Garlands and wreaths and lights, oh my! Nothing emanates holiday cheer more than a warmly decorated home, but with the arrival of the season also comes the inevitable decoration panic. With so many holiday dinners, parties, family gatherings, plus the shopping list, Christmas cards, and baking, decorating your home can seem like an overwhelming stressor – but it doesn’t have to be. Follow some of these simple, easy touches and your home will be holiday-ready in no time.

Embrace the Entrance

Spread Christmas cheer from outside to inside with a welcoming doorway for your guests

. Wreaths, garlands, and Christmas lights are decorating staples – but spruce up your entrance this winter by reinventing the classics. Try making your own wreath with assorted pinecones from the yard, or even add a white or silver spray-paint coating for that winter wonderland feel. Attach sleigh bells to your doorknob with metallic ribbon to ring in your guests, or hang Christmas ornaments from your front plants to add spirit to your outdoor planters.

Make Over the Mantel

The mantel is one of the easiest places to dress up your living space by drawing attention to a prominent home focal point.  Starting with a base for the display, follow the color scheme of the room with a variety of greenery, fabric, or even faux snow across the mantle. Nestle large candles, pinecones, snow globes, ornaments, or poinsettias to add depth and color. Get creative with unusual items you might find around your home like mason jars, mirrors, or tarnished silver pieces. Finally, add some personal touches like family photos, vintage items, and the traditional mantle stockings to pull it all together.

ADVERTISEMENT

Carry it on to the Kitchen

The kitchen is the hub of many memories around the holidays, so decorating this space in a welcoming but practical form is essential. Embrace the scents of wintertime while using them as decorations by gluing cinnamon sticks around a candle holder – the aroma will spread as the candle burns. Pull out your favorite family heirlooms or old Christmas cards and pictures to display around the kitchen.  They’ll add the special touch of holiday memories, which is what the season should really be about. For a great table centerpiece, pick a color theme and display your favorite ornaments in a large glass vase with garnishes such as holly or evergreens.

Other Places

Don’t forget the other places your guests may visit. Hang garland or snowflakes around your bathroom mirror, switch out your regular hand towels for holiday-themed ones, or place floating candles in a small dish of water – little touches will make your guests feel at home. If they are spending the night, leave small gifts on their pillows, like wrapped cookies or other goodies from Santa Claus. These small touches will make those most important to you feel special.

ADVERTISEMENT