Christmas is over for another year, but in the Obamas’ home, the glow of delicate twig tree lights feels timeless. Even in a single photograph of Barack and Michelle Obama, there’s a sense of effortless elegance – and much of that comes from their thoughtful use of Christmas lighting. Warm, slender, sculptural lights, often seen as seasonal Christmas decorating ideas, are here elevated into a permanent feature, softening the architecture and adding a subtle, amber-hued glow that works all year round.

I first discovered the charm of this approach entirely by accident. One year, after the holidays, I forgot to take down my wire trees with sparkling LEDs – and instead of feeling out of place, I found myself delighting in their soft glow all winter. Since then, I’ve kept them up year-round, enjoying the warmth and subtle magic they bring to every season. My Lighted Birch Trees from Amazon now take pride of place on my sideboard, and they never fail to attract compliments from guests.

What makes twig tree lights so special is how they work with the room rather than dominating it. As Jo Naughton, Co-founder of Lights4fun, says: ‘Keep it simple – a few twig trees with sparkling lights will look beautiful all winter, and just as magical in summer when hosting parties.’ In my home, they’ve become a quiet backdrop for long evening chats, piano practice, or just curling up with a book, creating a soft, welcoming atmosphere that doesn’t feel tied to any one holiday.

The Obamas’ approach shows that lighting like this isn’t just about Christmas – it’s about creating a space that feels cozy, elegant, and full of life all year long. True style, after all, doesn’t have a season. It’s the small touches – the soft glow of a wire tree, the careful placement of light – that make a home feel like a sanctuary, no matter the time of year.

Shop the Look

Choosing the perfect Christmas lights that can shine all year round might seem tricky, but I’ve rounded up my favorite affordable designs that make it easy to try the trend at home. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at the stunning glow they can bring to even the smallest or darkest corners of your space.

Every year when I am battling through tangled decorations and tattered tinsel, I promise myself I'll be more organized next year. This year, I have finally decided to break the cycle.

Instead of stuffing everything back into storage now that Christmas is over, I'm only keeping half of my festive decor for 2026. The rest – the tired tinsel, mismatched ornaments, and decor that no longer spark joy – are going. No guilt or second-guessing.

Professional organizers have given their stamp of approval to my post-Christmas decluttering method and reveal why keeping less will, in fact, bring more joy next year.

Why I’m Only Keeping Half My Christmas Decor This Year

It is generally recommended that everyone follow some post-Christmas decluttering rules each year to help remove broken items, duplicates, or pieces that they didn't enjoy this season.

However, I have decided to take it a step further and keep only the bare minimum, and for two key reasons.

Firstly, I typically decorate alone each Christmas season, making it a mammoth task that often ends in frustration and a sore back, no matter how much I try to romanticize the experience.

Secondly, I live in a small storage-less home, so all of my decorations have to be stashed in extra-large bags from The Container Store to be stored in my parents' house (a 40-minute drive away) from one December to the next. So, the less I have, the better.

This doesn't mean that I am gutting my collection down to minimalist Christmas decor ideas by any stretch. Next year, I will continue to use traditional colors and fun Christmas lighting to make my home cozy for the Holiday Season.

However, I am going to cut down how many rooms I decorate to only the shared living spaces (do I really need a tree in my home office, after all?), and be ruthless when decluttering, using the one-emotion decluttering method to toss out any decor that doesn't immediately make me feel festive joy when I pull it down to store away.

According to professional organizers, this approach to decluttering festive decorations while organizing Christmas decorations for storage is ideal for people like me who are desperate to decorate for Christmas without feeling overwhelmed year after year.

Brittany De la Fuente, designer and organizer with Saint Louis Closet Co., explains, 'Decluttering isn’t about getting rid of the magic; it’s about making room for it. A curated collection of holiday decor creates a calmer, more joyful decorating experience every season

'The end of the holiday season is the perfect time to declutter your decor because everything is still fresh in your mind; what you used, what you didn’t, and what’s no longer your style.

'By sorting and donating as you pack away, you’ll save yourself time and stress next year. When you open your bins [such as the Holiday Storage Totes from The Container Store] next December, you’ll find only the things you actually use neatly organized, labeled, and easy to access. It also helps reduce the need for extra storage, freeing up valuable space in your home for year-round use.'

One thing that helped me to cut down maybe piles and reduce clutter was to remember that Christmas is not in the items I hang in my home, but in the activities I do and the time I spend with my family and friends. Yes, a good tree and warm white Christmas lights from Walmart strung along the fireplace help set the atmosphere, but they are not the essential ingredient in creating cozy memories.

For example, when I host friends, it isn't the decorations I remember; it is the food we cook together and the games we play. The decor doesn't factor in.

Stripping Back Your Collection

If you need a little more guidance when deciding what to declutter, especially when with sentimental items, professional organizer Danica Carson, co-founder of The Uncluttered Life, suggests asking yourself the following questions:

1. Is it in good shape? Are there cracks or tears, or missing pieces? If yes, maybe now is the time to donate or recycle it. If it’s something that can be repaired, you should do so before putting it away. Don’t make more work for yourself next year by kicking the can down the road on repairs.
2. Do I still like this? Seems like an obvious question, but sometimes we become so used to decor pieces that we go blind to them.
3. Will it still be good next year? Some things simply don’t last in storage when exposed to extreme temperatures that occur in attics and garages. For example, my son made this adorable ghost a few years ago, and I put it in storage for the following year. When I went to get it out, I found that parts had melted and the entire thing had become misshapen. I was sad to see it go, but there’s no sense in keeping decor that you can’t use again.
4. Is it meaningful? Sometimes, we keep things that are broken or not our style because they remind us of a special person or time. I would never encourage people to give up something that brought them joy or peace. Just be sure to store those pieces together in their own bin for their protection.

What to Shop

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

Really want to cut stress from the post-holiday period? Brush up on the most efficient way to take down Christmas decor to make this year's tidy and next year's decorations ten times simpler.

If you have been searching for the perfect holiday aesthetic that feels sophisticated yet lived-in, look no further than Jennifer Aniston’s mid-century modern living room. As we head into 2026, my resolution is simple: I am ditching the over-the-top, synthetic glitter of seasons past in favor of something far more grounded and enduring.

Jennifer Aniston’s holiday decor is a masterclass in warmth, texture, and organic elegance, curated so thoughtfully that it creates a soulful sanctuary rather than a cold, untouchable showroom. It is a visual reminder that true luxury doesn't shout; it invites you to sit down, stay a while, and breathe in the scent of pine.

The room’s magic lies in its effortless ability to balance high-end modernism with a rustic, 'festive woodland' sensibility. This isn't Christmas decor that feels bought off a shelf in a single afternoon; it feels gathered and intentional.

I was especially drawn to her use of color – the deep, velvety red of the poinsettias immediately caught my eye. By tucking these classic Christmas flowers against the sharp, dark lines of her bespoke shelving, she transforms a traditional seasonal staple into a striking high-design statement. Paired with cascading boughs of lush greenery, the poinsettias bring a sense of life and vibrancy that feels far more sophisticated than the fleeting sparkle of standard tinsel.

What truly anchors the space, however, is the fire log storage – a design choice I am personally vowing to emulate. The raw, stacked wood adds a tactile, earthy element that transforms the expansive living room into an intimate, cozy retreat. It serves as a seamless bridge between the sleek luxury of the interior and the rugged, natural beauty of the outdoors. There is an undeniable honesty in seeing the fuel for the hearth displayed so prominently; it evokes the spirit of traditional cabin decor while remaining firmly rooted in a contemporary aesthetic.

When that rugged texture meets the amber glow of hundreds of warm-toned lights – far from the clinical chill of modern LEDs – the effect is pure festive magic. These cozy Christmas lights from Amazon are a personal favorite.

Add in her three dogs sprawled across a plush cream rug, surrounded by layers of tonal, artisanal gift wrap, and the scene feels complete. It’s a space that unapologetically favours comfort and authenticity over anything remotely performative.

2026 will be the year of the 'Jennifer Aniston Edit,' proving that the most beautiful holiday homes are not those that are merely looked at, but those that are truly lived-in, loved, and warmed from the inside out.

Shop the Look

Christmas may have passed, but the warm, inviting charm of the season can linger all year with fireside-inspired cabin decor. Here are my favorite pieces to shop now.

Jennifer Lopez’s Christmas tree is a masterclass in how to decorate with gold in a way that feels elevated rather than excessive. Wrapped in warm white lights and layered with shimmering gold ornaments, soft blush accents, and elegant ribbon, the tree glows with a quiet confidence – luxurious, but never loud. It’s festive, yes, but it also feels timeless, hinting at something bigger than a single season.

Decorating with gold has long been one of the most uplifting colors, and it’s perhaps not surprising that it is experiencing a modern renaissance in interiors. From subtle flecks of metallic detailing to full-on gold walls and ceilings, this radiant hue brings instant warmth and light to every surface it touches.

In Jennifer Lopez’s home, the effect is especially striking: the gold doesn’t shout for attention, instead enhancing the room with a soft, flattering glow that feels joyful and calming in equal measure.

What makes gold so compelling right now is its versatility and ability to make a home look expensive. Far from the brash, dated finishes of the past, today’s golds are warmer, softer, and more nuanced. They pair beautifully with neutrals, blush tones, deep greens, and rich browns, creating spaces that feel layered, expensive, and thoughtfully designed.

As Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown, explains, ‘Luxurious gold brings in a touch of warmth and optimism to a room, perfect for bringing a sense of positivity into the home. The color creates a sense of calm with a feeling of restfulness and well-being.’

Historically associated with wealth and opulence, gold has often been treated with caution, even in statement spaces. But designers are increasingly embracing its softer side. ‘Its warm tones create a gentle, glowing atmosphere ideal for an intimate and sophisticated space,’ says Dominic Myland, CEO of Mylands – a sentiment that feels especially relevant as homes become places of comfort as well as self-expression.

