IKEA’s STRÅLA light shades sell out every year. At around $8 apiece, these oversized, paper stars have developed a cult following since their ’90s debut, thanks to their clean Scandi lines and hang-anywhere versatility. Pair one with a cord set, and it’s a pendant; add a lamp base, and it’s a table lamp. Change your mind next Christmas? Switch them around. Nearly three decades later, the 2026 collection has landed, and the annual scramble is on.

While the iconic star-within-a-star silhouette remains, this year’s drop introduces more intricate, origami-style folds, giving the familiar paper shades a little more surface area for whimsy. The snowflake-inspired Paper Petal Star carries all the delicate beauty of a winter wonderland storybook, while its counterparts arrive in punchier greens and reds, borrowing from IKEA’s ‘Happy Carnival’ mood for 2026. ‘I wanted to evoke laughter and make Christmas decor more relaxed. The shapes are geometric and simple yet playful, with eye-popping colors. I hope they will add joy and a stress-free perspective on Christmas,’ says IKEA designer Marta Krupińska.

For all the unexpectedly punchy colors, new star- and leaf-shaped lighting chains, and even a surprisingly surreal matchstick-shaped floor lamp, one thing hasn’t changed in decades of STRÅLA lighting: the sheer number of places you can put it. Homes & Gardens' Head of Interiors, Hebe Hatton, considers the paper stars a holiday tradition.

‘I have had my first IKEA Stråla light for almost a decade. It sat in the window of my first apartment, adding holiday cheer to my tiny space that didn’t have much room for festive flourishes. I loved that it worked as both an indoor light I could enjoy from the couch and an outdoor Christmas decoration that glowed for the neighbors to see, too.’

She’s been adding to her collection with successive October drops ever since. Not because the old ones wither away (quite the opposite), but because each new riff on the famous style adds something special to her holiday scheme.

‘I have since added to the collection,’ Hebe continues. ‘When I moved house and had more windows, one went up in each. One year, I hung them above my dining table; another year, one adorned the mirror above my fireplace. Each year, they come out of the attic looking the same as when they went away because they fold down so neatly. So, despite being made of paper, they last so well.’

With some of Hebe's oldest still in circulation, the STRÅLA sell-outs have nothing to do with needing a replacement and – like buying an ornament-of-the-year or a novelty stoneware mug – everything to do with becoming an annual ritual. Ahead, the best of IKEA’s STRÅLA collection for 2026, from lacy paper shades to elaborate new lighting chains. Whether you’re securing your first or finding an excuse for your fifth, the time to shop is now.

Our STRÅLA Favorites to Shop Now

Indoor or outdoor? White or colored? Incandescent or LED? Before you string another strand, our guide to choosing the perfect Christmas lights has you covered.

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With the start of November now just over a week away, I'm beginning to feel ready to transition my home from Halloween to the holidays. Christmas in my home begins on November 1st and, while the tree won't be up until December, my home scenting transitions overnight.

I've tried a wealth of seasonal candles, with notes of spiced orange, fir, and gingerbread, but something that I feel truly captures the holiday spirit is the fresh, peppermint scent of candy canes. This is the inspiration behind IKEA's new VINTERFINT Candle − and it costs just $4.99.

The affordable price, sweet seasonal scent, and nostalgic, playful design make it one of the very best candles to wrap as a stocking stuffer or light in the run-up to the big day.

There are several Christmas candles I return to each November − Diptyque's Sapin, NEOM's Christmas Wish, and Skandinavisk's Fjord, available at Amazon, to name a few. But while a real treat, my yearly rotation is certainly not affordable. Fortunately, IKEA's VINTERFINT Candle is.

With the iconic scent of a sweet and minty scent of candy cane, it's undoubtedly an essential to make your home smell like Christmas. The 20-hour burn time means it will last through plenty of festive days and evenings spent on the couch or hosting friends and family, and for just $4.99, I'd suggest buying a few to place in each room to make your entire home smell nice.

The playful design will look at home among any Christmas mantel decor ideas or maximalist Christmas table decor, particularly if you prefer the classic colors of traditional Christmas decor, with a modernized twist.

I'd pair mine with a similar reed diffuser, like this Wild Mint & Eucalyptus Reed Diffuser, available at Amazon, to boost the scent throw. Alternatively, use peppermint oil, available at Walmart, in one of the best essential oil diffusers to fill your home with fragrance, without the worry of flames. My favorite is the NEOM Wellbeing Pod Luxe, but if you're on a budget, the InnoGear Ceramic Essential Oil Diffuser, available at Amazon, has the same look for less.

In any case, I'm ordering a handful of IKEA's VINTERFINT Candles for myself, and an additional few for gifting to friends and family this Christmas − they make the perfect stocking stuffers. And once the candle is used up, you can reuse the candle jar (after getting the wax out) for seasons to come.

More to Shop

For home shipping, your IKEA basket must be over $35. I've rounded up some more festive favorites to add in, along with alternative recommendations for burning and gifting this season.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Get organized ahead of time with our new year home fragrance edit.

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Minimalist Christmas decor sounds chic until December 25 rolls around and you’re left with a threadbare beige throw and a few ornaments fashioned from wooden sticks. Where's the warmth? If any brand understands that minimalism, at its best, is more nuanced (and considerably cozier), it’s Scandi staple H&M Home.

Evoking the exhale of arriving at a mountain cabin with family and friends, its Holiday 2026 collection looks both backward and forward: back to the familiarity of tried-and-true rituals, with the occasional space-age chrome candelabra making room for new ones. ‘Modern holiday traditions are all about creating moments that feel personal and meaningful. For this season, we wanted to capture the emotion of a winter escape. The warmth after coming in from the cold, the glow of candlelight, the comfort of soft textiles and the joy of gathering with the people you love,’ says Evelina Kravaev-Söderberg, Head of Design & Creative at H&M Home.

Faux fur, mini-check patterns, quilted fabrics, and no shortage of snowy, ski-slope motifs lend the ornaments, cushion covers, and bedding an air of après ease. Neutrals obviously dominate, though the iconic holiday reds and greens add the quintessential fa-la-la expressions throughout.

The ritual of a slow Christmas morning gets an extra special moment, with elegant breakfast trays for freshly baked bread and designated cup-and-saucer sets for cappuccinos. Dressing the evening feast that follows, delicate, crawling-vine-embroidered table linens underpin sage stoneware plates, while dancing glints from golden star-shaped candles challenge you not to turn on the big light again until 2027. Since it's no season to be stuffy, a sense of holiday humor, from smartly-dressed dachshund bathmats to surreal holiday treats, set the scene.

Everyone wants a minimalist Christmas, but no one wants a cold one. H&M Home’s mountain escape might have just cracked the ultimate oxymoron.

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It might feel a little early to be thinking about Christmas decor storage – after all, we haven’t even celebrated Thanksgiving yet. However, planning your storage solutions ahead of time can save you both money and stress once the festive season is over.

Certified Professional Organizer Jenny Dietsch of Getting It Done Organizing strongly supports this approach, urging, 'Buy your bins before the holidays, before stores run out of the good ones. The success of next year’s setup starts now. When you store décor thoughtfully, you’ll be able to decorate with intention next year instead of just reacting as you pull things out of boxes. Knowing what you have and where it is gives you complete control (and makes the process so much more enjoyable!).'

Shopping early means you can take advantage of peak sales periods to find great prices while getting everything in place before the post-Christmas clear-up begins. Rather than waiting for deliveries during the busiest time of year for mail, you’ll have everything you need to refresh your home storage and pack away the festive clutter as soon as the celebrations are over.

I’ve hunted high and low for the prettiest and most practical storage essentials to help keep Christmas clutter under control, whether you have a spacious attic to fill or need stylish, visible storage that works in a smaller home.

