & brass lamp, storage boxes, brass candlesticks, faux mini tree, faux fur throw, cedar berries & snow abstract art, star tree topper, Grand Frasier Fir tree and a cane basket tree collar. I’ll also use plaid and green pillows and a vintage-style blue rug to anchor the space.
I’m especially excited about the Cedar Berries & Snow abstract art I purchased—it will tie in beautifully with the traditional palette and added greenery.
Christmas Decorating in the Dining Room
The dining room will be a favorite this year because I’m decorating around my great-grandmother’s vintage furniture. I’m still finalizing the design board for a longer-term makeover, but for Christmas I’ll simply highlight the room’s classic lines and let the antiques shine.
Decor highlights: brass deer statue, antique server and hutch, a brass mirror, tabletop trees, cedar wreath, cluster bells, wooden nutcrackers, gold flatware, plaid table runner and seasonal serving pieces. I’ll use an olive & charcoal rug and plaid plates for a traditional feel.
The dining room now has space for a tree, which is exciting. I might keep it simple there this year, or try a subtle, classic look so it complements the antiques. With a tree also in the living room and office, the house will feel festive from every angle.
Christmas Decorating in the Kitchen
Last year I was finishing the kitchen makeover, so this season I’ll build on last year’s base rather than making big changes. The kitchen needs to stay functional over the holidays, so I keep decor minimal and practical—seasonal towels, holiday mugs, wreaths on cabinet doors, and a few ornaments for countertop styling.
Kitchen accents: a brass chandelier, gold ornaments, seasonal mugs, green plaid throw pillows, plaid kitchen towels, a kitchen runner, a mistletoe wreath and subtle seasonal art. I’ll add small wreaths to cabinet doors for a festive, yet uncluttered look.
Christmas in the Primary Bedroom
Last year I finally decorated the bedroom for Christmas and loved it—plaid bedding and a small tree made the room cozy and festive. This year I’ll add holiday art above the bed and a few seasonal accents to enhance the warm glow of a bedside tree.
Bedroom elements: winter art, plaid bedding, a mistletoe pillow, ivory linen curtains with brass rods, a blue nightstand, tabletop pine trees, a flocked pre-lit tree with a basket stand, beaded glass trees and a large white bowl filled with seasonal natural fillers like pinecones.
The bedroom is a favorite because the soft tree glow and plaid textiles make it feel like a cozy retreat. I’ll share a full primary bedroom update later this year with more details.
More Christmas Decor Ideas
I’ll also decorate the office and the girls’ rooms. The girls recently moved into separate bedrooms, so I’m deciding which room will get a tree this year. For the kids’ spaces I’ll reuse a set of blush ornaments that worked perfectly last year—simple, pretty and kid-friendly.
Girls’ rooms: ruffled burlap tree skirt, a flocked pre-lit tree and an 85-piece blush ornament set. Office: floral curtains, a flocked mountain pine tree, gold ornaments, a brass tree collar, a blush-and-gray rug and a mercury glass ornament garland to bring subtle glam.
My office was one of my favorite holiday spots last year—the blush ornaments paired with a faux brass collar gave it a chic, festive look and proved how a few well-chosen seasonal touches can transform a space.
I hope this overview helps you see where I’m headed with my Christmas decor this year. Planning each room ahead of time makes it easier to narrow down the pieces you truly want and creates a more intentional, beautiful holiday home.
Do you prefer elaborate decorating or a simpler approach for the holidays?
More Posts You Will Love:
- Classic Ralph Lauren Christmas Decor
- 21 Fun Holiday Ideas for Your Family’s Christmas Bucket List
- DIY Christmas Tree Basket
- Host and Hostess Gift Ideas
- Christmas Gift Wrapping Ideas