This golden Christmas tree idea captures this shift perfectly. It feels aspirational yet approachable, glamorous yet grounded – and crucially, not confined to Christmas alone. This is a room color idea that translates effortlessly into everyday interiors, from kitchens and bedrooms to living spaces that crave a little light and optimism. As designer Jaime Beriestain notes, ‘The gold color is an invitation to dream and to travel. Sometimes it can fill a space with light,’ turning even overlooked rooms into moments of quiet drama.

Jennifer Lopez’s ‘golden’ Christmas tree is just the beginning. A once-forgotten hue is reclaiming its place beyond festive decor, proving that gold can feel modern, refined, and irresistibly glamorous – and it’s a color I predict we’ll be using all year round.

Shop the Gold Edit

Though the Christmas season has passed, the allure of gold endures – offering countless sophisticated ways to infuse your home with warmth, elegance, and a touch of timeless glamor. Here, I’ve selected my favorite golden decor pieces to continue this radiant color trend into 2026.

With the whirlwind of holidays coming to a close, it's only natural to crave a bit of breathing room. Homes feel full in every sense of the word, and that's where our post-Christmas decluttering reset comes in.

Spreading streamlining tasks over 12 days, this slow home decluttering approach turns what would otherwise be an overwhelming project into manageable steps so you don't start the new year burnt out.

This is how to split your workload for this relaxed decluttering method and leave your home beautifully clean and zen for January and beyond.

12 Days of Post-Christmas Decluttering

December 25 – Deal with Trash

Although you may be juggling guests and dinners on Christmas Day, it never hurts to streamline a little as you go.

Audra George, owner and professional organizer at Pretty Neat: An Organization Solution, suggests starting small and just focusing on the main bulk of trash to tidy a home without feeling overwhelmed, or detracting from quality time with friends and family.

She recommends targeting wrapping paper, packaging, and boxes that you no longer need for an instant refresh that will make any room feel less chaotic, ready for that post-dinner snooze.

December 26 – Clean the Kitchen

Cleaning a kitchen after dinner is a mammoth task on a normal day, but throw in the chaos of Christmas, and it's even tougher. For this, it is wise to encourage family to declutter with you, even introducing children to chores to speed the process up.

Your first task, Audra says, is to deal with Christmas leftovers. 'Leftovers are great to eat on for the next few days, and look up some new recipes of what to do with the leftover turkey or ham, then make some new recipes to enjoy. The sooner you deal with the food, the better tasting it will be.'

For any items you decide to freeze, consider the Rubbermaid Glass Food Containers from Target. They are leak-proof and oven-safe, perfect for quick reheating later on.

As for cleaning the kitchen, you do not need to gut your appliances right now. Rather, deal with the immediate messes, such as cleaning countertops, mopping floors, taking out the trash, and cleaning the kitchen sink. Don't forget to empty and reload the dishwasher, too.

We suggest using a non-toxic cleaner, such as the Attitude All-Purpose Spray from Walmart, to help create a non-toxic home going into the new year. Sponge cloths, from Target, are also a great pick to minimize waste at an expensive time of the year. They can quickly be sanitized on the top rack of your dishwasher for rapid household cleaning.

December 27 – House Gifts

With the excitement starting to dull, it's time to declutter all the new gifts that are likely sitting in piles around your family room. Pro organizer Audra recommends focusing on just one room at a time, determining where the new stuff will live that is both practical and organized.

Look for homes first, and then determine if you need to purchase extra storage to avoid over-shopping and stop clutter before it starts. If you need new storage, consider clear storage bins from Wayfair, allowing items to stay on display. It's a quick way to optimize storage to avoid duplicates in the future.

You may also want to consider the one-in, one-out rule when putting gifts away. Does a new gift replace something old? Toss or donate the old to make space.

December 28 – Tackle Tables

With the majority of dinner parties over, it is time to declutter your dining room and clear decorations and linens from your table, suggests Max Wilson, home storage expert and co-founder of Pocket Storage.

Put decorations back in their boxes, wipe down place mats, and toss table linens such as cloths and napkins in the laundry basket. It is also a good idea to disinfect the dining table and chairs with a non-toxic disinfectant spray such as Method Citron Antibacterial from Target.

This will give you the perfect clear slate to set up your New Year table decor ideas.

December 29 – Gut the Guest Rooms

If guests have stayed over through the Christmas period, reset the bedrooms now, ready for any New Year friends and family, Audra urges.

Strip and make beds the right way, whether or not guests are arriving in the coming days, so that the space is always ready for last-minute use.

Declutter surfaces and guest bathrooms, not forgetting about clothes storage, to make a guest room feel more homey, and consider curating new guest welcome boxes to present yourself as a super host.

December 30 – Start on Laundry

No one likes laundry, but after Christmas dinner, days spent lounging in PJs, and guests staying the night, it is sure to have piled up in various rooms of your home.

A quick organizing trick to make laundry easier is to gather all of the laundry in one place. This will make sorting laundry and making up loads easier. A pre-divided laundry hamper, such as the Joseph Joseph Tota Trio Hamper, from Wayfair, is ideal for this, with removable baskets making it easy to take items to your laundry room without dropping anything.

When doing laundry, avoid the common laundry mistake of overloading the drum, opting for several smaller washes over one massive one to avoid breaking your best washing machine. It takes longer, but you will get better results.

To keep things clean and simple, use a gentle detergent, such as Tide Free & Gentle from Walmart, to avoid damaging any fabrics or setting off allergies.

December 31 – Clear Family Rooms

The New Year usually means another influx of guests. To prepare, spend some time decluttering the main gathering places, such as the family and living rooms.

Max suggests, 'Fold throws, stack books, and return items to their homes. This area often becomes the dumping ground, so bringing order back here instantly changes how the whole house feels.'

For a systematic approach to decluttering a living room, try the ski-slope organizing method, going back and forth with a laundry basket (I use a folding basket similar to the Joseph Joseph Hold-All Basket from Wayfair) to collect items that don't belong and easily take them to their appropriate homes.

Short on time or energy? Try the GFD basket method, paired with the guest scanning method, to get a home guest-ready in under one hour.

January 1 – Clear Cards

You may be feeling pretty tired on New Year's Day, so take a step back and focus on a small task to help recoup energy.

Max suggests organizing paperwork and decluttering Christmas card displays on New Year's Day, tasks you can sit down and tackle while watching TV.

He recommends, 'Recycle old cards, save a few special ones, and file receipts or warranties. This clears visual clutter and stops piles from spreading into January.' For those cards you want to keep, a shallow project box from Walmart is more than adequate, keeping them safe from damage, ready for redisplay next year.

January 2 – Declutter Decor

The festivities are officially over, so it is time to declutter Christmas decorations and reclaim your home, Max urges.

He suggests, 'Take a moment to reflect on your holiday décor. Start with any decorations that feel out of place. Keep sentimental items and donate or recycle what no longer suits your space.'

Pack items away securely so that they are not damaged for next year. Ornament bags, from Amazon, will protect baubles from breaks and scratches in attic storage, while a sturdy Christmas tree bag, also from Amazon, can protect artificial trees from mold and pests.

January 3 – Blast Bathrooms

You will likely have been cleaning bathrooms periodically over the Christmas period, but now that guests have moved on, it's time to declutter and organize bathrooms thoroughly before giving them a deep clean.

Guest products will likely have been used up, or half emptied, Max points out, so take some time to consolidate products into one bottle where you can and declutter the empties. The same goes for any products or tools that have been replaced by new gifts or items you didn't like using.

When rearranging items in bathroom storage, consider using breathable storage containers from Amazon to corral clutter without trapping moisture.

January 4 – Empty the Entryway

Bulky coats and shoes will always make an entryway look cluttered. While we are still a long way from switching to spring jackets, it's a good idea to declutter any items you are not using and tidy up items that you may have left out in the holiday rush, ready for going back to school and work.

January 5 – The Final Sweep

It's the end of the 12 days of post-Christmas decluttering. By now, most of your home should look as it did before the madness of the holidays.

For the final day, Audra concludes, 'Focus on any other spaces that still need a small reset. Go slow and steady, focusing on one space at a time – baby steps will make to-do lists less overwhelming, decrease stress, and allow you to gradually work on things vs trying to rush and get your home organized all at once.'

What to Shop

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

Struggling to beat the post-Christmas blues at home? Our experts have rounded up the best tips to help boost your energy in the coldest, darkest month of the year and make a home less depressing in fall and winter.

The excitement of Christmas morning only grows when there are children in the house, and with them comes a truckload of mess and clutter.

That’s why, after nine festive Christmas mornings with our daughter, my husband and I have developed a three-step process that not only banishes that explosion of mess, but means once the presents are opened, all the clutter has already been dealt with, leaving your living room free from that chaotic sensation.

Whether you have children or not, this organizing tip takes just minutes and is useful for any busy household on Christmas day. Better yet, it won’t get in the way of all that Christmas morning fun.

3 Ways to Stop Christmas Morning Clutter Chaos in Your Living Room

1. Put Wrapping Paper In a Trash Bag As You Go

This isn’t genius by any means, but it’s easy to forget to do in all the excitement. After years spent on our hands and knees finding all the scraps of wrapping paper when everything had been ripped open in a flurry of excitement on Christmas morning, we reverse-engineered the fix.

Now, I keep a strong trash bag, available at Amazon, open and by my side, ready to receive scraps as we go. I remind our daughter to pop all her rubbish inside, too and make it more fun by telling her to scrunch it up into a ball and 'shoot' it into our 'net' (the trash bag). You'll be surprised how easily it energizes the group to get that rubbish in the bag!

We also make sure to grab any plastic boxes (hence the strong bags) and wrapping from gifts that can be recycled and put those in the bag too, then the whole lot gets tipped out to the recycling bin at the end of our gift opening session. It's always good to have an idea of what can't be recycled, so the whole batch doesn't get contaminated, but it might include paper with glitter on, for example.

What I love about this tip as a person who finds visual clutter stressful, is that the mess doesn’t build up as Christmas morning progresses, and I don’t get overstimulated or tapped out by the chaos.

As a person in chronic pain and with nervous system dysregulation, this is vital to my enjoyment of special but busy and potentially messy days like Christmas. If you are neurodivergent, you may experience the same, and this is a smart way of easily decluttering with health challenges with minimal effort or energy spent.

