Christmas Decorating Ideas

What’s the most important thing to remember when considering Christmas Decorating Ideas? Think outside the (gift) box! Everything doesn’t have to be red and green and conform to age-old tradition. We hope our Christmas Decorating Ideas  below will inspire you to put not only a NEW twist on your seasonal décor, but also put a YOU twist on it! And many of our ideas are incredibly inexpensive to keep even Scrooge happy.

 GREETINGS 

 Your front door should be one of the grandest statements in your decorating plan. You’ll want to be sure it looks good at night as well as during the day and from close up as well as from farther away. This is one of those Christmas decorating ideas that people rarely think about but can make a huge impact. 

 ·       Incorporate cinnamon-scented pine cones and cinnamon sticks into your porch decorations to encourage the idea that something wonderful is waiting on the other side of the door.

·       Attach a wreath to your front door that is covered in wrapped candy tied on with ribbons. Also attach a tiny scissors with a ribbon. Greet your guests with a piece of holiday candy they can snip off themselves.

 Beyond your exterior decorations, the first stop for your guests is usually the foyer. This is the place that will set the tone for the rest of your holiday home.

 ·       Hang a bundle of jingle bells on your front door handle. Bells are the sound of merriment and every time someone enters or exits you’ll be handing out angel wings!

·       Drape evergreen or red berry swags over the tops of your wall art. Simple but dramatic.

·       Hang mistletoe from your overhead light fixture. Just like in all the Hallmark movies.

 THE TREE AND ALL ITS TRIMMINGS

 THE “SKIRT”

 Most of us have our Christmas trees up for several weeks before putting presents under them. If this is how you do it in your house, then don’t forget about the tree skirt. Here are some thoughts to help jazz up the base of your tree.

 ·       Blankets, throws or quilts-These can be a great way to add a fun, warm texture to your tree, faux fur is especially luxurious and cozy.

·       River Rocks-Lay large stones on top of a neutral blanket for a natural appeal (Hauling in and out is a perfect job for the kids!)

·       Rope-Get the chunkiest rope you can find and coil it around the base of your tree stand until it is the shape and size of a tree skirt.

 THE “ORNAMENTS”

 You know about the glass balls and the millions of hobby-related ornaments available in stores. But what else can you hang on your tree to give it a unique personality? This is one of those Christmas decorating ideas that is both simple and creative. 

 ·       Tea cups-fill them 1/3 to 1/2 with fake berries or holiday bloom.

·       Vintage postcards or images-hang them from ribbons or strings.

·       Tie glass balls with chunky, textured yarn instead of hooks. When in quantity they will add color and warmth to the tree.

·       Vintage stuffed animals and toys-give your tree an old world spin by wiring on vintage items. Be sure to keep the proportion of the tree consistent with the size of the toys.

·       Mittens and gloves-if you find an adorable pattern or color scheme, buy multiple pairs to hang from your tree branches. Cable knit and plaid are perfect patterns in this case.

 THE “GARLAND”

 ·       Newspaper or books-cut them in strips like the kids’ construction paper garland or cut out a shape (cookie cutters make great templates) and string it together for a sophisticated vintage effect.

·       Does Mom, Grandma or Aunt knit or crochet? Ask them to make you a thin scarf that is super long and drape it around your Christmas tree in lieu of garland. In addition to a beautifully unique tree, you’ll also get a memorable keepsake. Don’t know anyone who knits? Buy several at the store and string them together.

 THE “TOPPERS”

 One aspect that many  neglect when searching for Christmas decorating ideas is the toppers. If you have a special tree topper such as a star or angel then you’re all set. If, however, you are searching for the perfect cherry on top of your tree, think about this:

 ·       Framed Art-Get an inexpensive frame and remove the backing. Paint a star on the glass, secure it to the frame and attach it to the top of your tree with wire and ribbon. (Star templates can be printed off the internet.)

·       Ribbons and Bows-There are many options when it comes to bows and ribbons to top your tree. There are big round pompom bows, longer shoelace bows and single loop special awareness bows. You can use a single color ribbon or add a second or third color. You can have short tails or long tails that reach almost to the floor. Just be sure to keep the overall size of your tree in mind when fashioning your bow topper.

·       Monograms-Very popular right now, you see monograms on everything. Why not the top of your tree? Use your family name initial or stagger an “S” and a “C” for your jolly ol’ friend.

 DECORATING THEMES

 Do you have a theme to your Christmas decorating? While it’s not necessary to assign a theme to some or any of your rooms, there are rooms that just scream for decorations of a certain style.