Christmas Decor Storage Tricks

When storing Christmas decorations, there are a few quick tricks and tips that can simplify the process and, more importantly, make decorating easier next year. I spoke to professional decorators and home organizers to learn their three most important tips for reclaiming your home after the holidays and making post-Christmas cleaning less overwhelming:

• Declutter as you go: According to Danica Carson, Professional Organizer and Co-Founder of The Uncluttered Life, 'Decluttering decor when storing things for the season is crucial. It’s also easy and accomplishes two things at once, so I highly encourage it. The end of the season is the perfect time to assess your decor before it’s out of sight and out of mind until next year. Realistically, you aren’t going to be getting out that seasonal decor to sift through it and declutter during the rest of the year, so it’s kind of a now-or-never situation when it comes to decor decluttering.'
• Beware of delicate decorations: When the post-Christmas blues hits, it is easy to fall into the trap of simply tossing items into a bin and calling it a day. For delicate pieces, however, Patricia Derpinski of Hudon Holiday Decor stresses how important dedicated storage is to preventing damage. Rushing the process can feel like a time-saver; however, pressure from stacking can cause cracks while exposing them to dust and moisture. Instead, she shares, 'I recommend using ornament storage boxes like the Sterilite or IRIS boxes [both from Amazon] for safe, organized storage.'
• Take your time: Barbara Brock, Professional Home Organizer, concludes, 'Resetting your home after Christmas takes time. This is the biggest advice I can give − allow enough time to undo the Christmas tree, store it away or discard, preserve strings of light, store ornaments and other things. Get out all the storage boxes, as storing your ornaments in dedicated boxes or in tissue helps preserve them for next year.'

If you want to save money and cut down on waste at home this season, there are plenty of household items you can use to store fragile decor.

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My Monstera deliciosa is my largest and most unruly houseplant. I've currently got moss poles keeping it upright, which works well but isn't the most attractive look. Instead of taking in the iconic fenestrated leaves of my monstera, it feels as though my eye is always drawn to the brown poles first.

That's why I was excited to spot my latest find for monstera care: these Amazon monstera stem supports. It's a metal decorative disk that sits above the base of the plant and holds the stems together, giving these large plants the support they need for healthy growth. It's much more subtle than a moss pole and its gold finish feels elevated, so it doesn't stand out as an eyesore.

Not to mention, it's really great value for money – you get six supports for $9.99. Those who have already bought it say, 'it’s sturdy, easy to use, and gives my monstera the support it needs. It blends in nicely with the plant and looks very neat.' Here's why it's going straight in my houseplant care kit.

Why Monsteras Need Support

If you haven't trained an overgrown monstera, you might want to think about picking up a plant support – whether it's the Amazon monstera stem supports or a moss pole (like this from Walmart).

In their natural rainforest environment, monstera's use their aerial roots to climb trees. In the home, without anything to climb, their long top-heavy stems can flop. It can risk stems snapping.

Likewise, flopping stems will not get as much light as those being supported. In turn, this can cause a lack of monstera fenestrations (the iconic slits in its foliage), weaken your plant, and generally create an untidy shape as your monstera will sprawl outwards rather than grow upwards.

But, some plant supports can be quite unsightly – that's where the attractive Amazon monstera stem supports come in.

Why Shoppers Love It

Shoppers are pleased with the Amazon monstera stem supports, describing in the reviews that they're sturdy, work well, and promote healthier monstera growth.

'I was surprised at how well these worked for holding up my monstera plants. Easy to uses and strong enough to hold up heavy leaves,' one five-star reviewer says.

'Great for training the plant in the direction I need it to grow,' another shopper shares.

'They're sturdy and easy to use,' another reviewer adds.

The support simply slots onto your monstera, with different hooks holding stems up. It's easy to put in place and you can use multiple supports if you have a particularly large monstera that needs holding up in multiple places.

As one reviewer describes, the support 'blends in nicely with the plant and looks very neat.' There's no doubt it's a much more attractive alternative to the standard moss pole or plastic plant support.

The best part is, there are other styles available, like these green monstera stem supports on Amazon which would be even more unnoticeable against the green foliage.

It's hard to find a downside to these supports, especially considering they are incredibly inexpensive. Perhaps the only thing to note is they can't necessarily be used for every type of indoor plant. Yet, they are specifically designed for monsteras and work well for this.

If you have other climbing plants that need some extra support, try a houseplant trellis. This houseplant trellis from Amazon simply inserts into plant pots.

What to Shop

Not training your monstera is just one reason why your monstera may be drooping. It may also be due to overwatering, pest damage, and a lack of light. To help avoid this, check underneath leaves regularly for pests, monitor moisture levels with this Walmart soil moisture meter, and relocate your monstera closer to a bright window in fall and winter.

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We’re not supposed to eat or drink on the couch, but life is so much sweeter when we do it anyway. And with hosting season approaching, it’s not difficult to picture Auntie Deb spilling a freshly poured glass of Cabernet on your sofa. Perhaps it’s time to invest in furniture that can handle a little splish-splash.

The lesson: Don’t get mad at Deborah for being messy. Get IKEA’s new LINDÅKRA sleeper sofa, which not only features an easy-care cover (food and drink casualties can be wiped away with a cloth), but also conceals storage beneath both its playfully shaped pouffe and seat. If she’s staying over, you can entertain in the living room without her personal belongings sprawled across it, then convert that very same sofa into a sleeper sofa come nighttime.

Unlike the ordeal of wrestling with a pull-out sofa (probably up there as a top-three hosting woe in its own right), the transformation is actually very effortless. Keep the pouffe connected to the seat, remove the back cushions, and there’s your bed. It’s especially smart for anyone hosting without a guest room, even if that stand-in space is a small living room itself. And when the LINDÅKRA isn't helping you host, the compact, gray-green design is genuinely chic enough to spend the rest of its life as an ordinary couch.

Just as easy to imagine as Auntie Deb's inevitable red wine spill is how useful that hidden storage will be after the holidays. Spare throw pillows, blankets, and whatever else you’d rather not see until next season can disappear beneath the seat. And when the occasion calls for more furniture, rather than less clutter, the pouffe detaches entirely, becoming an extra seat or makeshift coffee table as needed. One less piece of furniture to find room for.

Essentially, the LINDÅKRA is insurance against any potential family tiffs this season, and every Full House moment after. Nowhere to sit? There’s another seat. Run out of surfaces? You have a coffee table. Too many jackets for the closet? Under the sofa they go. Nowhere for Auntie Deb to sleep? It’s a bed, too.

Now, if only it could pick everyone up from the airport…

More IKEA Sleeper Sofas

IKEA’s sleeper sofas are a rather slept-on corner of the brand’s sprawling living room furniture empire, but there are a few gems worth waking up for.

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There’s something undeniably luxurious about a silk pillowcase. For a relatively small investment, it’s an easy way to make everyday life feel a little more indulgent, turning your nightly routine into a more relaxing ritual.

Beyond their beautiful look and feel, silk pillowcases are naturally temperature-regulating and can help reduce friction against your skin and hair as you sleep – putting the beauty in beauty sleep. For that reason, silk has long been my pillowcase material of choice, and the Silk Pillowcase from Avocado has quickly earned a place in my regular rotation.

Stitched from pure 22-Momme Mulberry silk, it's a lustrous silk pillowcase worth investing in, or treating a friend or family member to as we approach the 2026 holiday hosting season.

I was first introduced to the Avocado Silk Pillowcase on a recent press trip with the brand to Newport Beach, California. It arrived on my bed, encasing the Avocado Green Pillow, and instantly added luxurious comfort to my sleep space.

Stitched from pure 22-Momme Mulberry silk − widely renowned as one of the finest, strongest silk fibers − the soft and sumptuous feel made my new best pillow even comfier. I've been using both together ever since.

If you're a hot sleeper, silk is one of the materials I'd always suggest for better sleep. It's naturally temperature- and moisture-regulating and feels genuinely cool to the touch, keeping your head and neck comfortable all night without the worry of overheating.

Silk also helps to prevent tangled, knotty hair come morning by reducing friction and retaining moisture, both of which are equally beneficial for your skin, too.

More generally, it's a natural, biodegradable fabric, and it requires less water to harvest than other fabrics, like cotton. The delicate yet durable weave means your investment (as the pillowcase is pretty expensive, at $105 in a Queen size, though currently reduced) will last for years to come, and it's OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100-certified, free of any harsh or dangerous chemicals, too. And, though expensive, it still sits a little more affordably than my other alternative favorite, the slip Silk Pillowcase, available at Amazon, which is $120 for a Queen.

