Winter Non-Christmas Decorating

After-Christmas Decorating Tips

You spent hours and dollars creating a winter wonderland and wake up December 26 to find all those bows and Santas yesterday’s news. But before you rush through the house in a de-decorating frenzy, think about RE-decorating for winter using what you have.

Believe it or not, there are a few easy ways to transition from Christmas to non-Christmas winter décor without packing every wreath and ornament away.

Take Out the Color

The holidays are a nostalgic, emotion-filled assault on our senses. Deep, rich colors like Christmas reds surround us for weeks. After all the hustle, simplifying your surroundings comes as a welcome respite. Start by taking out the color – leaving neutral whites and metallics behind. Other neutral holiday decor like snowman decorations can persist long after the calendar changes over.

DIY Tip: This is a great opportunity to “refresh” floral arrangements, wreaths, and garlands with new stems. Or use what you have: spray paint old, unused silk flowers white, and sprinkle with glitter.

Money-Saving Hint: Cruise the thrift stores after Christmas. Lots of florals and arrangements wind up there. Or check out dollar stores. Decorating updates don’t have to break the bank.

You Can Keep the Tree

The day after Christmas spells instant death for old Tannenbaum. But why? Winter’s landscape is marked by beautiful, snow-covered firs and pines. Keep the tree. Take off all the ornaments and just leave the lights.

DIY Tip: For a quick, unexpected twist-drape cotton batting on tree branches to resemble snow. Replace your Christmas tree skirt with cotton batting.

Money-Saving Hint: Using your tree longer means you get more for your money.

Go Natural

The glitter and glitz is past. January is a quiet, reflective month. Create a calming environment using natural elements like pinecones, twigs and pine boughs. Celebrate the season’s snowy white palette punctuated by evergreens and muted colors. You’ll appreciate the calm after December’s storm!

DIY Tip: Take a winter walk to gather pinecones and twigs. Bundle large branches together with twine and use to decorate your front porch. Melt leftover candle wax and dip pinecones – use for firestarters.

Money-Saving Tip: Let Mother Nature provide the supplies. Dried grasses and flowers can be bundled for next to nothing.

Keep the Lights On

The days are short and the nights are long. It’s a darker time of year. Keep the lights on around your house. Lighted garlands, wreaths and outdoor décor add a welcome, inviting glow we need all winter long.

DIY Tip: Neighbors throwing out their trees? Gather a few, stake them in your front yard and cover in lights for a magical wintry forest.

Money-Saving Hint: Use the after-Christmas sales to stock up on lights.

Neutralize Your Bedroom

At the end of the day, it’s all about going to bed in peace. Take a good look around your bedroom. Remove colors and patterns and replace with neutral whites, taupes, and grays. Organize, purge, and simplify nightstands.

DIY Tip: Pot some fresh lavender and rosemary. The sight and smell are the perfect pick-me-up for wintry nights. You can even throw a few sprigs in the bath.

Money-Saving Hint: Use white spray paint to update baskets, vases, and containers without buying new.

Learn About Winter Hygge Front Door Decorating: