How To Decorate For Christmas 2023

 Hey y’all let’s decorate for Christmas!

The air is getting crisper, and the scent of pine and cinnamon is in the air – it can only mean one thing: Christmas! It’s my favorite season of the year.  The decorations, family reunions, the food, I love it all.

Now as the festive season approaches, we all get overwhelmed by our holiday to-do list. Yeah Christmas is very magical but it also can be hectic. But who said Christmas decorations have to be complicated to be beautiful?

It’s that time to turn your home into a cozy, twinkling wonderland that captures the magic of the holiday. But it can be hard to accomplish all that in such a short time if you’re anything like me.

So I’m sharing this Christmas decoration list that I use, to take you step by step how you can add that Christmas charm to your home this year without going through all the hassle and stress.

This works for EVERY budget, style, and space. I hope this will inspire you, let’s get started.

Christmas Tree

If you’re only going to add just one element of Christmas to your home let it be a Christmas tree. The centerpiece of your holiday decoration, a Christmas tree sets out the tone for the entire season.

Whether you opt for a real pine tree or a reusable artificial one, make sure it fits your space and personal style.

Now there are many options for what kind of tree you can add to your home and I am going to share some of my favorites.

Related: How To Decorate a Christmas Tree in 2O23

          Decorated Christmas Tree

A decorated artificial Christmas tree is the most common type of Christmas tree and can be customized any way you like. The decorating options are endless and can be fun for the whole family.

Pre-decorated Flocked Christmas Tree

          Naked Christmas Tree

They are magical on their own and are the simplest and quickest option. “Naked” simply means that the tree has no ornaments other than lights.

If you’re looking for a simple and affordable option, this is for you a. I am personally a big fan of a naked tree!

Naked Christmas Tree

          Flocked Christmas Tree

A flocked Christmas tree adds that snow-covered look. The branches are covered in a white powdery mixture to replicate real snow. They are so beautiful.

A Flocked Christmas Tree

Real Christmas Tree

Having a real Christmas tree is a wonderful tradition. There is nothing more enjoyable than going to a tree farm and having your tree freshly cut. Not to mention the wonderful scent that a real tree brings to a room.

It does, of course, have downfalls. Compared to an artificial tree, it can be more expensive since you’ll have to buy a new one every year.

In addition, you need to remember to water them because they can become messy. But I believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Real Christmas Tree

          Tree decorations

Now that we already have the tree how are we going to decorate it?

  • Lights: Strings of twinkling lights bring warmth and magic to your tree.  They are my favorite part of a Christmas tree and I love the warm tone of them.
  • Tree Topper: Crown your tree with a beautiful angel, star, or any unique topper.
  • Ornaments: Mix and match a variety of ornaments in different shapes and colors.
Christmas tree with decorations on a bokeh lights
Different Christmas Tree Tropper
Christmas Tree adorned with fairly lights

Wreaths and Garlands

Another way to decorate for Christmas is by adding wreaths and garlands into your home. There are a variety of ways you can use these throughout your home for and endless overall look and you also have an option of getting real wreaths and garlands.

You can also use artificial wreaths and garlands, they could be flocked, real pine, popcorn or cranberry, etc. but I would really recommend you get those that tie your space together.

Here are some places you can add wreaths around your home to really add that Christmas look in your home.

      Wreath On Your Front Door

Now the exterior of your front door is the most common place you can add wreaths. Wreaths on the exterior of your front door really gives that holiday cheer to the outside of your home and also adds a festive welcome to your home.

You can do the same with the interior of your front door or leave it but I personally love it when I have both.

Christmas Wreath on Door

      Interior or Exterior of Your Windows

Wreaths on exterior windows are my favorite aesthetic choice, especially on a grand colonial with tiny candles in the windows.

It’s really lovely.

Adding wreaths inside your windows is another inventive way to display them! Simply Hang them to the top of your window using a decorative ribbon and a tiny tack to fasten them.

Christmas Wreath on Interior and Exterior of a Window

      Wall

You can also use a Christmas wreath as wall decor if your wall has an empty space, and it always serves as a lovely focal point for the space.

Christmas Wreath on Wall Between windows

      Layer on Art

Last but not least Layering wreaths over your existing artwork is yet another original way to decorate for Christmas.

You can command strips to attach it to your décor piece. I love illuminated wreaths as they It give my existing decorations just the right amount of holiday cheer.

Christmas Wreath Layered on Art

Garland

These are a simple way to decorate your home for Christmas and there are a variety of places you can add them in your home. These could be flocked, real, or pre-lit in a bunch of different ways.

Here’s how you can use garlands to adorn different places in your home.

Hang Garland on Your Mantel

For your mantel garland is the perfect layering piece. For an easy foolproof option, attach garland hangers to your mantel then you can simply drape them on the top.

Garlands aren’t always associated with greens there are countless options including bean garlands, and felt ball garlands. Also to add interest you can layer a variety of them on your mantel.

Christmas garland on mantel
Christmas garland on mantel

      Hang Christmas Garland on Your windows

Hanging these on your windows is a great way to add a touch of Christmas to your space. I love hanging real garlands on my kitchen window, a space that can be really hard to decorate and they really do the job, not to mention the amazing smell that comes with them.

Real Pine Garland on Kitchen Window

      Wrapping Christmas Garland on Mirrors

Now this is another fun way and something that you haven’t probably considered. You probably have a mirror on your entry way or as a focal in any other part of your house, consider adding some garland to it.

I love to wrap garland around the round mirror I have on my hallway and it really adds that Christmas magic.