You may have previously avoided silk pillowcases out of worry that it may be difficult to wash, dry, and care for this particular type of bed linen. Rest assured − the Avocado Silk Pillowcase comes paired with an included protective GOTS-certified organic cotton wash bag. Simply place the pillowcase inside and machine wash on a cold, gentle cycle, before hanging to dry out of direct sunlight.

The Avocado Silk Pillowcase boasts an impressive overall rating of 4.7 stars on the Avocado site, across 118 reviews.

'When only the best will do,' says Dwight. 'Soft, beautiful color, washes well (follow guidelines). I have about four brands of silk pillowcases, and I am stopping here. Avocado's is the best.'

Another more recent review, from Arisia, adds, 'Keeps my hair sleek. The silk tames my frizz! I recently switched to percale cases while I washed my silk, and was wondering what [...] was going on with my hair. Forgot how much the silk does. Also like the pockets, keeps the pillow tucked inside the case. Need to get another pair soon.'

As we approach the holiday season, I can't recommend buying a silk pillowcase, particularly this one, for any friends and family more. They make a beautiful last-minute luxury gift if you're caught short, and the gift of better sleep never goes unappreciated. Better yet, pair it with a silk eye mask, such as the Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eyemask, for a gift that truly goes the extra mile.

More to Shop

If you're interested in shopping for more silk pillowcases and bedding picks to gift this holiday season, browse a handpicked, Sleep Editor-approved collection of six below.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

You may be wondering, 'Can silk pillowcases stop breakouts?' Scientists assure that there's plenty of evidence to point to yes, but this will depend on your sleep position, as back sleepers will have minimal contact with the material.

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Halloween is right around the corner and many of us are putting the final touches on our porches. If it feels like something is still missing, you might just need to add some light. Solar lights bring displays to life after dark and their warm glow can add magic to your spooky season decor.

In fact, my latest solar outdoor lighting find is perfect for illuminating not only your Halloween display but also your Christmas porch later on: these Amazon swaying starburst solar light. I love how they're designed to gently sway in the breeze, elevating seasonal displays with enchanting movement.

The starburst design has a whimsical, yet sophisticated feel, ideal for an outdoor Halloween display without being overly decorative. The best part is you can currently get two lights for $9.95. I'm reassured about their quality by the reviews, where shoppers say they 'stay lit all night long,' so it really is a bargain worth snatching up.

Why Shoppers Love It

With 4.1 stars, the Amazon swaying starburst solar lights are loved by those who have already bought them.

'[I] have these in my backyard around plantings. [I] can see them sparkling from my kitchen window. Left out over the winter (New England) and [they] still work fine,' one five-star reviewer writes.

'These worked great on the flowerbeds on the side that didn’t have any lighting,' another adds.

'The lights are much brighter than I expected. An excellent addition to your backyard,' someone else shares.

With 10-12 hours of light at a time, they bring magic to displays all night long. You can choose between steady and flashing to create a bespoke display, with the gentle sway in the breeze bringing some natural movement.

'You can fix them into any shape you want as they are on wires,' another reviewer adds.

The prongs can be molded to create your desired shape, though one reviewer notes, 'to have them look like the picture (starburst) it is necessary to gently separate and spread each individual light on a thin wire,' which can be a bit tricky.

It's hard to find a downside to these stylish solar outdoor lights, especially considering how affordable they are. On the current deal they're less than $10, but even at the full price of $11.99 they're inexpensive when compared to similar lights on the market (like these $25 firework solar lights from Walmart).

For the beauty and drama they bring to porch displays, plus their reliability and durability, these solar lights seem more than worth it to me.

How I'd Style It

There are lots of ways to style the Amazon swaying starburst solar lights, with the stake making it easy to insert the lights into soil.

I would use them to illuminate my fall flowers for pots in the evening, creating a warm welcome to my home even after the sun sets. They would look especially effective with terracotta planters, which won't compete for attention (this large terracotta pot from Wayfair is a good size for layered Halloween porch planting).

By purchasing multiple of these solar lights, you can also use them to line your garden path.

As we move into Christmas, I would then flank my front door with these lights to complement existing Christmas light ideas.

What to Shop

There are lots of fall container recipes you can still create over the next few weeks. We even asked garden designers for their favorite way to style fall porches and they shared some beautiful ways to elevate your display for the season.

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Thanksgiving is, at its core, about slowing down and spending quality time with family and friends. But when your home becomes the gathering place for the holiday, the pressure to get everything looking its best can quickly take away from the joy of hosting.

The good news is that preparing your home for Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean deep cleaning or ruthlessly decluttering. A few simple, considered changes can make your space feel more organized, welcoming, and ready for guests, without adding another layer of stress to an already busy season.

We spoke to experts to discover how to simplify your home systems, focus on the areas that matter most, and host Thanksgiving with less effort. The result? A home that feels as warm and inviting as the occasion itself, leaving you more time to enjoy it.

1. Don't Clean The Whole House, Edit It

The secret to an elevated, effortless space is not thorough decluttering and cleaning; it is editing your home. Creating space for the eye to rest, to move without friction, and for your design to stand out can help to make your home feel more considered, with the added bonus of being easier to manage.

The first step is to reduce visual noise, starting in the living room where guests will gather, before working through to other key spaces such as the dining room, kitchen, and bathrooms. Work with the rooms that you will use, and ignore those guests will not see to preserve time and energy.

'In living spaces, fold and put away extra blankets, magazines, baskets, or other storage vessels that people may bump into (this too will make the space feel a bit bigger),' suggests Dianne O’Connor, CEO of Weston Table, who also recommends giving thought to a pared-back color scheme when using flowers or candles. 'In small spaces, less is always more.'

This might mean employing a few decluttering methods to help tackle piles on surfaces such as coffee tables and entryway credenzas, but keep it minimal. You do not have to declutter your whole house or eliminate all signs of life for one event.

When it comes to the dining space, Kate Rumson, Villeroy & Boch’s Hosting Expert, adds, ‘Let each element breathe; consider candles, seasonal foliage, and a few well-placed centerpieces,’ she recommends. ‘It's about creating a visual feast that complements, rather than competes with, the delicious dishes you're serving.’

If in doubt, ask yourself what you would focus your effort on if you only had two hours before guests arrived, and work from there.

2. Plan Ahead

It pays to plan your Thanksgiving party ideas well ahead of time. The longer you have to work, the less you will have to cram in the days or hours leading up to guests arriving. This means that you will have more time to spend relaxing with your friends and family on the day itself.

Start in the kitchen. Consider your Thanksgiving menu, plan your grocery list, check that your appliances and utensils are in good working order, and create a plan for storing leftovers neatly. With everything laid out, it will be easier to keep a kitchen tidy when cooking Thanksgiving dinner, too.

Wash your fancy dishes, glassware, and serving dishes. To polish cutlery, put some hot water and a few tablespoons of white vinegar in a bowl and submerge your cutlery to soak until the water is cool enough to handle. Then, using a microfiber cloth or tea towel, wipe down each utensil for a streak-free shine.

You can also set the table for Thanksgiving well in advance for effortless on-the-day hosting, suggests Devon Wegman, Design Director and Founder of Devon Grace Interiors. 'Keeping things simple is best. If possible, opt for benches instead of chairs at the table to maximize seating. On the table, placemats will crowd it too much, so opt for chargers under plates instead. Anything else on the table should do double duty as function and decor. Think decorative glasses for water and wine, a decorative pitcher for water, and decorative napkin folding to add texture.'

If you use fresh flowers or yard trimmings, you can put those in closer to the big day.

3. Consider Layout

You will likely have to rearrange furniture before hosting, especially if you live in a smaller home or apartment. You want to create easy walkways for guests so that no one is tripping over anything, while ensuring there is ample room for everyone to sit.

To organize a living room, Mary Jo Contello, Professional Organizer and Founder of Organized by MJ, explains, 'Making sure there is enough comfortable seating is very important, ensuring it is accessible for all of your guests. I then recommend targeting clearing the area of toys, paperwork, and clutter so guests can put drinks and small plates down without items teetering on the edge.

4. Concentrate on the Kitchen

With dinner the highlight of this holiday, the kitchen will become the inescapable heart of your home. Because of this, it is smart to spend time here before the big day so everything runs smoothly and your home appears effortless to guests. This is especially true if you are hosting Thanksgiving in a small space.