Professional organizer and KonMari® Master Consultant, Rebecca Jo-Rushdy of Spark Joy & Flow adds, ‘Trash bags are absolutely essential – and I love getting kids involved by turning it into a little game as presents are opened (wrapping and boxes straight into the bag). It keeps momentum going and prevents that slow build-up of visual overwhelm.’

It also means we don’t have to stop our gift-enjoying or festive eating schedule to reset our living space before guests arrive, because we’re actually doing the time-consuming tidying up as we go.

2. Allocate a Sturdy Bag to Each Family Member

It’s a simple tweak and negates the need for a big tidy later on. Instead of piling all the presents around yourselves like a gift fortress, each person in your family should have an allocated large and sturdy shopping bag. I have lots of reusable shopping totes from Amazon at home to reduce my plastic, which are perfect for the job.

Once each person has opened a gift and finished marvelling at what good taste you all have, they can pop it straight into their designated bag.

Professional organizer Rebecca explains, ‘Allocate one per family member so that each person’s gifts have a home straight away. It makes it much easier to transport everything to bedrooms later without the inevitable armful-of-gifts-dropping-everywhere scenario.’

This is also helpful for guests who are with you for Christmas, but perhaps leaving soon.

I appreciate this tip a lot, as my daughter usually receives a mountain of gifts she refuses to put away for a while. Having a tidy bag we can tuck behind the sofa or place in a cabinet out of sight makes it easy to reset the living room for our afternoon lunch guests, whilst still keeping her array of goodies on hand for enjoyment.

Excluding children from age-appropriate tasks is something people with tidy homes never do, as it’s a great way to build sensible and useful organizing habits and skills that will serve them for life, first in your family home and later, their own.

3. Ditch Perfection

Housekeeping perfectionism was a mindset that it took me a while to train myself out of. I used to find it particularly stressful when I had guests coming to my home and I couldn’t 100% remove visual evidence of Christmas morning carnage from my most sociable spaces, such as living rooms and kitchens.

But taking the first two steps in this guide helped corral new clutter with next-to-zero effort in that in-between stage of the holidays, where you have a bunch of new items, and no time to find a permanent home for the plethora of gifts received.

This means cleaning things up quickly, not perfectly, so that your space is reset fast and respectable for any friends and family who are stopping by.

Having extra family-member-specific bags to hold new items is also handy when extra relatives or loved ones arrive and add to the chaos. This will prevent your home from descending into further chaos if extra people arrive.

Rebecca agrees, adding, ‘Perhaps most importantly, these tips are not about perfection or restoring your space to a picture-perfect living room. It’s about restoring flow. Clearing the visual noise quickly allows everyone to stay present and focus on what matters most: Being together, rather than feeling stressed by the mess.'

What to Shop

Once the chaos of Christmas is over, having a number of handy storage items to put decor away sensibly will stop them from breaking between now and next Christmas, as well as make it easier to clean up after Christmas.

Meet the Expert

Next, lean into January decluttering rules to start the new year right.

Few plants are as instantly synonymous with the festive season as the poinsettia. With its jewel-toned bracts and glossy green foliage, this striking houseplant has become a winter staple in American homes.

Knowing how to care for a poinsettia properly is key to keeping it looking vibrant long after the holidays begin. While they are often treated as disposable decorations and Christmas plants, poinsettias are in fact long-lived tropical plants that can thrive indoors with the right care.

From watering and temperature to light levels and placement, this complete guide covers everything you need to know to keep a poinsettia healthy, colorful, and thriving throughout winter and beyond.

How to Keep Your Poinsettia Healthy: Expert Advice

One of the most iconic winter houseplants, the poinsettia's story stretches back far beyond modern Christmas décor.

Native to Mexico, this joyful plant was introduced to the United States in the early 19th century by botanist and diplomat Joel Roberts Poinsett, who was so captivated by the plant that it was later named in his honor. By the mid-1900s, clever cultivation and promotion had cemented its place as the definitive Christmas plant we know today.

Poinsettias do have a reputation for being tricky to maintain after the holiday season, and especially if you make any common poinsettia mistakes, but rest assured all you need is the right care advice.

Don't forget, poinsettias need a period of being placed in the dark each day for 8-10 weeks (usually from October) to in order for it to flower profusely again by Christmas.

‘They can be a little challenging to care for, but with due consideration and proper poinsettia care, it is possible for them to thrive in most home environments,’ confirms Andrew Gaumond, horticulturist, botanist, and editorial director at Petal Republic.

We consulted top plant experts to find out exactly how to care for a poinsettia properly. Follow this advice and you’ll be keeping your plant alive until next Christmas, and it for many winters to come.

1. Choose a Healthy Plant

Start your poinsettia care regime before you’ve even bought it, by choosing a healthy plant from a reputable store or garden center.

A way to select a high-grade plant is to look for undamaged, dense foliage and budding flowers in-between the colored bracts (these are the upper leaves, which are often mistaken for flowers).

‘Buy your poinsettia from an indoor store, and make sure they don't display these plants near automatic doors,’ says Naomi Robinson, founder of Houseplant Authority. ‘Poinsettias don't like lower temperatures so any period exposed to this, even just the doors opening and closing every now and then, can mean that the plant won't last long.’

This poinsettia from Costa Farms and available to buy via Amazon would be a good online choice, and the festive gold pot is a bonus.

A caring seller will also have made sure the poinsettia is watered correctly – feel the compost and ensure it is neither sandy dry nor soaking wet.

2. Transport Your Poinsettia Home With Care

‘Wrap your poinsettia in paper for the journey home to protect it from drafts and temperatures below 54°F (12ºC),' says Dr. Susanne Lux, international campaign coordinator at poinsettia grower collective Stars for Europe.

'This protects it from damage that is initially invisible but can lead to premature loss of leaves after a few days,’

When you get it home, take it out of its sleeve and place the pot on a saucer. ‘Be careful with pot sleeves because they can hold too much water, which can cause the plant to die,’ says Gail Pabst from the National Garden Bureau.

3. Ensure Consistent Temperature

When it comes to knowing where to place a poinsettia, these plants are particularly sensitive to temperature fluctuations, which is why consistency is just as important as hitting the right range.

Sudden changes, such as being moved from a warm living room to a chilly hallway, or placed near an exterior door that’s frequently opened, can quickly stress the plant.

Drafts, cold windowsills, and heat sources like radiators, fireplaces, and air vents can all cause leaf drop or premature fading of the colorful bracts.

For best results, keep poinsettias in a stable spot where night and daytime temperatures remain steady

‘Keep the plants at a temperature of between 59-72°F (15-22ºC),’ says Susanne Lux.

Naomi Robinson adds: ‘Poinsettias don't generally like direct sunlight, although this is less of an issue during winter, so it's fine to keep your plant near a window (ideally south-facing) during the Christmas period.’

‘Just make sure you move it away from that position as the warmer months approach to avoid its leaves burning.’

4. Only Water Poinsettias When the Soil is Noticeably Dry

While technique and water temperature are crucial, timing is just as important when watering a poinsettia. Rather than sticking to a strict schedule, it’s best to check the compost regularly and water only when the top inch feels dry to the touch.

‘Overwatering is the most common mistake with poinsettias – and it's important to let the water drain,’ says Gail Pabst.

Knowing how often to water a poinsettia will varies depending on the temperature, location, and the size of both the plant and its pot. ‘For a pot with a diameter of 5 inches, give it no more than a small glass of water,’ advises Susanne Lux. ‘This prevents large pores in the soil from clogging up and waterlogging.'

Mini poinsettias should not be given more than one shot glass of water. Excess water that is still in the planter after ten minutes should be removed as this can lead to overwatering. ‘If in doubt, it’s better to keep these plants a little more dry than moist and to water them little and often, rather than rarely but in great quantity,’ adds Susanne.

Only water poinsettias when the soil is noticeably dry, which can range from every day to every three days. Pay extra attention to smaller pots as they dry out faster – mini poinsettias, especially, will most likely need watering daily. A soil moisture meter, such as this one from Amazon, will really help to know for sure when your poinsettia needs its next drink.

It’s also worth knowing the early signs of watering issues. Drooping or yellowing leaves can indicate both under- and overwatering, while sudden leaf drop is often a sign that the roots have been exposed to cold, waterlogged compost. Adjusting watering habits promptly can often reverse these issues and help the plant recover.

5. Hold Off on the Feeding

While you would typically fertilize a plant when it's in bloom this is a big no-no when it comes to poinsettias in the winter.

Fertilisation is most beneficial after the bracts begin to fade, when the plant can use nutrients to support new leaf and root growth in preparation for the next season.

‘Never fertilize a poinsettia in full bloom,’ adds Andrew Gaumond, horticulturist, botanist, and editorial director at Petal Republic.

‘These plants are generally light feeders and only really need a nutrient boost once or twice in spring and summer with a balanced water-soluble houseplant feed.’

Shop Our Poinsettia Care Edit

FAQs

What is the Most Popular Poinsettia Color?

Red is the most popular poinsettia color, however, the bracts actually come in a many more shades and even patterns, meaning there’s a breed to suit any taste or style. Shapes, too, can differ from pointed or jagged to rounded or crinkled.

Some of the most popular non-traditional poinsettia colors are:

• White
• Cream
• Salmon
• Magenta
• Apricot
• Lemon

There are also lots of interesting variations, like marbled or mottled patterns which feature multiple colors – we love this white and pink poinsettia.

Can You Put Poinsettias in a Vase?

Yes, you can put cut poinsettias in a vase. However, this is not as simple and just cutting them and dropping them into a vase of water.

If you’re using cut poinsettias in a vase, cut the bracts, dip the cut end in warm, around 140°F (60ºC), water for a few seconds, then immediately in cold water. Once arranged, make sure to replace with fresh water every few days. With the right care, they will last around two weeks in the vase.

If you don't love the ruby red blooms of the classic poinsettias for Christmas, they are also available in a range of colors including white, lemon, and pink.

Why not use different colors to make a poinsettia wreath? Or, if you want inspiration for poinsettia alternatives, you'll find them in our guide.

