How to Decorate for Christmas
Updated: Feb. 10, 2023Wondering how to decorate for Christmas? We're here to help you deck the halls—while staying true to your budget and style.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Go nuts!
For a retro look, break out the nutcrackers. These cute collectibles pair well with a variety of other holiday decor, and they can be found in various shapes, sizes and designs. This silver and gold solider, for example, pairs well with the metallic lanterns and frosted tree. (We love these vintage Christmas decorations, too.)
Go for a rustic look
Natural details—like wood, pine boughs and holly sprigs—are perfect for holiday decor. We love this cute little deer family made with twigs and wood scraps. And, since they’re not overly seasonal, they can stay up all winter long! Speaking of winter, these are the top seasonal recipes from every state.Â
Capture a quote
Whether it’s a popular song lyric or a sound bite from your favorite holiday movie, you can’t go wrong with a Christmas quote. Display it on a chalkboard ($50) for all to see. (And keep the change, ya filthy animal!) Next, check out genius gifts inspired by your fave Christmas movies.
Have a theme in mind
Planning a holiday meal? Give your table a theme! We love this idea for a Santa brunch that incorporates red napkins, gold silverware and a big black belt buckle crafted from ribbon and glitter paper. Here are 50 festive Christmas brunch recipes St. Nick would approve of.
Make it merry
Holiday decor doesn’t have to break the bank. You can make a lot of gorgeous pieces with craft supplies and a little elbow grease. This paper wreath, for example, was DIY-ed with patterned scrapbook paper. ($7) These wreath-shaped treats are equally impressive.
Get creative with your holiday wreath this year after seeing this incredible wreath.
Overload on ornaments
Ornaments don’t just belong on the tree. Pile them in bowls, vases and other vessels for an oh-so-easy centerpiece. Pick up shatterproof ornaments for this task, though—because no one wants to pry tiny shards of glass out of their carpeting. Check out these fun foodie ornaments, too!
These are 5 super simple ornaments that don’t take long to make.
Get pretty in pink
Sure, red and green are the classic Christmas colors. But feel free to branch out and design your decor around another hue. We’re obsessed with this soft pink theme, but blue, maroon or purple can be equally stunning. Get 45 pretty pink recipes here.
Whip up some jolly gingerbread
Hold up—decor that’s actually edible? Yep! Festive gingerbread houses are the perfect accessory for your holiday buffet table. (And they make a delicious post-party snack for the host.) Here’s everything you need to know about making and decorating gingerbread.
What’s great about gingerbread houses is destroying them. See what a butane torch will do to a gingerbread and more.
Keep it cozy
Even if the weather outside isn’t frightful, we still encourage you to make your home a chic, cozy space. After all, what’s more relaxing than cuddling up next to the tree with a steamy mug of cocoa? Stock your space with festive throw blankets, twinkle lights, candles and anything else that can help set a hygge mood.
Dress up your kitchen
Between baking cookies and whipping up a ham dinner, we know you’re going to spend a lot of time in the kitchen this holiday season. Cheer up your space with Christmas linens, mugs, dinnerware and even a strand of garland! For a fun DIY twist on a classic garland decoration, try making this giant popcorn garland.
Even the best of decorating intentions don’t go as planned. These decorating fails will make you feel better.
Bring the outdoors in
Even if you don’t have a real tree, you can still enjoy the heavenly scent of fresh pine boughs. Add in some pinecones, cranberry branches and other rustic elements and you’ve got yourself some super-simple (and super-cheap!) decor. If you suffer from allergies, recreate this look with foliage items from your local craft store. Michael’s has a great selection.
Make merry with metals
Metals make decorating so easy. You can opt for a monochromatic design (like this silver tablescape), or mix and match for an ultra-glitzy look. Impress your guests with a jaw-dropping menu, too.
Antlers can be fun to add for décor, see how you can add antlers to your home in winter.
Consider minimal touches
Don’t feel like your holiday decorations have to be over-the-top. Minimal touches—like a mistletoe, a strand of lights, a simple greenery wreath ($15) and typography wall art—get the job done just as well. Minimalists will love these 13 decorating ideas.
Build an awesome advent calendar
A decoration and a kid-friendly activity? We’re listening. Nix the chocolate advent calendars and create a homemade one with paper bags, rope and a long stick. Hang it on your wall to double as decor. Here are more advent calendars that double as holiday decor. Pick up an advent calendar for the adults in your home, too!
You’ve got to see these incredible home Christmas light displays across the world.
Create a winter wonderland
If matching colors isn’t your strong suit, pick a theme you can’t mess up: winter whites! This wonderland-inspired color scheme uses the same hue (plus a few mixed metals) to create a stunning, snow-kissed tablescape. Speaking of snow, here are 20 ways to build a snowman treat.
Look for vintage details
Turn mom’s stack of old cards into a decoration. We love vintage-inspired coasters, hangers and more. You can also just pop the entire card in a frame. Check out our full list of crafts that make the most out of old Christmas cards.
Get glam
See ya later, singing Santas. Today’s Christmas decor is downright chic. Look for bright, shiny and glittery accents. Try something new with one of these 12 quirky Christmas traditions.
Add some pretty poinsettias
If you have a room that’s lacking Christmas cheer, add a poinsettia or two! These pretty plants come in many sizes and colors, and can be picked up for less than $5! (Allergies? Opt for faux!)
String lots of lights
Want to know a secret? The easiest way to turn a plain room into a cozy space is with strings of twinkle lights. Don’t save ’em just for the tree. String your favorites over windows and doors, on mantels and through tablescapes. You can even find battery-operated versions ($16) to conserve power. Add lights to your cookie tree, too!
Have a blue Christmas
Channel your inner Elvis with this theme. Replace the traditional warm hues with cool blues and silver. Try it with the ornaments on your tree, garland and even colored lights. Make your home sparkle with these 60 DIY Christmas decorating ideas.