To make steady progress before Thanksgiving, experts suggest:

1. Decluttering the counters: It is essential to keep kitchen counters clear to maximize your workspace. Begin by decluttering your kitchen, removing non-essentials from the kitchen entirely. You will be amazed at how even just a quick clear-out can be perfect for making more counter space in a small kitchen
2. Doing a stock check: Di Ter Avest, Professional Organizer and Owner of Di Is Organized, says, 'Over time, pantries can get chaotic with expired food, misplaced items, or lack of organization. Start by taking everything out of the pantry and placing it on a countertop or kitchen table where you can clearly see everything you have. Then, go through each item one by one, discarding anything that has expired.
3. Planning the menu: With your pantry organized, Lauren Saltman, Professional Home Organizer and Founder of Living Simplified, suggests, 'Menu plan early [a menu grocery list pad from Amazon can help] and don't forget that your guests might be around before Thanksgiving, so be sure to have extra snacks on hand. Then, create a detailed shopping list and get to the grocery store before it gets crowded or runs out of an important ingredient.'
4. Dividing your kitchen into zones: Lina DaSilva, Cleaning Expert and Founder of Toronto Shine Cleaning, recommends, 'Divide your kitchen into zones based on activities – prep, cook, serve, and wash. This streamlines movement and ensures that tools and ingredients are at hand where needed. It also helps when it comes to cleaning up after hosting, too.'
5. Preparing cleanup areas: Keeping on top of your washing up over Thanksgiving will reduce your stress levels while hosting, as well as reduce visual clutter and banish bad kitchen smells. Designating a zone specifically for dishes and ensuring you have enough trash bags in advance can make cleanup easier on the day.

5. Edit the Entryway

As the first impression of your home, there is merit in designing a timeless entryway to welcome your guests into your space. The goal is to make this area feel welcoming, not just practical.

Yes, quality entryway storage will go a long way to corralling guest clutter and preventing clutter creep, but focusing on lighting, fragrance, and even the temperature can start your party off on the right foot.

To prepare your entryway thoroughly for Thanksgiving, we suggest:

1. Decluttering: Edit your collection of coats, shoes, and bags to make space for incoming guests' belongings.
2. Adding seating: Seating such as entryway benches is one of the things most organized people have in their entryway, making it easier for guests to put on or remove their shoes without tracking mud through your home. Using multi-functional entryway bench furniture is particularly helpful in small spaces.
3. Boosting storage: Preempt the inevitable rush of shoes, scarves, coats, and more by providing ample storage solutions, such as hooks or storage baskets. The self-adhesive Naittoop, Adhesive Hooks or the Command Medium Designer Hooks are great small mudroom ideas if you're looking to add extra coat space in a hurry.
4. Prioritizing functional decor: With high traffic expected, your decor needs to be minimal to prevent adding to visual clutter. Consider decorating front doors with door mats with seasonal motifs, from Amazon, to add a seasonal touch without cluttering sideboards, for instance.
5. Considering lighting: Tasteful entryway lighting ideas are essential to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Consider floor or table lamps with soft, warm lighting. This will also make it easier for guests to see what they are doing as they come and go, preventing trips and slips.
6. Finding a fragrance: Our Home Fragrance Expert Ottilie Blackhall reminds us that our homes are often shut up against the cold in fall, trapping musty odors. She suggests using the best essential oil diffusers to scent the space and mask odors from shoes or cooking. Avoid candles, she adds, which could be knocked over in the bustle.

6. Bring Balance to Bathrooms

Guests are unlikely to spend much time in your bathroom, but they will be used at some point throughout the day. You do not need to spend lots of time here in advance beyond your usual bathroom cleaning routine and tidying away personal essentials.

As a general rule of thumb, it is best to stock the space with some designer-approved guest bathroom essentials; the idea being that your guests should not have to ask for anything while in your home.

Check the toilet paper stock, and ensure extras are kept in a tidy but obvious location. Swap out your hand towels for some pretty, freshly washed ones, and consider adding in a nice hand soap and a candle or diffuser to help mask odors and make guests feel more comfortable.

7. Don't Forget The Invisible Details

More often than not, making a home more welcoming is not about your design and hosting skills (although these certainly help), but about the tiny, invisible details that contribute to a comfortable home.

First and foremost, consider temperature. No one wants to be freezing cold or sweating while trying to enjoy their dinner. While the best temperature for a thermostat is a contested topic, experts generally recommend somewhere between 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit for everyday comfort in fall and winter.

Next, assess the lighting around your home, especially at the dinner table. Dining room lighting for hosting is a tricky balance to get right, begins Artem Kropovinsky, Interior Designer and Founder of Arsight. The room should be lit intimately, but not left so dark that your guests can't see what is on their plate. He suggests starting by lighting candles for a soft, warm light that makes your home cozy for Thanksgiving, and then layer more functional lighting from there.

Scent is next. 'You should never underestimate the power of home fragrance for setting the mood when hosting,' explains our Home Fragrance Expert, Ottilie. 'Making a home smell like fall, with comforting spices and warming notes, can make your home feel more welcoming, while masking any odors that might arise from a closed house, piles of shoes, and cooking dinner. Use one fragrance around the home to build intensity without it becoming overwhelming.'

Finally, consider music, using connected speakers around your home to play calming, seasonal music at a background level. Not only does this help to set a comforting yet elevated mood, but it can help to fill any quieter lulls in conversation.

FAQs

How Can I Make Hosting Thanksgiving Easier?

To make Thanksgiving hosting smoother, remember to ask for help, or never turn down help from guests. Just because you are the host doesn’t mean you have to juggle everything alone; get your guests involved to make the event more communal and bring people together. It could be something as simple as a guest getting the drinking glasses out of the cabinet for you. Any help is a big help.

How Can You Make Thanksgiving Guests Feel at Home?

Caroline Roberts, Professional Home Organizer and Owner of This Simplified Island, suggests ensuring your guests can help themselves as much as possible, especially if they are staying the night.

'Post the WiFi password somewhere visible, place towels in their room, display basic toiletries in the bathroom, put an extra blanket on the bed, and show them where the dishes are and how to make coffee. They will feel welcome, and you will have a little bit less to do.'

It can also be helpful to include a welcome sheet with any additional information, such as the locations of light switches, how to use the climate control and shower, and where to find refreshments in the house. Don't be afraid to lay out some gentle boundaries or rules here, too.

How Do You Plan a Thanksgiving Meal?

Caroline says, 'The Thanksgiving meal can feel overwhelming. Create your menu well in advance and test any new recipes you are considering for the big day.

'Write down the cooking temperatures and cooking times for each item. Note which items can be prepared far in advance and frozen, which items require thawing, and which items can be prepared a day or two in advance. Once you have this information, create a timeline of when things will be prepared and cooked.

'Remember that people want to help! Ask guests to bring sides, desserts, or drinks. You don’t have to do it all yourself.'

If in doubt about where to clean, consider using the guest scanning method to spot dirt spots before they arrive.

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The familiar floral once drenched every inch of the ‘Orange Blossom Bedroom’ in the White House, ordered by none other than First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Forty years ago, it was a fixture in the living rooms of tastemakers like Olivia Newton-John, given a California-cool spin alongside wicker table lamps. Glossy in the front, matte in the back, chintz, the botanically inspired, cottagecore ‘polished cotton,’ has quite the pedigree and, for the first time in decades, this interior design trend is finally shaking its ‘trad’ status as we head into 2027.

In March, chintz got another kind of presidential treatment at Dallas’s second-oldest hotel, The Stoneleigh, where London- and LA-based studio Fettle swathed the Presidential Suite’s headboard, drapery, and lavish baldachin in a signature Lee Jofa chintz. ‘I always think small-scale patterns can conjure a wonderful sense of familiarity and nostalgia, particularly because they remind us of more traditional prints that were often created by hand using woodblocks,’ says UK-based interior designer Tamsyn Mason, pointing to Soane's Rose Mallow as a forever favorite.

There's still plenty of room for those traditionally punchy florals at GreenRow’s and Anthropologie’s perennial garden party, while Brooklinen takes a more abstract approach to decorating with pattern with its pressed-poppy duvet and West Elm’s reversible rugs favor more muted blooms.