Christmas is fast approaching, and with just a week to go, you might be imagining yourself relaxing with a glass of mulled wine, confident that everything is ticked off your list. But is it really? Even Delia Smith, the iconic British cook, reminds us in her Christmas cookbooks that it’s often the little non-food essentials – the easily overlooked items for the home – that make all the difference when hosting.

When it comes to Christmas hosting, it’s easy to forget the small details that keep everything running smoothly. Do you have enough napkins and napkin rings so guests aren’t reaching for kitchen roll? Spare place cards? Or a simple set of matching candlesticks to make your table feel effortlessly polished? A few thoughtful purchases now will ensure you’re ready for guests, without any last-minute scrambling or awkward improvisation.

One of the most commonly overlooked essentials is batteries. If you’re not sure you have enough, I’d recommend ordering two large packs of batteries from Amazon now – you can never have too many. To make things even easier, here’s a handy list of last-minute buys you can add to your basket today and have delivered straight to your door before Christmas.

Forgotten Christmas Essentials That Save the Day Every Year

Drinking glasses often run short when guests arrive, leaving you scrambling for spare tumblers or wine glasses. A quick solution is to have an extra set of bistro-style drinking glasses, such as this Tumbler Set on Amazon, on hand – they’re practical and always look smart.

Placemats and table runners are another easy detail to overlook, yet they can instantly transform a table from chaotic to carefully curated. Don’t forget serving utensils, either – a missing ladle or cheese knife can turn a simple buffet into a minor disaster. Stocking up on these often-forgotten essentials now will keep your Christmas hosting running smoothly and save you from any last-minute panics.

By now, your list of last-minute buys should be looking a little more complete, but there are always a few more overlooked essentials that make Christmas hosting run smoothly. Make sure you have plenty of thick bin bags to avoid the dreaded overflowing recycling on Boxing Day, and enough ice trays to keep drinks flowing without frantic freezer raids. Spare tea towels, extra chopping boards and a few rolls of kitchen paper are surprisingly handy when unexpected spills happen, while a set of small serving bowls or platters will save you from scrambling when everyone wants a second helping.

Do not forget corkscrews, bottle openers and trivets to protect your surfaces, and despite my aforementioned disdain of kitchen roll at the dining table, ensure you buy plenty of the stuff for the kitchen (Regina Blitz from Amazon is the very best kitchen roll). By thinking ahead and ticking off these often forgotten items, you can enjoy hosting with confidence, knowing your home is fully prepared for a stress-free, festive Christmas.

With the holiday nearly upon us, we're all thinking of ways to elevate our hosting game this year. From planning your Christmas day menu to your Christmas table decor ideas, the countdown is on. If your home will take center stage for hosting a large group of family and friends, or you're opting for a more intimate gathering this year, ensure that you're organized for the days ahead with this expert advice. Here's how to have a very merry (and well-planned) Christmas.

Create an Inviting Atmosphere

Creating a sense of warmth and ambiance for the festivities with ensure everyone feels, calm, merry and ready to enjoy the holiday as well as creating a welcoming home-from-home for your guests. 'Holiday hosting should feel as warm and memorable as the gathering itself,' says interior designer Erica McLain, founder of McLain by Design Interiors. 'I like to think of my space as an experience that starts from the moment guests walk in the door.'

1. Make Your Entrance Feel Welcoming

Don't forget to think about your front door when hosting guests this festive season. Since it's the first interaction guests will have upon entering your home, adorning it with a festive Christmas wreath creates a welcoming entrance that says 'come on in.'

'Don't miss the opportunity to make an impression right from the start,' says Jenny Weiss, founder and director at Hill House Interiors. 'Greet your guests with a festive flourish – a beautiful wreath hung on the front door is the perfect way to set the tone for your styling.'

'Wreaths can be personalized to suit every taste, from a traditional mix of cinnamon and orange slices with lush foliage to an exuberant display of layered baubles and ribbons – anything is possible. The smell of pine and mistletoe is key to bring that scent of Christmas throughout, hence why we love to integrate foliage, right from the entry. Our top tip is to weave twinkling lights throughout the wreath; battery-operated lights are easy to use and add a magical touch.' Festive Doormats (like this fun Let's Get Spritzed doormat from Anthropologie) and slippers for guests to put on when they arrive will all add to the welcoming atmosphere.

2. Create a Cozy Feel With Lighting

When hosting guests during the holidays, lighting is key. Ambient lighting creates a relaxed and intimate feel. 'Lighting acts as an effortless, atmospheric backdrop to hosting and should be a core consideration in your festive season planning,' says Mara Rypacek Miller, founder of Industville. 'Small changes can make maximum impact – look to change bulbs to warmer tones with lower Kelvins in order to nurture seasonal wellbeing.'

'Setting the mood rests entirely on the lighting you choose,' agrees interior designer Matthew Williamson. 'Forget about using one main lighting source in favor of illuminating a few lamps around a kitchen for a more interesting, flattering lighting scheme.'

'If there is ever a time to experiment with lighting, it’s the holidays,' says suggests Denver-based interior designer Nadia Watts. 'Simply adding a strand of white twinkle lights (like these Battery Operated Fairy String Lights from Walmart) can make your entire space feel more festive. Dim your overhead lights and focus on layered lighting. Add candles, luminaires, and strands of holiday lights in unexpected places.'

3. Add Candles for Ambiance

When hosting throughout the holiday season, candles are one of the easiest and most effective ways to create a cozy and welcoming feel for your guests. Whether that's with taper candles (like these Christmas taper candles from Target) on your dining table or pillar candles in the living room, candles are the finishing touch to ensure a welcoming home.

'Candlesticks are a stylish and budget-friendly way to enhance your holiday decor,' says Interior designer Darla Bankston May, founder of Houston-based Bankston May Associates. 'They bring a touch of elegance and warmth to your space, making them perfect for decorating table settings or mantels. With endless color options, you can select candlesticks that align with your style and decor, adding a festive flair to your home.'

4. Consider Fragrance

A smaller detail that won't fail to create a welcoming vibe is to use seasonal home fragrances. Whether using the best candles or reed diffusers, opting for seasonal scents of spices or pine will ensure your home feels festive from the moment guests walk through the door.

'Something subtle and natural like a cinnamon, cedarwood, or balsam fir can make the space feel even more inviting and cozy without overpowering the senses,' says Erica McLain. 'The goal is to create a space where people feel truly at home, surrounded by beauty that feels effortless and comforting.' Try the Pottery Barn Fireside Cinnamon Scent Collection, which includes candles, tealights, diffusers and potpourri.

5. Set up a Self-Service Bar

Don't forget the welcoming drink for when your guests first arrive – a festive cocktail or hot toddy is a lovely idea to invite them in from the cold with. But once everyone is settled in, it's nice to have a self-serve bar cart or even a mini fridge, which guests can help themselves to and it will save you the job of bartending, too. When it comes to cocktail hour, a kind guest might even pour you a drink to enjoy in the kitchen while you're food prepping.

You may also want to invest in some luxe cocktail essentials, from nick and nora glasses to tumblers, and cocktail shakers to bar tools. 'When the holidays roll around, I always like to make sure that my bar cart and drinks cabinet are fully stocked, not only with a variety of spirits, wines, and garnishes but also with a plethora of glassware,' explains interior designer Kathy Kuo. 'It's so nice to be able to use the proper glass for specific cocktails and wines, and it really does add to the overall festive mood of a gathering when guests can delight in how beautiful your coupe glasses or cut-glass tumblers are.'

Get Your Kitchen Holiday Ready

No room works harder when it comes to hosting season than the kitchen. But as well as the food prepping, the kitchen is often a hub for hosting, too. There are some easy Christmas kitchen countertop decor ideas you can try to give the room a sense of occasion. The kitchen is often a sociable space during the holidays, so it's important to make it feel inviting, but also to ensure that it works practically while you're busy cooking and your guests don't feel 'in the way'.

6. Make Sure You Have Enough Kitchen Essentials

'A well-stocked armory of essentials, easily accessible, can transform hosting from a daunting task to a gracious art.' is how designer Artem Kropovinsky so eloquently puts it. The last thing you want to be doing when hosting is washing up, so ensure you have enough of the best cookware, like roasting pans to accomodate your meet and veg, as well as utensils, to make everything as easy and as seamless as possible.

The same goes for dinnerware. Think about the maximum amount of people you usually host and ensure you have enough plates, bowls, glasses, cups, cutlery, and so on. It may be useful to stock your hosting closet with some good basics (such as this Corelle Dinnerware set in winter frost from Target, which is microwave and dishwasher safe), to cover all bases so you don't run out.

7. Consider How You Use the Space

You'll want to ensure you can move as easily as possible around your kitchen while your guests are in there, too. 'Carving out clear zones for the culinary dance of prepping, cooking, and cleaning can compose a harmonious rhythm,' says Artem. 'Generous seating and surface realms beckon guests to alight, mingle, and partake in the culinary narrative.'

Tempt guests to certain areas that you know will be out of the way, but feel like they are part of the action. And don't just stick to one space, as guests will congregate in one part of the kitchen, which could become awkward. Have a bar set up in one section of the kitchen, and dot food around the rest.

The kitchen island may feel like the perfect space to have guests gather, and you could actually turn it into a curated hosting space for a charcuterie spread, like Designer Bryan Graybill.

8. Choose Serveware That Doubles as Decor

'When preparing to host for the holiday season, I like to first make sure my kitchen is stocked up on rustic wooden serving boards (like this carved edge round wood board from Hearth & Hand with Magnolia at Target), glassware, decanters, and barware, and plenty of scented candles. I also like to place a large stone or ceramic vase of seasonal greenery or foliage on my countertop to add an air of festivity,' advises designer Kathy Kuo.

Having serveware that does the job and looks lovely is something I also rely on when getting my kitchen ready for hosting. Aesthetically pleasing platters, boards, and glasses can do so much of the work for you. Plus, as Kathy suggests, you can make them part of a display that will instantly give your kitchen a relaxed, festive feel.

Plan the Food Prep

You might have your Christmas Day menu sorted, but to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible on the day, it's important to put in some groundwork. The experts have shared their advice on everything from making sure you don't run out of key ingredients, to keeping things simple, and clever shortcuts to help you along the way.

