When I moved into my first home and the holidays came around, I remember being thrilled to have my own place to fill with cozy Christmas décor. The stores were laden with evergreen garlands, rosy bulbs and the sparkle of lights.
Choosing from amongst all of the decorating options was no easy feat. How do you achieve just the right blend of decorations so that your home feels festive but not like the North Pole exploded in your living room?
It’s all about the five staples of Christmas Décor! These five elements are timeless and create a blend of indoor and outdoor decorations, including everything you need from lighting to natural pieces. Just take a look below for some decorating tips to start getting you in the holiday mood:
1) Lights
There is nothing quite like the cheery glow that Christmas lights give. Traditionally used to outline your rooftop or trees, Christmas lights can be used in all sorts of other ways too!
Try winding soft white lights around greenery for a natural way to decorate your bannister. Place loose bundles of lights in jars for a rustic look. String lights across shelves, cork boards, the ceiling or even bedposts for a hint of Christmas cheer. Don’t feel you have to light up everything though. Just a touch here and there will go a long way!
More lighting tips: 20 Ways to Decorate Your Entire Home with Fairy Lights, 15 Christmas Light Ideas That Will Top Your Neighbor's House.
Bundling white twinkle lights in mason jars is a great way to create cozy lantern lighting.
2) Wreaths
When guests arrive at your home what is one of the first things they see? Your front door. This is the entryway to your space, your home, a place that you want to be warm and inviting. In many ways, your door sets the tone of your house, so you want the Christmas décor to start there. One of the simplest ways to do this is with a wreath.
Create a natural wreath by mixing sprigs of
evergreen with pinecones and berries.
Wreaths can be made out of almost anything: ribbons, branches, berries and even sweaters! You also can’t beat a classic evergreen wreath with frosted edges and twining ribbon. If you’re struggling to decide what kind of wreath you want, think about your inside decorations first. Is there a theme to your décor? Whether it’s vintage, natural or based on color, try pulling that theme into your wreath as well.
More wreath tips: 45+ Festive Do-it-Yourself Christmas Wreath Ideas, 50 Best Christmas Wreaths to Decorate for the Holidays, 50 Beautiful Holiday Wreaths.
This wreath features orange slices, cinnamon
sticks and pinecones for a unique and tasty look.
3) Candles
If you’re a returning reader to the blog then you know that I’m a huge proponent of candles! Their inviting glow and scents add a cozy element to any house during the holidays. Candles can be used on tables, bannisters, shelves and mantels. Try jar candles if you’re going country or invest in some elegant pillar candles if you want a vintage look.
For those of you celebrating with little ones, Luminara candles are flame-effect alternatives that offer the same warm lighting while keeping curious hands safe. Time and again I’ve heard people ask if these candles are real only to hear them gasp a moment later. They’re available in a variety of colors, shapes and styles to give you all the options that regular candles offer.
Luminara candles make for beautiful and safe
mantel decorations. (Photo from Luminara.)
4) The Mantel
A fireplace acts as a focal point, making the mantel above it an essential space to decorate. This is an ideal place for draping garland and adding in natural elements like branches, apples and pinecones.
Decorating a mantel can be as simple as using greenery and ribbon.
And don't forget your stockings! (Photo courtesy of Personal Creations.)
The key is to fill up space without making it cluttered. One way to create this balance is by adding a variety of heights: three different sized jars or candles for instance, with low-lying greenery laid out below them. This will fill in your mantel without overwhelming your senses.
More mantel tips: 28 Designer Holiday Mantels to Recreate at Home.
Bold letters are another great way to decorate your mantel, such as the
red letters spelling out "joy" above. (Photo courtesy of Personal Creations.)
5) The Tree
What is the first thing you think of when someone says Christmas decorations? There’s a good chance it’s the Christmas tree! For many, the tree is the crowning jewel in their décor and its decorations often determine the rest of their house.
Tree decorating options are endless, from eclectic trees full of children’s handmade ornaments to stylized ones that center on a theme or color combination. Themes can focus around everything from stars to rustic elements, while popular colors include gold, silver, white, red, and ice blue. I’ve even seen trees done in purple or pink with success!
When it comes to your tree, as always, the goal is to fill in space without overdoing it. Make sure your tree is balanced from every side and don’t forget finishing touches like garland or ribbon.
More Christmas tree tips: 35 Christmas Tree Ideas for an Unforgettable Holiday, 27 Creative Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas.
Work with Lauren Figueroa Interior Design
LFID is a full-service interior design firm serving West and Southeast Michigan. We work with clients across West and Southeast Michigan (Detroit metro, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Holland) and anywhere in between, and we pride ourselves on creating bespoke, people-centered spaces—because after all, people are what this life is all about!
If you have a project on the horizon, get started by telling us a little about your vision here.