The whole ‘grandma’ floral as a fresh thing is antithetical, but it’s been happening, and chintz might just be its final boss. Ahead, 16 fancifully floral, chintz-inspired decor finds that evoke all the warm, fuzzy feelings of a trip to her house, minus the icky plastic coverings on the furniture.

The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.

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Wouldn’t it be nice to relive your childhood memories of Christmas? The handmade decorations hung on the tree, the mismatched stockings mounted by the fire, the humble simplicity of it all. Well, with GreenRow’s newly released Christmas collection, you can bring those nostalgic holiday memories back to life.

This collection is sentimental to its core – complete with all sorts of nostalgia-inducing Christmas decor ideas that’ll help you rediscover the childlike wonder of the holiday season itself. Think patchwork-patterned stockings, handwoven rattan trees, hand-painted plates, and even paper mache ornaments – all details that give this collection a strong sense of playfully homemade holiday charm.

Instead of the traditional Christmas color scheme of red and green, this collection expands the palette to include shades of pink, purple, blue, and yellow – a whimsical contrast of colors that might not scream Christmas, but when paired together, feel so right for this time of the year. And although the collection is grounded in a timeless, heritage-inspired aesthetic, there are a few trend-driven touches, too – bows being one of them. From the leftover fabric bow ornaments to the large Starry Patchwork Bow, this seasonal touch brings softness and warmth to any corner of the home.

With all of its handmade-inspired details – from the Floral Candle Clip Ornament and the Remnant Fabric Beaded Garland to the Floral Gingham Patchwork Stocking – this collection truly feels like stepping into a holiday memory. It’s welcoming, warm, and full of festive spirit – destined to make your home feel like the coziest house this holiday season.

So go ahead, make yourself feel like a kid again. Shop the most endearing pieces from GreenRow's holiday collection below.

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One of the most tiring fall garden jobs is having to constantly clear leaves and repeatedly bend your back while doing so. That's why I'm upgrading my standard leaf rake this year for something much more convenient: a leak grabber rake.

It's one of the best leaf-clearing tools as it saves having to bend down and clears large areas of the garden quickly. This Amazon leaf grabber rake is the perfect example. It has long handles that open to scoop up leaves. The claw itself is larger in size so you can clear any garden space in just a few scoops.

For me, the fact it makes fall garden maintenance a lot less strenuous makes it an obvious upgrade to invest in – it could save me hours each week over the next couple of months.

What Shoppers Say

The Amazon leaf grabber rake has 4.2 stars from reviewers who say it's saved them a lot of time and difficulty in clearing up fallen leaves.

'This rake is so practical and useful,' says one five-star reviewer. 'I just put a 33-39 gallon leaf bag in a garbage can and use this rake to fill the bag without having to bend at all. It is such a simple tool with such extraordinary benefits. This rake picks up a lot of debris at a time,' they continue.

'I was skeptical at first, but this item is so helpful. Lightweight, very easy to use and picks up a very good amount of debris. I trimmed my bushes and it picked it up nicely,' another shopper describes.

The secure claw of the grabber rake makes it ideal for tackling multiple items on the fall gardening checklist. It's also only 3.3lbs in weight, making it easy to manoeuvre and use, especially alongside the ergonomic handle design.

The one thing to be wary of, it seems, is the assembly of the Amazon leaf grabber rake.

'Easy to assemble but the screw that holds the handles always needs tightening as it comes loose with usage,' one reviewer writes.

Nevertheless, shoppers note this is something that can be resolved with a locknut (which you can pick up on Amazon).

While a bit more expensive than a standard leaf rake at $39.99, there's no doubt the fact the Amazon leaf grabber rake acts as a scoop makes it an upgrade. Even if you use a cheaper hand leaf scoop (like these $10.69 ones from Walmart) you still need to bend your back to pick up the leaves – with the long handles on the Amazon leaf grabber rake, you don't have to.

Pair it with a garden waste bag (like this collapsible garden bag from Amazon) and you can gather leaves with ease through fall to make leaf mulch.

What to Shop

While it is important to clear leaves where they're causing a hazard in the yard, take care not to over-tidy your yard in fall. Removing all fallen leaves and plant debris can remove vital shelter for garden wildlife over winter.

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As a forever home fragrance fan, I'll be the first to admit that scenting a space can be expensive. My favorite candles cost $90, and my beloved essential oil diffuser tips the scales at $165.

It's affordable products that recreate the same effects for less that truly catch my attention, particularly if they look just as good as the high-end version. And for seasonal scenting or gifting this Christmas, the InnoGear Ceramic Essential Oil Diffuser, available at Amazon, is currently under $26 − and looks just like its premium counterpart.

Included in my guide to the best essential oil diffusers, the Vitruvi Stone Diffuser is a tried-and-tested, chic favorite for scenting smaller spaces. But for a saving of over $100, the InnoGear option is ideal for shoppers on a budget who still want to prioritize shopping a stylish option to seamlessly blend with their interiors.

The Vitruvi Stone Diffuser, available at Amazon, has long been included in our rundown of favorite essential oil diffusers. It's beautiful, high-quality, and looks like a premium piece of pottery to complement your space − but it is expensive at $129.99 (though currently reduced to $103.99). The InnoGear Ceramic Essential Oil Diffuser, available at Amazon, instead, offers all the same stylish benefits, yet costs just shy of $26 on the current limited-time deal.

Just like the Vitruvi version, it features a handmade ceramic cover, which instantly sets it apart from plasticky affordable alternatives. The cover is also conveniently dirt-resistant and easy to clean.

The diffuser itself features two misting modes: Continuous, with a duration of four to six hours, for switching on when reading, working, or relaxing, and intermittent, with a duration of eight to ten hours, which is perfect for sleeping without the worry of having to refill the tank. If it does empty, though, a convenient auto-off function switches off the diffuser to prevent overheating and keep you safe.

Finally, the light setting offers a comforting glow, perfectly pitched to make a bed look cozy when used on a nightstand and to add warmth to any room, while the compact size, at just 6.81 by 3.93 inches, means you can squeeze the diffuser onto any surface or sill.

'I love this diffuser,' says Martha, alongside a five-star review. 'It’s a nice size, and the stone cover is beautiful. It has a nice output, and the intermittent setting lasts much longer than what I was expecting. The thing that I had looked for in the description, reviews, and videos that I never found was where the plug was located. But I was so impressed with the reviews and videos that I ordered it anyway. I was overjoyed when I unboxed it and found the plug is on the side. That is a feature that I really like, and that alone would be additional stars if I could rate it 5+.'

If you've got a friend or family member who regularly works from home or finds themselves struggling to sleep properly, this is the diffuser I'd gift this Christmas to help create a cozy home office and aid better sleep. As an affordable pick, it's also an appropriate option for buyers on a budget or, equally, for those looking to treat themselves ahead of the busy holiday season.

More to Shop

Below, shop the InnoGear Ceramic diffuser, along with my handpicked selection of five alternative home fragrance favorites − all of which make beautiful gifts (or treats to yourself) as the holiday season fast approaches.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

For more home fragrance and gifting inspiration, browse my curated guides to the best candles and reed diffusers, all of which I've tested in my own home.

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While you might play it safe on the sofa – for fear you’ll end up resenting your adventurous four-figure investment this time next year – the side table is one low-stakes piece of living room furniture where your splashiest design instincts can come out to play.

They’re made to party, with room for a cocktail, some fun reading material, and little else. And, like handbags or footwear, they turn a fairly straightforward function into an excuse to get fancy. House of Leon’s Ojai Valley Side Table folds a magazine stand into its sleek, mid-century angles; Anthropologie’s Charlie Judarn Side Table dresses up storage with a canvas-printed inlay. Pierce & Ward’s Burled Finish Cart for West Elm, meanwhile, shrinks the drinks trolley to side-table proportions, ready to follow the evening wherever it goes.

Extra surfaces are hardly a new concept, though Oklahoma City-based interior designer Kelsey Leigh named them a 2027 living room furniture trend for frequent entertainers. Even the most generously sized coffee table has its limits once drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and everyone’s screens join the festivities. ‘Extra tables make an easy spot to drop their phones,’ she says. ‘They’re intentionally multi-functional and help the space feel livable and adaptable.’