9. Check Your Supplies

Don't forget the chef prep secrets for holiday meals, to ensure your ingredients are fully stocked and prepared ahead of time, as you don't want to run out of an essential ingredient at a crucial point or when the stores are closed for the holidays.

'Always be sure to go through your panty before you do any shopping, so you’re not buying duplicates of items,' advises Mackenzie Mitchel, Founder At Home With Mackenzie. 'It’s also a good idea to organize your pantry in advance – that way you can find everything you need easily and check the dates of items. There have been several times when I thought I had an ingredient only to realize it had expired, and I had to go back out.'

10. Stick to What you Know

'The biggest mistake I see from hosts is overcomplicating things; the goal isn’t perfection, it’s connection,' says Sakshi Khurana of the luxury home lifestyle brand, dumæ. 'Pare down the menu, let your pieces speak, and focus on creating warmth for your guests. At the end of the day, the best host is one who is confident, having fun, and feeling good in the space they’re entertaining in – because that’s when your guests truly feel at home.'

The same applies to the menu, according to etiquette expert, Maryanne Parker 'One of the most important tips for hosting a successful holiday gathering is this: never experiment with a new recipe on the day of your lunch or dinner party. Even the best home cooks can have a mishap, and the holiday table is not the place to take that risk,' she says.

Chef Dennis Littley agrees: 'Be smart with your menu,' he advises. 'Pick two show-stoppers. For example, a glazed ham and potato gratin, and keep the other dishes simple. Roasted vegetables, a green salad, or a very basic, but well-seasoned side can round out the table without overwhelming you.'

12. Keep Things Cool

With so much extra food to store, from Christmas canapes to desserts and cheeses, organizing your refrigerator can become a game of Jenga. Not to mention all those extra drinks you'll need to keep cool. That's when you need to think outside the box – quite literally.

'Pre-packed coolers are a hosting powerhouse and free up precious refrigerator space,' says Atlanta-based entertaining expert and party planner, Sandy Dostal. 'Fill one with beverages – beer, soda, bottled water, canned cocktails – for quick grab-and-go service. Use another for chilled side dishes, desserts, garnishes, or condiments. And always dedicate one cooler solely to ice – trust me, it becomes liquid gold once beverages start flowing.'

Another idea is to invest in a mini fridge that is stylish enough to be kept in the living room, so guests can help themselves to cold drinks (they might even offer to re-stock it for you when it's running low.)

13. Take Strategic Shortcuts

There's nothing wrong with making life a little easier on yourself when the pressure is on, and there are plenty of kitchen shortcuts that will help save you time and stress.

Mackenzie Mitchel suggests 'Make and freeze pie dough in the dish (wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil) ahead of time – this will store for up to three months.'

Better still, Executive Chef at the Waldorf Astoria, Beverley Hills, Peleg Miron gives you permission to buy elements of your meal in. Not everything has to be made from scratch. 'High-quality store-bought crusts or gravies can elevate efficiency without compromising flavor,' he says.

And, if you're cooking turkey for Christmas day, Mark Jeffers, Culinary Director, Fifth Group Restaurants, suggests a great time saver. 'Spatchcock Your Turkey: Remove the backbone and flatten the bird for even cooking, crispy skin, and freed-up oven space.'

Letting yourself off from doing everything perfectly from scratch is the first step towards feeling more relaxed on the day. If the pros do it, so can you.

14. Nail Your Timings

Managing the cooking times can be one of the trickiest parts of Christmas meal prep, and despite best efforts, it doesn't always go to plan. But you can buy yourself some breathing space.

'Decide what can be made ahead. Cold desserts, chilled apps, doughs, roasted veg and certain mains keep well and save time,' suggests Chef Chrissy Camba, Head Chef at Tovala.'Time your reheats and plan which dishes require the same oven temperatures, in advance, and when each item should go in. Putting the schedule to paper keeps everything moving.'

And, for an absolute failsafe, Karina, Founder of food and lifestyle blog, Goodley Living says 'always plan an extra 30 minutes to an hour buffer if you’re roasting a dish. It tastes better when it’s had time to sit anyway, and it will help to ease peace-of-mind should something be unexpectedly undercooked and you need a little longer.'

Practical Ways to Keep Things Calm and Organized

With a lot more people in the house comes a lot more noise, movement, and stuff. It's important to clear space, so your guests have enough room to stow away their belongings. And don't be afraid to get your guests involved with helpful tasks – the chances are they will be happy to oblige, and it will help you keep things ticking along calmly. Here's how to ensure you keep the chaos to a minimum and the day going smoothly.

15. Do a Dry Run

Even if you've planned out your Christmas table decor ideas to a tee, when it comes to the day, you will want to avoid any unexpected hiccups, so lay everything out in advance to check it all works together and looks as you expected.

'The first thing I do before hosting anything is to pull out every platter I plan to use and do a quick dry run,' says Whitney English, organization expert and author of Organize First, Decorate Second: How to Go From Clutter to Creativity. 'If it’s family-style, I set the dishes right on the table to make sure everything fits – serving pieces, glassware, flatware, all of it. If it’s buffet-style, I mock up the whole spread on the sideboard, down to the serving spoons and trivets. It saves me from the last-minute scramble.'

16. Make Space for Coats, Boots & Bags

Chances are your guests will arrive togged up for the chilly weather, which means bulky coats, chunky boots, hats, scarves, and the rest. It may sound obvious, but making sure you have somewhere to store them is essential to keep your entryway or cloakroom clear and organized. Your entryway may be perfectly organized all year long, but bring on a holiday, or a last-minute family gathering, and it can easily be thrown out of sorts.

Sandy Dostal says 'multiple coat trees are a hosting hack I swear by. Dedicate one to coats, and another to handbags. It keeps your home organized during the event and makes it easy for guests to retrieve their belongings when it’s time to head home.'

Making sure there's somewhere to store shoes, such as a large basket (like this water hyacinth basket from the Container Store), which can look stylish as well as being practical, is a good idea too, for keeping your carpets clean and your entrance uncluttered.

17. Stow Unnecessary Items Away

With more people in the house, there will inevitably be accidents and breakages, but you can avoid that happening by storing away your precious items and anything unnecessary before your guests arrive. One idea is to put them in the boxes that you took your Christmas decorations out of, so they can be wrapped in the same padding, and there's no chance of forgetting where you stored them as you'll do the swap again when the decs come down.

Barbara Brock, professional organizer, home stager, andowner of Barbara Brock Inc., says, 'have an empty tub handy to put unnecessary items, then remove items and put them all in a closet to be edited later.'

Conversely, Maggie Kelly, founder of Organizing CU suggests storing the pieces you need for the festive period in a hosting bin. 'I store all of the dishware, utensils, and other holiday items I only use for the week of Christmas in one easy location.' This also allows you to clearly see what you have and what you might need to stock up on when everything is all in one place.

18. Ask for a Helping Hand

Asking for help as the host can feel a little daunting, and some are quite stubbornly against it. However, saying 'yes' to a kind friend or relative who wants to help you, whether that's laying the table, making an appetizer, or even washing up, can make all the difference.

'Get your guests involved. Assign small, meaningful roles like pouring drinks, arranging a cheese board, or warming rolls,' says Chef Dennis Littley. 'This not only eases your burden but makes people feel part of the celebration.'

19. Plan Ahead for the Cleanup

Amid all the excitement of the day itself, the last thing you'll want to think about is the cleanup, but making your home feel like your own again after the holidays will be worth a little forward planning to make the process so much less arduous – your future self will thank you.

'Make a list of everyday essentials to stock up on – items that often get overlooked but are always needed, says Sandy Dostal, 'think garbage bags, hand soap, dish detergent, disinfecting wipes, paper towels, napkins, toilet paper, foil, a plunger, zip-top bags. Store them all in one central spot so any willing volunteers don't have to hunt down supplies.'

Want to know more about how the hosting pros get ahead? Read our Ultimate Christmas Prep Countdown to help you to stay calm and composed on the day.

I usually throw my poinsettias away once the holidays are over, but it turns out they don’t have to be a one-season plant. With the right care, poinsettias can live year-round – and even return in time for next Christmas.

Although these Christmas plants naturally fade as the season ends, that’s no reason to discard them. Poinsettias are tender perennials, and a healthy plant can thrive for months after the holidays with just a few simple adjustments.

It's a simple case of knowing how to care for a poinsettia post-December. From managing temperature and light to knowing when to prune, the basics are surprisingly straightforward. I spoke to plant-care experts to uncover their simple, seasonal tips for keeping a poinsettia alive, and looking good, long after Christmas. Here they share their top three must-dos to give your poinsettia longevity.

1. Give Your Poinsettia Time to Rest

After the holidays, it’s normal for all types of Christmas poinsettias to stop flowering. Their colorful bracts fade and leaves may drop, explains Nastya Vasylchyshyna, resident botany expert at Plantum.

‘This is the time when the plant goes dormant, preparing itself for future active growth and blooming next holiday season,’ she says. While this can look alarming, it’s a natural part of the poinsettia’s life cycle, and the moment when correct care matters most.

The first step is pruning, which helps the plant conserve energy and encourages fresh growth later on.

‘When the poinsettia begins to drop its bracts, make sure to cut back the bare shoots by about one-third or half their length, leaving about four to five inches at the base,’ Nastya advises. Because the sap can irritate skin, it’s best to wear gardening gloves while you work.

You won't need heavy duty pruners for this job; these snips from Amazon would be ideal.

Next, move your poinsettia to a slightly cooler spot for four to six weeks to support dormancy. ‘During dormancy, the optimal temperature range for this plant is between 55 and 60ºF,’ she says, adding that the location should still be well-lit.

Knowing how often to water a poinsettia is key at this time. Watering should be reduced during this period, as growth slows. ‘As the temperature goes down, the soil will take longer to dry,’ Nastya explains. ‘To prevent waterlogging, give the poinsettia a drink when the topsoil dries out by about two inches.’