 ·       Kitchen-Decorate with spices, herbs and produce. Fresh is great and will add merriment to your sense of smell or look for quality fake-outs that are hard to tell from the real deal. Thinly slice oranges or apples and dry them in the oven, place them in the nooks, crannies and open soffits of your kitchen along with evergreen fillers and sprigs of fresh rosemary.

·       Sun Room-A beach or cottage theme might be fun for this type of space. Look for cool colored decorations in shades of green and blue, or try the exact opposite and make it sunny and warm with oranges, reds and yellows.

·       Dining Room-Decorating with candles, chocolates and dishware is perfect in this space. Cover a Styrofoam tree form with chocolate icing and attach inexpensive chocolates to the icing. Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a snow-covered tree. While not edible it will look and smell great. A partridge in a pear tree is also perfect décor for a dining room.  Whether you have an actual Christmas tree or a large tabletop vessel, load it up with pears and perch a partridge slightly off-center. Don’t use real pears or partridges, that gets too messy.

·       Living and Bedroom Spaces-Consider basing your decorations on classic Christmas shows, movies, stories or songs. You can choose to make your scheme funny, nostalgic, campy or retro. The possibilities are endless with Scrooge alone. Think some classics are overdone? Accept the challenge to come up with your own fresh take on an old favorite.

 MEMORIES

 One of the best Christmas decorating ideas involves a personal aspect. Try working some memorabilia into your design plan. This is, after all, the season for friends and family.

 ·       Create tree ornaments with family images, profiles in a solid color on a plaid background are trending right now.

·       Have your kids write down what they want on a quality piece of card stock. Roll it up like a scroll and tie it with a ribbon or string. Each year they can read what they wanted the previous years and then continue to add to it. The tied scrolls look pretty nestled in the tree branches and they’ll be fun to read in the future.

 WELCOME GUESTS

 Make your guests feel extra welcome by adding festive touches to your Guest Room and Guest Bath. Little things can make a big impact.

 ·       Hang stockings with their name or initial from the bed posts or headboard.

·       Place a small bowl of peppermint chocolates or eggnog cookies on a table.

·       Make or buy a Christmas floral arrangement to sit on a table or bathroom counter.

·       Add holiday pillows that coordinate with your everyday bedding.

 Powder Room

 ·       Burn a candle with a pleasant Christmas scent.

·       Put out Christmas hand towels.

·       Lay a Christmas rug on the floor.

·       Drape greens over the light fixture.

 THE EXTRAS

 Here are some extra Christmas decorating ideas to keep you warm and cozy even if the weather outside is frightful:

 ·       Frame vintage ads that feature Christmas or winter figures such as Coke Santa or Polar Bears. Replace some of your regular artwork with these pieces to avoid overcrowding. After Christmas when you put your regular art back up it will seem fresh and new.

·       Use those cookie or popcorn tins you get as gifts as free containers for small birch logs (even if your fireplace is gas burning) or a bright poinsettia.

·       Don’t forget to make your home smell like Christmas too-heat water in a medium saucepan on the stovetop, add sliced oranges and winter spices such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and allspice. Let simmer on very low heat. It’s amazing! Be sure to keep an eye on it, you’ll need to add water occasionally. Some might call this one of those Christmas decorating ideas that’s way over the top, but you can never do too much when it comes to Christmas! 

·       Use clear glass vessels in varying shapes and sizes on your kitchen or dining room table to store holiday treats. The different heights and widths will make an interesting display, all of your baking will be displayed proudly and your guests are welcome to help themselves at any time.

·       Warm up your furniture for the cold winter months with throws draped over the backs of upholstery and toss pillows that say “snuggle me”.

 A NOTE ABOUT COLLECTIBLES

 Collectibles can be fun and enjoyable for homeowner and guests alike. Here are some tips to maximize viewing of your sentimental displays:

 ·       Keep your groupings interesting by varying the height. If the collectibles are all approximately the same size create pedestals for some by wrapping small boxes in coordinating wrapping paper and placing some of the collectibles on top. Be sure they’re steady if you’re dealing with breakables. You might even choose to display them in cabinets and etageres. 

·       Consider separating a large collection into several smaller ones. Divide them between the rooms of your home based on color and/or theme. This way you’ll be able to see and appreciate each piece rather than having them all blend together. In terms of Christmas decorating ideas, this one really does make a difference. 

FOLLOW YOUR HEART WHEN IT COMES TO CHRISTMAS DECORATING IDEAS 

 Whether you go all out or prefer subtle simplicity, follow your heart when choosing which Christmas decorating ideas you want to incorporate. Do this, and your home will be festively perfect for you, your family and whoever else may be comin’ to town.