Be it a perch for lamps, lattes, and coffee-table books, or a spare surface for the consummate host, these side tables bring a little excitement to the business of putting things down.

The Cut is all about Homes & Gardens helping you invest in pieces that feel current now, but won’t date as trends shift. Finds that elevate a room today and still feel right years from now. Whether it’s a sculptural accent chair or a chic pendant light, our editors will curate an edit that balances style, longevity, and quality. Consider this your shortcut to smart, beautiful shopping.

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Beautiful bird houses add charm and character to a garden all year round. Hang one from a porch post or place one in a garden border, and it earns its place even before birds move in. There are plenty of bird house ideas that work just as well on a small patio as in a bigger, open backyard.

The right design can help garden birds in winter by giving them somewhere to shelter. Wood is generally a good choice, as it provides insulation and allows some moisture to escape, while metal can heat up quickly if it's in direct sunlight. Whatever material you choose, position it away from strong sun, wind and rain. Keeping it separate from your bird feeders so feeding birds don't disturb a nest.

With so many decorative designs to choose from, you don't need to compromise on style to make your outdoor space more welcoming to wildlife. Anthropologie's Victorian Manor Birdhouse is a standout option with its miniature mansion resemblance, but it also features a removable back wall to make cleaning easier. West Elm's Scout Regalia Birdhouse Kit comes ready to assemble, and can be decorated to suit your style, while Terrain's Woven Seagrass Birdhouse Hut offers a rustic charm but will need to be hung in a sheltered spot.

From traditional, practical designs to more elaborate statement pieces, we've rounded up 16 beautiful bird house designs to help encourage birds into your garden and make the space their home.

A beautiful bird house goes further alongside a few simple ways to help birds in October, and a bird bath in the right spot means visitors have fresh water close to home.

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Nothing beats driving home with a discerningly chosen fir fresh from the lot. Less joyful are the shower of pine needles, constant watering, strapping it to your car, and figuring out how to dispose of the thing come January. If you'd rather save energy for the actual festivities, an amazing artificial Christmas tree might be your answer.

They tend to pay for themselves. A quality style can last a decade or longer with proper storage, with far more creative license depending on the sort of holidayscape you’re after. That quirky Charlie Brown Christmas tree of your dreams? A rail-thin, sparsely needled number? A miniature potted fir for the entryway? The buzziest Christmas trends of 2026, alongside the timeless, Ralph Lauren-level classics, can all be delivered right to your doorstep.

Ahead, the five best places to buy artificial Christmas trees in 2026, from convincing copies of the real thing to elegant, editorial options that make the season a little more your own.

Where to Buy Christmas Trees

Give yourself one less thing to worry about. For the Christmas traditionalist, the more experimentally inclined, and everyone in between, these five retailers have something special at every price point to deck the halls for years to come.

1. Balsam Hill

Balsam Hill is pretty much the gold standard of faux Christmas trees. Its iconic True Needle® technology, molded from real evergreen branches, mimics all the asymmetry and charming little irregularities of the real thing, giving its trees that coveted Hallmark movie-caliber look. Entertain all season, and no one will be the wiser.

The brand doesn’t really do trends, because Mother Nature doesn’t either. Still, innovation remains at the fore. Balsam Hill's Flip Tree® design takes much of the wrestling out of setup, while the Easy Plug® system spares you the annual confrontation with tangled wires. A three-year warranty offers some peace of mind (a rarity for pre-lit trees), though with proper storage in the included bag, these quality styles can last a decade or longer.

Full-size trees start around $500, with smaller, less splurgy options for tabletops and tight quarters. At the other extreme, an 11-foot Baby Redwood will set you back $11,499. Which begs the question: is everyone this committed to Christmas? Perhaps not. But if you want the most convincing evergreen in the room, plan to keep it for the foreseeable future, and would rather never visit a tree lot again, Balsam Hill might be the smartest seasonal investment you'll ever make.

Best for: Impossibly lifelike Christmas trees with Hallmark movie-level good looks

Lead time: 2–10 business days, with expedited 2-day and 1-day shipping available

Price: $$$

2. Anthropologie

For a more conceptual, editorial Christmas that still feels plenty cozy, make a beeline for Anthropologie. Its surprisingly robust collection of miniature and full-size trees would look right at home in the living room of a seasoned fashion editor, or simply the coolest person you know.

There’s room to have some fun with shape here. The 7-foot Nostalgic Pine has a delightfully unruly, bulbous silhouette, with plenty of space to hang your more eccentric ornaments. Or there’s a scrawny 4-foot potted pine, straight out of your Charlie Brown Christmas dreams. Even the 5-foot Flocked Pre-Lit Alpine Fir, slender enough to slip into a tight corner, has an enviably unusual charm.

Down to the littlest $34 miniature fir, Anthropologie's faux trees still look believably botanical, just a degree or two removed from the usual Christmas decor sameness. Each is distinctive enough to catch the eye without making the whole room about the tree.

Best for: Chicly imperfect Charlie Brown trees, sculptural little pines, and other offbeat evergreens

Lead time: 4–8 business days for most styles; larger trees may take 1–3 weeks

Price: $$–$$$

3. Wayfair

For sheer optionality, Wayfair is hard to beat, especially if you have a highly specific Christmas fantasy in mind. Pre-lit, slim, flocked, realistic, classic, and just about every variation in between, the selection runs from tiny tabletop firs to towering nine-foot-plus giants. Whatever's on your Christmas wishlist, someone has probably made a tree for it.

The real joy on Wayfair, though, might be the reviews. Many come with customer photos and refreshingly candid accounts of everything from assembly to how a tree holds up after several Christmases. Do your homework, and you can find an exceptionally convincing evergreen for well under $500, with some rave-reviewed options going for as little as $200.

A pair of pre-potted trees in antique-style planters to flank your front door? Check. A rail-thin pencil pine to try the barely-there look for 2026? Why not. A full, traditional evergreen with flocking and enough lights to spare you any further styling? This sort of all-in-one holiday ease is a Wayfair specialty. Deals abound, provided you’re willing to do a little digging.

Best for: An unmatched variety of styles, affordable prices that seem too good to be true, and candid customer reviews to confirm otherwise

Lead time: Typically 1–7 business days after leaving the warehouse, with one- and two-day shipping upgrades available on select styles

Price: $–$$$

4. West Elm

Not everyone needs holiday glitz and glam turned up to 12 to feel festive. For minimalists and decorators who dare to do things a little differently, West Elm strikes a lovely balance between classic Christmas and the newer, more edited, slightly sparse look that’s having a moment.

You can certainly find a handsome 6.5-foot Faux Monaco Pine to make a splash in a larger space. But the miniature trees are the real sleeper hits. Think pre-lit, potted and flocked Manchester Spruces; uniquely unruly Snow-Dusted Mixed Pines; and Champagne Tinsel Christmas Trees for those who like their minimalism with a side of sheen.

West Elm's lineup is merry, it’s minimal, and occasionally, it’s blush pink. Head here for a welcome shake-up to the usual holiday stuffiness, whether your home is all clean lines and contemporary furniture or a hundred years old and full of antiques.

Best for: Minimalists with Christmas spirit to spare, and a chic assortment of little trees for little spaces

Lead time: 4–7 business days for standard-sized trees; oversized styles and special collaborations may take 1–4 weeks

Price: $$

5. National Tree Company

That lush, lifelike evergreen you picture when you close your eyes and think Christmas? National Tree Company probably makes it, in just about every shape, size, and degree of realism one could want. And despite the rather impressive selection, prices are surprisingly reasonable, with full, pre-lit 7.5-foot trees going for under $500.

The assortment is dizzying, but surprisingly easy to navigate. Each listing spells out the particulars, from dual-color or multicolor lights to unlit options, so you know exactly what you’re getting. Full and fluffy? Pencil-thin? Specifically proportioned for the entryway? There’s a category for that. You can even choose between the brand’s pricier Feel Real® technology, designed to mimic natural evergreen branches, and more affordable PVC tips that still scratch that fresh-from-the-lot itch.