2. Repot Your Plant in Late Spring

Poinsettias typically begin to show signs of fresh growth in late spring, once dormancy ends and daylight levels increase. This is the ideal moment to repot them, giving the roots more space and access to fresh nutrients after their winter rest.

Repotting at this stage can help stimulate healthy new growth, says Nastya. ‘Opt for a nutrient-rich, well-draining, and slightly acidic potting mix.’ This Miracle-Gro indoor plant potting soil from Amazon would work well.

Choose a container that’s only slightly larger than the previous one and make sure it has drainage holes, she adds, as poinsettias dislike sitting in wet soil.

When repotting, gently loosen the root ball and remove any compacted or depleted compost, taking care not to damage the roots.

Water lightly after planting, then return the poinsettia to a bright, warm spot where it can resume active growth. From here, regular watering and feeding through spring and summer will help the plant build strength for its next flowering cycle.

3. Adjust Your Care Routine During the Growing Season

Once the growing season begins, it’s time to adjust your care routine to encourage healthy growth and prepare for next year’s blooms.

Nastya recommends gradually increasing the temperature to 64–68°F and starting to water more frequently. The plant will signal when it’s thirsty: wilted or curling leaves are a clear cue, notes Paris Lalicata, plant expert at The Sill. ‘Be sure to evenly and thoroughly saturate the soil,’ she adds.

Lighting is equally important. Keep your poinsettia bright, but avoid direct, harsh sunlight. ‘Avoid strong, direct sunlight from a south-facing window unless the sunbeams are diffused by a sheer curtain,’ Paris advises. If natural light is limited, a grow light, such as this one from Amazon, can provide the extra brightness the plant needs to thrive.

Summer care also includes fertilizing periodically with a balanced, indoor plant fertilizer to support growth and strengthen the stems for winter flowering.

As new shoots appear in late spring, Paris recommends pinching back the tips. This encourages a compact, bushier shape, ensuring the plant looks full and lush.

Looking ahead to fall, remember that poinsettias need periods of complete darkness each night to trigger their colorful winter bracts. Placing the plant in a darkened room or covering it for 12–14 hours nightly for six to eight weeks will help it bloom beautifully in time for the holidays.

Shop Poinsettia Care Essentials

FAQs

Can You Move a Poinsettia Outdoors?

If you're wondering whether poinsettias can live outside in winter, they will struggle to survive outside where temperatures drop below 50°F. You can, however, move your poinsettia onto a patio during the warmer months, just be sure to bring it back indoors before temperatures drop.

There are other things you can do with a poinsettia after the holidays if you don't fancy keeping it as a houseplant. Our guide will give you some ideas, such as using them for craft activities.

By this time in December, you’ve likely already adorned the tree, picked out the perfect gifts, and are now turning your attention to the final preparations for the big day. As many of us begin to focus on setting the festive table, there’s something irresistibly charming about tableware that evokes the warmth of childhood Christmases.

Despite the abundance of modern options available, nostalgic designs – whether patterned plates or delicate glassware – bring a comforting sense of familiarity to the table. This season, shoppers are gravitating towards pieces that feel both timeless and playful, creating a dining experience that’s as visually captivating as it is inviting.

Christmas decorating is all about the details, and the table often serves as the centrepiece of festive gatherings. Layering vintage-inspired china with coordinating glassware and whimsical serving pieces instantly elevates the setting. These nostalgic designs provide a perfect way to blend traditional charm with contemporary flair.

What makes this trend especially meaningful is its ability to combine sentiment with style. Whether it's a set of plates adorned with holly and berries, tumblers featuring festive motifs, or serving bowls that feel as though they’ve been passed down through generations, each piece adds a unique personality and warmth to the table.

Long-forgotten plates, tumblers, and serving bowls that once quietly gathered dust in cupboards are now stepping into the festive spotlight. Tableware from Christmases past – once dismissed as old-fashioned or consigned to the history books – is enjoying a triumphant return. Nostalgic Christmas pieces are riding the wave of the nostalgia-core trend, which has been shaping interiors, fashion, and lifestyle choices across the UK. This season, shoppers are drawn to familiar patterns, playful motifs, and heirloom-inspired designs that evoke warmth, comfort, and joy.

Christmas decorating has never felt so fun – or so sentimental. If you’re hosting this year and want your table to feel classic, cosy, and infused with festive charm, these are the pieces to invest in. Layer vintage-inspired plates with modern glassware, tactile linens, and whimsical serving pieces to create a tablescape that is both stylish and inviting. Every setting tells a story, sparks conversation, and gives guests that heartwarming sense of holiday nostalgia.

Shop Nostalgic Christmas Tableware

For anyone hoping to make this festive season truly memorable, investing in nostalgic Christmas tableware is about more than just plates and tumblers. It’s a chance to curate a table that feels thoughtful, charming, and personal. By mixing and matching pieces with different patterns, textures, and colours, you can create a layered, lived-in look that feels effortless yet deliberate. Even a small selection of heirloom-inspired items can elevate your table setting, adding a touch of theatricality and festive delight for guests of all ages.

Step into Lauren Sullivan's home at any time of year, and it feels warm and welcoming – but over the holidays, that cozy, inviting sense is tenfold. Her transitional style effortlessly mixes her love of vintage with the more ‘modern European’ aesthetic she’s known for.

When we toured Lauren's Tennessee home back in the summer, we knew we would need to revisit this beautiful space for the holidays. Red ribbons add pops of color among the neutral scheme, luscious garlands adorn the mantels and staircases, and mini wreaths sit among family heirlooms. The home feels effortlessly festive, charming, and nostalgic, yet with a touch of elegance.

‘My approach to holiday decorating is rooted in nostalgia and simplicity,’ explains Lauren. ‘I like layering greenery, candlelight, and a single unifying detail to create a festive home that still feels calm and collected.’

Here, the founder of design studio Well x Design shares her five key holiday decorating tips for recreating her timeless scheme.

1. Choose One Signature Detail and Repeat It Throughout

'For me, it was red ribbon. Repeating a single detail throughout the house creates an immediate sense of cohesion. I carried the same rich red ribbon throughout – mixing satin and velvet for subtle variation – from the mantel and chandelier to the pass-through tree and even the greenhouse. It’s simple but impactful, and it keeps the decor feeling intentional rather than busy.'

2. Elevate the Everyday with Natural Greenery

'I love working with materials like foraged branches, dried citrus, or simple textiles—things that feel textural and grounded. Even something like a sculptural bowl of pinecones or chestnuts can nod to the season in a way that feels elegant and a bit unexpected. Fresh (or very natural-looking) greenery instantly softens architectural lines and adds dimension. I draped long cedar garlands across the mantel and staircase, and used smaller wreaths on dining chairs and shelves. The key is letting the greenery fall a bit naturally – not too stiff or perfect – so it brings movement and life into each room.'

3. Layer Lighting for Warmth and Atmosphere

'The foundation of our decor is warm, layered lighting: taper candles, tree lights, and soft interior fixtures working together. The Christmas tree in the entry sets the tone for the whole house – thousands of tiny lights create a glow you can see from almost every space. Candlelight on the dining table and mantel brings depth and gently draws the eye to smaller vignettes.'

4. Add Holiday Touches to Pieces You Already Love

'Instead of replacing a lot of decor, I prefer to accent what’s already there. A simple wreath on the range hood, ribbon tied to existing sconces, or a bit of greenery added to a favorite console or shelf. These small touches layer beautifully without overwhelming the space. They keep the holiday spirit present while still allowing the architecture and collected pieces to shine.'

5. Embrace Nostalgia in a Quiet, Intentional Way

'A timeless holiday look doesn’t rely on trends; it’s built on pieces that feel familiar and meaningful. Tree candles, classic greenery, red ribbons, and traditional silhouettes all nod to the past without feeling dated. I love creating moments that feel warm and nostalgic, but still edited and refined.'

Shop the Look

Lauren's tips are simple but effective, as all good Christmas decorating should be. Her approach is all about adding warmth, nostalgia, and effortless elegance to your holiday scheme, nothing too complicated, just a sprinkling of festivity that still works with the style of your home.

The secret to successful Christmas hosting is preparation, so choose dishes that need minimal last-minute work and schedule in some time a day or two before the party. This menu is ideal, and would easily serve eight.

Cook the ham in advance, so you only need to glaze it; if you have freezer space, make a clutch of baked alaskas the day before and keep frozen until needed; bake the Gorgonzola biscuits a few hours ahead, so they need only be topped with extra cheese and quince paste just before serving.

In fact, you’ll find that all of the recipes can be at least partly made in advance, so you’ll be free on the night to indulge in the sloe gin and pomegranate sparklers.

Gorgonzola Crackers with Quince Chutney and Chicory

A flavor-packed but light savory morsel is exactly what is needed as a Christmas day appetizer and these Gorgonzola Crackers with Quince Chutney and Chicory are the perfect bite-sized treats. You could serve them earlier as canapes or plate them up before the main meal.

Beet, Potato and Taleggio Gratin

This Beet, Potato and Taleggio Gratin is like three sides in one, incorporating your potato, seasonal beets and creamy indulgent cheese with crispy breadcrumbs on top. Serve up in generous scoops.

Spiced Red Cabbage with Warm Winter Spices, Juniper and Bay

A festive classic – everyone needs a go-to red cabbage recipe for Christmas, and this one with winter spices, red currant jelly, and red wine vinegar is a failsafe option, which can be prepped in advance.

Christmas Ham with Chilli and Marmalade Glaze

A Christmas ham is the centerpiece around which your Christmas meal is based and this marmalade and chilli glazed ham is a sticky, spicy showstopper. Plus it will make wonderful leftovers as cold cuts for Boxing Day.

Roast Carrot, Mushroom and Chestnut Puff Pies

Vegetarians can often be an afterthought but these Roast Carrot, Mushroom and Chestnut Puff Pies are so delicious that even the meat-eaters will want to try them – just be sure to make enough so there are plenty to go around.

Chocolate Cherry Bombe Alaskas

These decadent Chocolate Cherry Bombe Alaskas will bring real wow-factor to your Christmas Day menu, with a moist chocolate cake, cherry compote, and ice cream center, and soft, blow-torched meringue topping.