Real Pine Garland on a Mirror

      Hang Garland on Stairs

Your stairs can be an additional place to use garland in your house. You can use your stair banister to hang the garland.

You can attach your garland hangers to your stair banister then drape them on the edge like I love to do, or you can attach it the top, middle and bottom of your staircase rail to create two swags or, you can attach it using ribbons and add large bows to hide where you attached it to the rail.

Another way to hang garland on your staircase is to wrap it around the banister of your staircase. A pre-lit garland would really look nice with this.

Hanging Garland on Stairs
Hanging Garland on Stairs

Use Christmas Garland in a Centerpiece

Looking for a simple dining table centerpiece? The ideal addition may be a Christmas garland. I enjoy using it as the centerpiece’s main base.

Once you have the garland, you can layer candles or other Christmas decorations to create a simple

Christmas centerpiece.

Garland used in Centerpiece
Garland used in Centerpiece

Add Some Sparkle with Lights

One of the easiest and most effective ways to decorate for Christmas is to use lights. Lights can instantly transform any space into a magical and cozy wonderland.

The best part is that they can be used is they can be used in other places besides your Christmas tree.

You can use them on open shelving, you can use them to decorate jars which you can place on your coffee table or dining table, or you can use them to decorate your wreaths & garland.

Consider adorning your home with fairy lights, string lights, or LED candles.

  String Lights

You can hang string lights on your walls, windows, mantel, staircase, or anywhere else you want to add some sparkle. Besides you can choose from different colors, shapes, and sizes of string lights, depending on your preference and theme.

You can use white or warm white lights for a classic and elegant look, or multicolored lights for a fun and festive look.

You can also use string lights that have different effects, such as twinkling, flashing, or fading.

Christmas String Lights

Fairy Lights

Fairy lights are smaller and more delicate than string lights, and they are perfect for creating a whimsical and romantic ambiance.

You can use fairy lights to decorate your jars, vases, bottles, or lanterns, and place them on your tables, shelves, or nightstands.

You can also use fairy lights to wrap around your wreaths, garlands, or trees.

Christmas Fairy Lights

LED Candles

LED candles are a safe and convenient alternative to real candles, as they don’t pose any fire hazard or produce any smoke or smell.

You can use LED candles to create a warm and cozy glow in your rooms, especially in the evening.You can place LED candles on your tables, mantels, windowsills, or shelves.

You can also use LED candles that have timers or remote controls, so you can easily turn them on and off.

LED candles
LED Candles Used on a Dinning Table

Table Décor

One of the easiest ways to add some Christmas flair to your home is to decorate your table. The dining table is the focal point of our homes during holiday gatherings.

You can use a festive tablecloth, napkins, placemats, or runners in colors that match your theme. You can also add some centerpieces, such as candles, pine cones, ornaments, or flowers. And if you want to make it more personal, you can use DIY crafts, such as mason jars filled with lights, snow globes, or wreaths & garlands.

Garland used in Centerpiece
Garland used in Centerpiece

Add in Holiday Décor

There can only be endless possibilities when it comes to holiday décor.

Deck the halls with traditional Christmas decorations. Hang wreaths on doors, adorn mantels with garlands, and sprinkle ornaments throughout your home, mini trees, candles, figurines, and wall art just to name a few.

you can hang some stockings on your fireplace mantel, place some nutcrackers on your shelves, or display some nativity scenes on your coffee table.

Don’t forget to hang a wreath on your front door to welcome your visitors.

Consider creating a theme for your decorations, whether it be a winter wonderland with snowflakes and icicles or a rustic cabin with pinecones and burlap accents.

Candles

Candles are a great way to create a cozy and romantic ambiance for Christmas. They not only provide a warm glow but also add a touch of elegance to your Christmas décor.

You can use different sizes, shapes, colors, and scents to suit your mood and style. You can place them on your table, fireplace, windowsill, or anywhere else you want to add some warmth and light.

Also you can use candle holders, such as lanterns, glass jars, or metal stands, to make them more attractive and safe.

Festive Pillows and Throw Blankets

If you want to make your sofa or bed more comfortable and inviting for Christmas, nothing says cozy like pillows and throw blankets.

You can choose Christmas-themed ones, but I prefer to use throw blankets and pillows with transitional textures and patterns so I can use them all winter long instead of just for Christmas. Also various textures and patterns can be combined to create a warm, cozy and stylish look.

These can be sytled on your furniture or baskets, see below.

Throw Blanket and Pillows on Furniture
Throw Blanket and Pillows in a Basket

Scents of the season

Engage your senses with the scents of the season. One of the best ways to decorate for Christmas is to fill your home with the scents of the season. You can use scented candles, diffusers, potpourri, or sprays that have Christmas aromas, such as cinnamon, gingerbread, pine, or vanilla.

You can also use natural ingredients, such as oranges, cloves, cranberries, or rosemary, to make your own homemade scents and place them in bowls, vases, or baskets around your home to create a festive and fresh smell.

Out Door Decorations

Finally, don’t forget to decorate your outdoor space for Christmas. Extend the festive ambiance to the exterior of your home with outdoor decorations.

Use lights, wreaths, bows, or banners to adorn your porch, balcony, or patio. You can also use inflatables, statues, or signs to create a fun and whimsical scene in your yard.

You can use natural elements, such as branches, berries, or pine cones, to make your own rustic decorations, or plant some poinsettias, holly, or mistletoe in pots or baskets to add some color and life.

Christmas is an opportunity to express your unique style and spread joy to all who enter your home. So, gather your decorations, turn up the holiday tunes, and let the decorating festivities begin!