If you want the look of an investment-worthy evergreen without necessarily spending four figures, this family-owned company, with over 60 years in the Christmas business, knows its way around a fir.

Best for: Classic, hyperrealistic evergreens for spaces big and small, under $500, $300, even $100

Lead time: Available through retailers like Wayfair, though direct orders typically arrive within 2–6 business days

Price: $–$$

Our Favorite Christmas Trees to Shop Now

FAQs

What Is the Current Christmas Tree Trend?

For Christmas 2026, the more imperfect, the more lifelike, the better. There’s something endearingly honest about a crooked little 4-foot Charlie Brown fir. Anyone can have a hyper-perfectly full fir. But a slightly asymmetrical one, with charming gaps and a branch or two doing its own thing? Far more convincing, and right in step with the organic, less choreographed look taking over interiors at large.

What Is the Best Way to Store Christmas Trees?

Christmas tree storage specifications vary by brand, but generally, a cool, dry spot is best. Think a garage, attic, shed, or, for the apartment-dwelling holiday enthusiast, even under the bed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for positioning, and use a dedicated storage bag to keep dust and discoloration at bay without crushing those carefully arranged branches. Smaller tabletop trees can retire to plastic bins on high closet shelves until their next annual appearance.

When Is the Best Time to Order a Christmas Tree?

As with bedding, clothing, and the like, the best time to buy a faux Christmas tree is right after you actually need one. In this case, January and February, when post-holiday sales bring the steepest discounts. Occasionally, you’ll find pre-season deals in July and August, too. Otherwise, October is the sweet spot to get ahead of backorders on popular styles and have your tree safely in hand for its December 1 debut.

Your tree is only the beginning. In other seasonal news, Serena & Lily, Lulu and Georgia, Anthropologie, and even Aldi have plenty of festive fodder for decking the rest of the halls.

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If you're short on space, don't be put off growing your own veg. There are plenty of ways to grow crops on a patio, balcony, and even indoors – and I may have just found the best solution to make this all the easier.

If you're looking for ways to grow vegetables indoors, turn your attention to the Costco self-watering rolling garden bed. It's a compact raised garden bed that allows you to move your crops around as needed thanks to its wheels. In summer, have it on your balcony or patio; in fall, you can move it indoors with ease. But the best part is the fact that it's self-watering, with a reservoir that makes it low-maintenance to keep your plants hydrated.

I also love its minimalist design, slotting into a range of interiors effortlessly. As the reviewers put it, 'it's aesthetically and functionally pleasing'. So, if you're hoping to bring your garden indoors this fall and want to dabble in growing herbs, veg, and even ornamentals inside, this might just be exactly what you need.

Perfect for Any Space

The thing that appeals to me most about the Costco self-watering rolling garden bed is the fact that it has swivel wheels that make moving it around nearly effortless.

This versatility means you can make the most of growing outdoors in spring and summer before moving your garden indoors for fall and winter. It makes it ideal for tender perennials that need overwintering indoors.

The fact that it's self-watering is also a bonus. It makes moisture management a lot easier, as the plant roots can take up water as needed, preventing watering mistakes like letting your plants sit in soggy soil.

This is especially true because the water level indicator offers a visual cue as to when to top up the reservoir. Though it is still worth using a soil moisture meter (like this one from Amazon) to keep track of your plants' hydration needs, especially in fall and winter when soil dries out a lot more slowly.

It's the perfect size for growing herbs, crops like tomatoes and peppers, and even perennials. You could even use it to create an abundant houseplant planter, mixing multiple plants together to maximize foliage interest in your home.

The fact that it has a beautiful steel finish also makes it easy to transition from the yard to the home. Styled with some terracotta planters on either side, the ivory color would make this garden bed a timeless addition to any container display.

What Shoppers Say

The Costco self-watering rolling garden bed has 4.4 stars, with reviewers sharing how pleased they are with this purchase.

'It's nice quality [...] two of the wheels have locking mechanisms, the handles are strong and sturdy, and don't slam down when I let go of them,' one five-star reviewer shares.

'Once assembled, the planter is very sturdy and the wheels/brakes work very well. It's a good-looking planter. Handles are a great help while manoeuvring,' another shopper writes.

As for growing crops, shoppers have had lots of success with this garden bed.

'I was gifted the shorter ones and they’re [great] for my taller plants, tomatoes and blackberries,' one person writes.

The planter holds 2 cu. ft. of soil, so it offers lots of room for the easiest vegetables to grow.

'I’ve got herbs and a few strawberries in it and everything is thriving,' another person says.

The self-watering feature has also been working well. 'The self-watering system will be great when I go away on vacations this summer,' one person writes.

And it seems to be built of high quality. 'This a well made, sturdy product. Rolls beautifully. Perfect for a herb garden,' one shopper summarizes.

The one downside to note is that assembly isn't the most straightforward.

'Took hours to assemble by myself. Had to use my own tools to complete as the ones included were difficult to use. Instructions were lacking,' one reviewer shares.

Reading the reviews, this seems to be a common experience, with a lot of shoppers saying you need two people to put it together.

Nevertheless, once constructed, shoppers are satisfied and say, 'the quality is excellent and the value is unbeatable.'

For $129.99, this Costco self-watering rolling garden bed is a bit of an investment, though more affordable compared to similar products on the market (like this $269.95 rolling raised garden bed on Amazon).

The fact that it can be used both outdoors and indoors and has built-in water management makes it a great find for anyone who wants to grow a few vegetables but doesn't have a sweeping yard to work with.

What to Shop

However you decide to use your garden bed, there are plenty of raised bed gardening mistakes to avoid. Likewise, there are a few ways to make your raised bed soil last, so you don't have to keep purchasing more soil.

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When I moved into my New York City apartment back in the heat of summer, holiday decorating was the last thing on my mind. At the time, the more pressing matter was cramming my entire life into a studio.

Now that Christmas is just around the corner, however, I'm beginning to wonder how to bring the holiday spirit into my apartment when I have hardly any space to spare. Easy holiday decor ideas like festive pillows, scented candles, and seasonal tabletop trinkets make a slight difference, but they only go so far. I need a Christmas tree to make my space come to life – the only issue is I have absolutely nowhere to put it.

I thought about getting a small fake tree, but even that would look out of place considering every corner is already occupied and every tabletop is already filled. I even considered getting tiny tree-shaped trinkets for my dresser, but as someone who loves decorating for Christmas, I knew that wouldn't cut it. Then I found the winner: IKEA's VINTERFINT Wall Decoration.

IKEA's VINTERFINT Wall Decoration refashions the traditional Christmas tree into a sleek, Scandinavian-inspired wall decor idea for the holiday season. For those with small living rooms, it's the perfect alternative to a bulky, space-consuming tree. By mounting to the wall, this pine-crafted version saves floor space and doubles as an artful wall decoration – bringing a little seasonal spirit to a spot that would otherwise be left bare. Not only that, but it's so much more affordable than a standard Christmas tree at only $25.

Just like an accordion wall rack, this tree-shaped decoration can be stretched out to your desired width – from a slim, 1.5' tree to a wide 3.5' tree. And just like a standard Christmas tree, it can be decorated with any ornaments of your choosing.

Although it might not look like the Christmas trees I'm used to, IKEA's VINTERFINT Wall Decoration will signal the holiday season with the same timeless charm as a real Douglas fir, and it'll spare me the stress of trying to fit an actual tree in my tiny apartment.

Although IKEA's VINTERFINT Wall Decoration is, first and foremost, a Christmas decoration, its use isn't limited to just that. Because of the several protruding pegs attached to its frame, it can be used as a wall storage idea anywhere around the home, any time of year.

Out of the several 5-star reviews that this piece receives, one reviewer raved about its versatility: 'Whether used as an Advent calendar holder, a place for keepsakes, cards, keychains, a scarf and hat rack, a bathroom towel hook, or a belt and necklace holder… this thing is just super hands-on. Whether on the wall or on the door… it’s great,' they remark.

IKEA's top-rated VINTERFINT Wall Decoration is so much more than just a clever alternative to the Christmas tree. It's a space-saving holiday decorating idea, an adornment to beautify blank walls, and a makeshift storage idea for those with tight homes – for just $25. I have a feeling this won't stay in stock for very long, so get one for your home while you still can.