Sloe Gin Pomegranate Sparklers

For a festive twist on the classic bellini you can't beat these sloe gin cocktails. With Prosecco and pomegranate seeds they are such a gorgeous color and make a sparkling aperitif to kick off your Christmas day menu.

The placement of your Christmas tree is always a topic for debate, whether you opt for putting it by a window to twinkle out on the street, a cozy corner, or at the bottom of a sweeping staircase.

But as our Feng Shui pros reveal, there's one very specific place you should be placing your tree for wealth in 2026 – whether you're yet to buy, or will need to move yours. Here, they explain why this Feng Shui Christmas tree placement is so important.

Where to Put Your Christmas Tree for Wealth and Wellbeing in 2026

As Suzanne Butler from Harmonizing Energies Feng Shui explains, 'When people think Christmas tree placement, they’re usually worried about aesthetics, power points, or where the dog or cat can’t knock it over.'

But, in terms of Feng Shui, the tree isn't just about decorations. Instead, she highlights, 'It's an activation device for the festive season and the year ahead. Where you place that symbol of the season can either pour luck into your home, or quietly siphon it away.'

For that reason, the very best place to put your Christmas tree in 2025 is in the South and Southeast areas of your living room ideas, 'to pack a double punch going into 2026,' says Suzanne. But why, exactly?

Well, while this may seem unnecessary, or even a little extra, with a little know-how, it makes perfect sense. Most specifically, it's because in Feng Shui, the Southeast governs Wealth and Prosperity, which is why Feng Shui wealth corners exist.

'A Christmas tree is a powerful Wood element feature, and in this sector, Wood is the star of the show,' advises Suzanne. 'When you place your tree here, you’re essentially feeding the area that governs financial flow. Think of it as fertilising the “money corner” with sparkle, intention, and upward Wood energy.

'Bring more green and blue colours into this area to support the space, and keep the traditional red to a minimum,' when thinking up your Christmas tree ideas. 'It’s the ultimate sign of abundance with all the gifts you place below.'

It's not just wealth, either, as the South also relates to fame and reputation, meaning how visible you are in the world and the recognition you receive for your work, which you may know if you're clued up on Feng Shui energy mapping.

Max McKenzie, a double-qualified Feng Shui practitioner, member of the International Feng Shui Guild, and home healer at Yinteriors, adds, 'This area aligns with the Fire element, and Wood naturally feeds Fire. A tree placed here can help “fuel” that sense of being seen, appreciated, and rewarded – all of which can positively influence finances.'

As Suzanne says, 'Imagine being offered a new opportunity over the festive season, just because of where you placed your tree!' Here, she advises, you can also go mad with all the red decorations you may like, sticking to Feng Shui Christmas decorating rules, as it will support the area.

'Put simply: Placing your tree in the South or Southeast is like setting your home’s money engine to “turbo” while giving your reputation the equivalent of a red-carpet spotlight,' she continues.

Why You Should Avoid the North (No Matter How Cute It Looks There)

Feng Shui consultant Suzanne also has strong feelings about placing the tree in the North of your home. 'The North sector of a home is connected to the Water element, which governs career and life path,' she says. 'Water is powerful, but it’s picky about what you mix into it.

'Your Christmas tree is a strong Wood element. In the elemental cycle, Wood drains Water. Place your tree in the North, and you tip the balance into a conflict that can show up as:

• Money leaking instead of growing: 'This could look like the oven ceasing to work whilst you are cooking the duck fat potatoes' for your Christmas party recipes.
• Career setbacks or stagnation: 'A retrenchment on Christmas Eve is not ideal.'
• Feeling directionless or overwhelmed: 'A lack of desire to head back to the office on December 27.'

Essentially, warns Suzanne, 'It’s basically the Feng Shui equivalent of pouring soil into your swimming pool. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.'

And, more generally, adds Max, when it comes to keeping Feng Shui energy flowing in winter and creating good Feng Shui in your home, a large tree placed in the North of your living room can create a symbolic imbalance, potentially disrupting the smooth flow of career energy.

'In short, the North benefits from openness and movement,' she explains. 'Introducing a dense, heavy object like a Christmas tree can create a sense of obstruction in a place where flow is important.'

Why a Blocked Tree Makes for a Difficult Christmas

Even in the perfect gua, a poorly placed tree can change or sabotage the energy of your home, leaving you needing to fix your home's traffic flow, which becomes even more of an issue if your tree blocks walkways or doorways, and disrupts Qi.

This blocked Qi, Suzanne advises, can cause stress, irritability, stagnation, and unexpected delays or obstacles in life.

'Your tree should feel like an invitation, not an obstacle course,' she says. 'If you’re having to sidestep it like you’re dodging a startled reindeer, the Qi is definitely struggling, and no one wants to sit in the doorway to open their gifts.

'In essence, your tree will go where there is space, but there are plenty of things you can do to enhance your prosperity and luck for the season by way of decorating to support your home's natural energetic blueprint.'

It's also important to keep in mind, reassures Max, that a Christmas tree is only in place for a few weeks each year, so it's important not to worry if space limitations make it difficult, or impossible, to swerve the places you should always avoid putting a Christmas tree and position it perfectly.

'Enjoy your tree wherever it fits best, and simply restore balance once it comes down,' she says. 'If you want to intentionally boost good fortune for 2026, try a jade plant or three pieces of lucky bamboo in the Southeast to support prosperity, or red flowers in the South to strengthen confidence, recognition, and positive visibility.'

These, explains Max, are small touches that can help refresh the energy of your home long after the decorations are packed away come January.

Feng Shui Christmas Tree Essentials

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

For a little inspiration, Kourtney Kardashian's Christmas tree placement is approved by Feng Shui experts.

Preparing a home for Christmas can quickly feel overwhelming. Between decorating, tidying, and creating a cozy atmosphere, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of tasks – and risk missing the festive fun altogether.

That’s why having a solid checklist makes all the difference. From sprucing up key living spaces to adding those finishing touches to Christmas decorating ideas that make your home feel merry and bright, our thorough guide ensures nothing important is forgotten, no matter when you start your prep.

This isn’t just any checklist – it’s the only one you’ll actually need. Follow it, and you can transform your home efficiently, reduce stress, and fully enjoy the holiday season in style.

How to Prepare Your Home for Christmas

Declutter First

Before bringing your Christmas tree ideas to life, or embarking on a winter deep clean, you need to employ some of the best decluttering methods to create space and set a good foundation to add your decor. And, it's never too late! You can tackle them with our lunch break decluttering method and focus on the most important areas first.

When decluttering and organizing your home for Christmas, I also recommend using the ski slope organizing method. Using a laundry basket, such as the Joseph Joseph folding laundry basket from Wayfair, collect up items as you work back and forth across a room until you reach the door. The basket then makes it easier to carry items back to their homes, stopping you from getting distracted and also tackling a lot of surface clutter at once.

You don't have to gut your whole home, especially when we are already so busy. Instead, the experts suggest focusing your effort on key zones and categories to help prepare your home for Christmas without decluttering when you feel overwhelmed.

1. Entryways

Clutter doesn’t make for a particularly festive first impression. Organizing an entryway so there’s space for your belongings, as well as those of your guests, makes for a much warmer welcome, suggests Di Ter Avest, professional organizer and founder of Diisorganized.

She says, 'This is the first impression of your home, and it's about to get a lot of traffic with visitors coming and going. Put away shoes that are out of season, organize your coat rack, and create a spot for guests to drop their bags. It's a small area, but it makes a huge difference in how your home feels during the busy holiday season.'

If you’re dealing with a small entryway, you might also want to consider removing non-functional furniture for the festive season, particularly if you’re incorporating extra Christmas hallway decorations or temporary entryway storage ideas, such as baskets, hooks, and racks.

Brenda Scott, professional home organizer and founder of Tidy My Space, adds, 'Creating a "drop zone" where everything has a place eliminates the mess because you now know exactly where stuff goes properly and quickly. Make it work for you and the others in your home. Make it achievable for little ones, too. Putting lower hooks or open-top baskets from Target with their names on can give them a sense of accomplishment and relieve you of having to do everything.’

Leaving children out of age-appropriate chores is one thing people with tidy homes never do.

2. Children's Spaces

If you have children or grandchildren, the run up to Christmas is a great time to streamline any of your toy storage ideas and make playroom ideas ready to receive new toys. Plus, donating them ahead of time means other families in need can pick up great finds for their loved ones in time for the big day, promoting generosity and sharing. Not to mention that introducing children to chores is great for early-development and will serve them for the rest of their lives

Diane Quintana, certified professional organizer in chronic disorganization and owner of DNQ Solutions, says, ‘Ask them which toys they no longer want. Their response may surprise you. If they want to donate a toy, please let them, even if it's something you or their grandparents gave them. You may want them to keep it, but I'm hoping you allow them to let it go.'

According to cleaning and organization expert Michelle Hansen, owner of Practical Perfection, decluttering toys before Christmas also has the added benefit of providing present ideas. ‘You can filter wish lists a little to focus on items they don’t already have, and include practical items as well – a new coat to replace the one they’ve grown out of or a new set of coloring pens, for example’, she says.

Plus, as professional organizer Ter Avest points out, a streamlined playroom makes it easier to keep things tidy when guests stop by during the holidays, likely laden with gifts. A good toy organizer unit from Amazon helps while encouraging tidy play.

It’s a great opportunity to explain the concept of donating toys to children in need, and allowing them to feel good about their part in the process. When donating, consider the condition and where will make the best use of it:

• Gently used condition: Avoid donating broken or heavily worn items.
• Complete sets: Make sure all puzzle pieces, game cards, or building blocks are there.
• Easy to clean: Wash plush toys and ensure everything is in good, clean condition before donating

• Local charities and shelters: Many community organizations welcome toy donations year-round.
• Hospitals and pediatric clinics: Check if they accept toys for play areas or young patients.
• Community toy drives: Schools, churches, and local organizations often run holiday toy drives.
• Online gifting groups: Platforms like Buy Nothing or Facebook Marketplace allow you to donate toys directly to families in your local community. Joining your local town's free item groups will also help you shift toys quickly.

