Stylish and Festive Christmas Decorating Ideas

Christmas Decorating Ideas to Spread Lots of Holiday Cheer

This year, don’t just bring down the same old ornaments from the attic. Instead, pick a holiday theme and use Christmas décor both old and new to bring it to life. Will it be an old-fashioned Christmas? Or perhaps your look will feature a color pairing, a nod to nature, or a bit of snowy inspiration. Whatever you choose, a new theme will bring a refreshed look to your holidays this year.

White Christmas

Are you already dreaming of a white Christmas? This is one decorative theme that you can make rustic and simple, or luxurious and beautiful. Pair rustic elements with snowy white accents, like rustic wooden angels, decorated gingerbread houses, and wooden wall art that features a white-lettered holiday message. Want something more elegant? Pair frosty, shimmering white accents with a touch of sparkling gold. Create a tablescape in your dining room atop a white velvet table runner and a dusting of faux snow. Add a charming snow village, Christmas figurines, and golden-flecked trees. Finish with pre-lit glowing jingle bells for a magical effect and a few LED tea light candles. Continue the look on your Christmas tree, staying with the gold and white color palette from top to bottom. And don’t forget the finishing touch – a gold, shining star on top of the tree!

Through the Woods

Look to nature-themed home decor to find inspiration in its wintery wonderland. Just imagine heading over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house for the holidays and you’ll be in the right mood. Deep lush greenery and white shimmering snow set the perfect backdrop for this gorgeous Christmas decorating theme. Start by hanging swags of pre-lit garland throughout your home. Don’t hold back. Venture beyond the mantel and hang them above every window in your main living space and among archways. A large snow-white area rug delivers that wintery look to your conversation area. A few well-placed snowman decorations look right at home whether they are hanging out by the tree, standing sentry in the foyer or welcoming guests outside on your front porch. Fluffy white forest critters make for beautiful ornaments on the tree. Fill rustic metal lanterns with pine boughs, holly and a LED candle. Frosted winter holiday wreaths add a finishing touch on doors, both inside and out.

Merry & Bright

The Christmas décor theme that focuses on the festive color palette of red and white is one of the easiest to pull together while using ornaments you already have on hand. Start by gathering up all those ornaments and decorative accents that are either red or white or a mixture of both. (Candy canes make perfect candidates!) Now add more red and white décor to make the theme even stronger. Cover your sofa in white or cream-colored slipcovers, then toss on red and white accent pillows and throws. Use an ample supply of wide red satin ribbon to cascade down your Christmas tree or weave it through garland. Use white accents like snowy icicles, white branched accent trees and whitewashed lanterns as a foundation for red and white décor accents, like pre-lit wooden block letters and red and white chevron patterned mittens and scarves.

Nice & Nostalgic

Nothing feels more homey and welcoming than a traditional old-fashioned Christmas theme. String winter greenery along stair banisters and fireplace mantels. For this theme, any décor that features a handmade flavor will fit right in. Hang knitted stockings or mittens along the fireplace. Cover throw pillows with nostalgic-themed pillow covers and generously toss them on your family room furniture and on guest beds. Add an old-fashioned sleigh to your front porch to hold poinsettias or other holiday blooms. A life-sized Santa looks right at home near the fireplace, as though he is poised and ready to fill those stockings. Anything that recalls “days gone by” makes for perfect décor options. Choose holiday wreaths for your doors that feel quaint and welcoming. A Christmas train near your decorated tree or along the top of a shelf adds a delightful touch. Old-fashioned jingle bells, plaid ribbons, cozy quilts, and classic ice skates are all nostalgic touches that bring this theme to life beautifully.

Outdoor Decorating for the Holidays

Expand your Christmas decorating outside. Welcome guests from the moment they step on your sidewalk, all the way to the front door. A decorative Christmas sleigh creates a cheerful welcome, as well as the lighted gift boxes. Guests are then welcomed by the lighted swag hanging on the door.

Front Door Decorating for Christmas

A door is one of the first things guests will see when they arrive at your home, so greet them with a welcoming front door. Use lighted Christmas garland around your front door to create a warm welcome. Make the transition easy by switching your fall leaf garland to a winter spruce garland.

Garlands are an easy way to decorate your front door. Accent your garland with a few seasonal inspired decorations such as pinecones and candles for a cozy feeling that will last through the season. Finish the look with a few decorative presents set beside the door.

For even more Christmas front door decorating ideas, check out our article.

Get gifting!

Now that you have decked the halls and made your home merry, turn your focus to gift-giving. Need a few inspiring ideas? Check out our Christmas gift buying guide and get started checking off everyone on your list. Whether for her, him, the party hostess, the cook, or the kids, we have you covered!