How I'd Style IKEA's VINTERFINT Wall Decoration for Christmas

More Christmas Decor From IKEA

The VINTERFINT Wall Decoration is just the start of IKEA's Christmas collection. Shop a few more playful and Scandi-inspired holiday accessories below.

The VINTERFINT Wall Decoration and everything else from IKEA's holiday line invites you to explore your playful side this holiday season – just like John Derian's Christmas collection at Target. Full of kitschy finds like a grouse-shaped pillow and a crowned bird serving platter, it'll make your home feel like a childlike wonderland this Christmas.

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Storage cases and underbed storage solutions are nothing revolutionary, helping to organize homes with scarce storage space. It helps that they're also often relatively budget-friendly.

None are more so than the GÖRSNYGG Storage Case, available at IKEA, for just $2.99 while stocks last. With a sturdy shape and generous size, there's plenty of space for all your spare bedding as the seasons change.

It's an obvious way to upgrade your underbed storage ideas for less this fall. And, at just $2.99, I'm shopping three for under ten dollars.

Sitting among the bulkiest of household essentials, storing spare pillows and blankets can often feel impossible, particularly with the holiday hosting season just around the corner. I've always relied on under-the-bed solutions for this, and am a long-time user (and lover) of both the IKEA SKUBB Storage Case and the PÄRKLA Storage Case, also available at IKEA. Now, for just shy of three dollars, I'm adding the GÖRSNYGG Storage Case to my rotation.

Ideal for dust-free storage of spare linens, pillows, and even off-season clothing, it's durable enough to last for seasons to come, and perfectly sized for sliding under my bed and out of sight. The partly transparent, striped design makes it easy to see the contents without having to unzip each bag and dig through (one gripe I must admit I do have with the SKUBB alternative), while the handle allows for easy carrying. This also makes it a strong contender for packing clothes when moving.

With such a versatile design, it's no surprise that shopper Charmaine describes the GÖRSNYGG Storage Case as 'the most convenient storage ever,' explaining, 'These bags are convenient, stackable, squishable, and carryable. They are also the perfect size for extreme multi-purpose storage.'

In fact, Elizabeth is such a fan that she proudly proclaims that she's bought 30. 'Favorite storage bag,' she says. 'This is the most useful storage bag I have ever used. It is the perfect size, it stacks beautifully, it's sturdy, it's see-through, it unzips all the way open, it's stylish, and it is so affordable I bought 30 for my upcoming move. This checks all the boxes plus for my inner organizer.'

Elsewhere, reviewers affirm that it's the 'perfect size for comforters,' 'perfect for storing clothes,' and the 'perfect storage for many items!'

It's not often that we spot 'perfect' storage at such an affordable price point. It's the last chance to shop this solution, though, so don't delay if you're tempted to make a purchase.

More to Shop

You'll need a minimum basket spend of $35 to enjoy home delivery from IKEA, so I've handpicked six more storage essentials for use around the home below. Alternatively, shop 12 GÖRSNYGG Storage Cases to overhaul your storage ideas entirely.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Underbed storage solutions are perfect for saving space, but be warned that this popular underbed storage habit is the leading cause of hidden mattress mold. Luckily, we have all the tips for how to avoid it.

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A bee hotel is one of the most charming garden accessories you can get your hands on. With lots of crevices to hide away in, they provide crucial shelter for nesting bees and you'll even spot the likes of butterflies and other insects using them. But many bee hotels on the market can look a little cheap and gimmicky (especially when they're made of plastic). That's why we've scoured the internet for the best natural bee hotels to shop for.

You can make your own bee hotel if you're looking for a fun DIY project, but there are also plenty of bee hotels crafted from natural materials that beautifully blend into the garden landscape. There are lots of options for bee hotels in a classic house style, like this teal wooden bee hotel from Amazon and this tall wooden bee hotel from Wayfair. This wooden bee hotel from Amazon even has a water tray to provide bees with a water source. Or, you can opt for a more unique shape, like this teardrop bamboo bee house from Amazon.

Bee hotels are often used by other beneficial insects, too. This Walmart bee hotel has a butterfly house section, with narrow slits that allow these charming pollinators to get inside and keep predators out. Of course, these bee hotels also suit different types of bees, though you can also purchase a specific mason bee house (this one from Amazon is a hexagonal shape and coated in beeswax). If needed, you can pick up mason bee house refills from Walmart to refresh the tunnels.

Whether you want to hang up a bee hotel, mount it on your fence post, or find one with a stake to insert in the ground, there's an option for every yard. Here are our top 16 picks, all built with quality to last for many years to come.

A bee hotel is just one way to make your garden wildlife-friendly before frost. You can also grow the best plants for fall pollinators, which bloom later in the growing season and provide nectar where it's otherwise hard to find. Likewise, avoid over-tidying your yard this fall. Fallen leaves and garden debris provide shelter for a wide range of insects.

Another DIY wildlife shelter you can try making is a brush pile. It's essentially a pile of woody garden debris that allows not only insects but also small mammals and birds to shelter and escape the cold.

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If anyone was wondering whether last year’s ‘Ralph Lauren Christmas’ trend would carry into 2026, Shea McGee’s new horsey, heritage-inspired holiday collection for Target may have settled the matter. The lineup of old-timey Americana, tartan taffetas, aged brass, and ornate details looks as though it could have been plucked straight from the Bedford estate of the man himself. Never mind that most of it costs less than $40.

Shea might live in Salt Lake City, but the spirit of the New England elite is alive and well in her metallic stocking hangers, finished with intricately braided edges. The detail is a Studio McGee signature, but alongside wall art depicting an actual (and rather festive) thoroughbred in a coordinating frame, it takes on a decidedly equine air. Elsewhere, four-tiered Christmas trees in aged wood feature delicate scalloped engravings, adding a little texture to the mantel or tabletop. Etched-glass hurricanes, meanwhile, keep the analog candlelight going and remind us of the wealthy grandmother we never had, who collected the figurines decades ago and guarded them in her china cabinet, awaiting their annual December debut.

Still, the best-dressed thing at any Ralph Lauren-style holiday party isn’t the gallery wall, or even the guest who has managed to pop the most polo collars at once. Shea reserves that distinction for the Christmas tree, dressed in humble dried-orange garlands in lieu of the usual white lights, alongside cotton ornaments intricately embellished in the shapes of evergreens, stars, houses, and classic bells. Shiny beads catch the light, suspended from equally elaborate gold-tone loops.

Shea’s heritage homage is both the most traditional version of Christmas ever and a reminder of how many of its familiar trappings we somehow don’t already own. Whether or not the Ralph Lauren Christmas craze survives another year, it’s difficult to imagine tiring of holiday decor this timeless.

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Looks-maxxing this, protein-maxxing that. Now that fall is upon us, I have a new addition to the chronically online lexicon: cozy-maxxing. Because when this California girl detects sub-50-degree temperatures, it’s throw blankets, throw pillows, and couch time. STAT.

But how cliché! I’m going hard on soft, tactile textures. Bullion fringe hanging from every handle, velvet Pottery Barn picture frames dotting the credenza, and a boatload of bouclé where you'd least expect it. The colorful kind, like Rowena Interiors’ terracotta ottoman, because, as we’ve learned from designers, this formerly 'cheugy' upholstery is having something of a renaissance and colorful bouclé is everywhere.

And since we're maxxing, the lighting is getting bundled up, too. In the details, we'd usually put on a curtain, or even a skirt, like Lulu and Georgia’s Curato Sconce, clad in generously tailored cotton. Cordless lamps from the likes of Pooky will accompany me from the kitchen counter, where I prepare a cozy snack of chai tea and peanut butter-stuffed dates, to the Katie Kime tapestry-printed tray atop my impossibly cloudlike Coyuchi Down Duvet, where an ergonomic, headboard-shaped wedge pillow awaits. To my right, Trudon's woody, oud-forward, dessert-inspired Altaïr Candle flickers; to my left, an even richer, rounder Beetroot Candle from Loewe. All of this, swaddled in an après-ski-style Bubble Cuddle Blanket, obviously.

A cozy living room is one thing. But these 28 finds take cozy-maxxing well beyond the couch.