3. Household Linens

Laura Price, founder of The Home Organization, says, ‘Organizing your linen closet is a sensible idea pre-Christmas – it’s so much easier to grab and change sheets between guests if you're not rummaging through a huge mountain of tatty or mismatched items!

'Get rid of any towels or sheets that are past their peak, then bundle bedding sheets together with matching pillowcases folded into sheets and duvet covers,' to keep everything accessible and easy to find.

These labeled linen organizing boxes from Amazon can make finding what you need easier, while making your shelves look prettier, too.

4. Living Spaces

With Christmas comes guests, and they will spend the majority of their time in the living room. Then there are all the gifts: at first neatly under the tree, then afterwards in piles around the room until everything gets put away, which can, realistically, take a couple of days.

So, usually, the week before Christmas, I use a small living room decluttering checklist to declutter my living room of anything I don't need or won't use over the holiday period. For example, coffee table books can be put away to make room for a tray of snacks or board games, and non-festive decor can make way for cocktail glasses or seasonal touches.

There are items to get rid of in your living room, so while decluttering and tidying, I make sure to set these aside for donation or the trash. Therefore, it can be helpful to have a sturdy trash bag handy, such as the Hefty Strong Large Trash Bags available at Amazon.

In other words, I try to set the space up as cozy, welcoming, and pretty, but with room to breathe.

5. Gifting Categories you Have Put on Wishlists

If you have made a holiday wishlist or have a good idea of what you might be expecting as gifts over the holiday season, then you should also get a start on these categories to make room for an influx of new items. This might mean decluttering a closet or a dresser drawer, for instance, if you think some new clothes might be on the horizon.

‘When you open a cupboard or closet and feel overwhelmed by the amount of belongings in front of you, it’s time for a good edit, especially if new things are incoming,’ begins Ashley Murphy, co-founder and CEO of NEAT Method. ‘Even an organized space can look visually cluttered if you have more belongings than fit comfortably in the space. Remove and donate those items that haven’t been used in the last year for seasonal items or the last six months for everything else.’

When decluttering these categories, it might be a good idea to put anything you are clearing out in a box or bag to one side in storage, just in case you don’t get the replacements you were looking for. Leave the donating until after the holidays.

6. Crockery and Dinnerware

Go through the plates and make sure all the sets are together, matching styles and sizes. Even making sure a set is grouped can change the aesthetic of your cupboard and help you distinguish what you do not need.

It also pays to get rid of what you no longer use or love. 'Minimizing what you have will give you control,' says Dilly Carter, professional organizer and founder of Declutter Dollies. 'Less stuff means less cleaning and less tidying.'

If you rarely host over the holiday season, then investing in an exquisite cutlery set may not be on the cards. Many of us buy items we use for one day that then take up space we don’t have. Only buy what you have room to comfortably store. To stop clutter before it starts, we recommend borrowing or renting a silverware set from friends, family, or from partyware and events rental boutiques.

Prepare the Kitchen

You're likely using your kitchen for festive baking and cooking, and streamlining this process can start with decluttering certain supplies to make space for the essentials.

1. Clear Kitchen countertops

If you’re organizing a kitchen in readiness for entertaining, you’ll need as much surface space as you can get. You’ll want it looking neat as guests will end up in the kitchen to socialize in the heart of your home. The less there is to tidy away, the better.

Kate Ibbotson, APDO member and founder of A Tidy Mind, says, ‘It sounds counterproductive, but if you want to clear space on your counters, start by organizing kitchen cabinets that are hard to reach. Items you find in there are often bulky and less-used, so getting rid of or moving them outside of the cooking zone will then free up temporary space for those countertop items you use more regularly.'

Then, declutter your countertops by taking everything off, and sorting through item by item. You can also add kitchen space on demand with the chic Yamazaki Pull-Out Counter Tray from Amazon.

2. Clear out the pantry 

Start your meal planning by clearing pantry ideas and taking inventory of what you already have.

Tina Priestly, owner and CEO at Ready, Set, REFRESH, says, 'Good pantry organization ideas create space for holiday treats and make it easier to locate what you need when cooking.'

• Declutter and take inventory: Declutter and remove outdated, unused ingredients to make space to stock up on holiday baking and festive meal essentials. Donate unopened, non-perishables to those in need
• Create seasonal zones: Arrange items into categories such as baking ingredients, canned goods, snacks, beverages, and festive treats. This will make them easier to locate.
• Incorporate storage solutions: 'Opt for airtight containers such as the OXO airtight containers from Target, to preserve the freshness of baking supplies, nuts, and other perishables,' advises Muffetta Kruger, founder of Muffetta’s Domestic Assistants. 'Prioritize accessibility by storing frequently used items at eye level and within reach and in manoeuvrable storage options, ensuring easy access while preparing those delightful Christmas recipes.'
• Use the FIFO Method: To prevent items from getting lost in the back of your pantry or letting them expire, implement a rotation system. Place older products in front and new purchases in the back.

3. Manage Cold Food Storage

Just as with the pantry and kitchen cabinets, it's important to clean and declutter the refrigerator and organize the freezer to make way for the extra food, meal prep, and Christmas leftovers storage.

I take the chance to clean the refrigerator, too, using the number one bestselling Lysol Pro Kitchen Spray Cleaner and Degreaser available at Amazon, and a microfiber cloth, such as the MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, available at Walmart.

To make this easier:

• Take everything out: Professional organizer Kristin MacRae says, 'Starting with a clean slate will give you a clear vision of how to organize your refrigerator. Treat it just as you would any organizational project in the home. Empty the entire space, declutter, categorize, organize, and contain!' Throw out anything that has expired.
• Remove excess packaging: You have a lot to store in the refrigerator when entertaining family and friends, and sometimes the store packaging takes up unnecessary space. Consider if there's anything in the fridge that could be taken out of its cardboard box to create extra space. To avoid last-minute panic, cut out any nutritional info (e.g., does it contain nuts, dairy, or gluten?) and the use-by date and tape it to the container or packaging.
• Know what can be left out: Know what not to store in the refrigerator, and you'll instantly free up space for the turkey or nut roast. Many root vegetables, for example, are happy in a cool dark cabinet to make more space in the fridge for meat.
• Avoid buying too much: During the holidays, try to make meal plans each week so you are only purchasing what you need. It will prevent excess items from being stored in the refrigerator. 

4. Clean Essential Appliances

The appliances that work overtime throughout the festive period could do with a little love before the chaos of hosting over Christmas sets in.

That's why Lydia Hayman, our in-house kitchen editor and appliance expert, shares her cleaning tips for sprucing them up and getting them ready for action:

• The oven: The all-important Christmas dinner simply wouldn't work without an oven. After all, you can't exactly fit a turkey into even the best air fryer. To deep clean your oven, start by cleaning the oven racks by soaking them in hot soapy water. We recommend using Dawn Ultra Liquid Dish Soap, available at Walmart to do so. Lydia says, 'While they soak, scrub the oven walls with a paste made of baking soda and water, or oven cleaner.' The Great Value Heavy Duty Oven Cleaner available at Walmart will do nicely if you're happier with a commercial cleaner. 'Let it sit for a while to loosen grime, then wipe everything down with a damp cloth to finish. It is always best to clean an oven before Christmas, and tackle cleaning the glass oven door for a clear view of your Christmas party recipes, holiday feast, or Christmas cookies, to prevent overcooking or burning.'
• The microwave: Over time, microwaves get splattered with sauces, grease, and crumbs. A dirty microwave not only looks unappetizing but can also affect the flavor of reheated food. To clean it, fill a microwave-safe bowl with water, and add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Heat the bowl for three minutes or more to loosen grime with steam, and finish by wiping down the interior with a soft cloth sprayed with Method All-Purpose Cleaner available at Amazon to remove residue and leave a streak-free finish.
• The range hood: Forgetting to clean your range hood isn't just unsanitary – it's unsightly too. If you can remove the filter, do so and soak it in hot, soapy water. While that's soaking, use a degreaser (such as the Method Lemongrass Cleaning Products Kitchen Degreaser Spray Bottle available at Amazon) to scrub the hood and fan, especially those awkward corners. Then, rinse everything and dry thoroughly before reassembling the filter.
• The coffee machine: It's important to clean your coffee maker ahead of time to prep for extra cups for guests, says Lydia. To clean a Nespresso machine, clean a Ninja coffee maker, or indeed, any other kind of caffeine appliance, run a brew cycle with equal parts water and white vinegar to descale the machine. Then, rinse it through thoroughly with two cycles of plain water.
• The dishwasher: 'A dishwasher that goes wrong can be the most frustrating thing to happen at Christmas, when you’re stacked with washing up,' Lydia warns. The Affresh dishwasher cleaning tablets from Walmart are the quickest option for this. Simply empty the filter, throw one tablet in the base, and run a cycle.

5. Check Your Tools

Evaluate tools and utensils for signs it's time to replace your pans and other baking equipment, removing any items that are broken or worn out it can affect the quality of your cooking.

Check whether the baking utensils are warped or the bottom part of the pan starts to peel off, they will lead to uneven baking with or warring results affecting the flavor and appearance of the food. It is recommended to replace them with new quality pans for better baking results.

Decorate Without Adding Clutter

As beautiful as festive decorations are, they can start to feel like clutter. Whether that's on surfaces and countertops covered with twinkling displays, or storage boxes pulled out of storage, it can be difficult to manage the Christmas chaos.

So, to decorate for Christmas without getting overwhelmed, it is worth taking some steps after decluttering your home of everyday mess, to make your home look curated, and avoid it all becoming a heap of festive mess.

• Replace home decor, don’t add to it: APDO's president and founder of Sorted! Siân Pelleschi says, 'Consider this a swap rather than an embellishment on what you already have. When you're decorating for Christmas, I always suggest taking down those items that you have out year-round.'
• Work with less: Siân says, 'Go for less to start with and then add as you see fit – remember that it is okay not to use every single bauble if your tree isn’t big enough.' It makes it a great time to declutter your decor, too. Remove any items you don't gravitate towards, or that are looking worse for wear. For those you love but don't have space for this year, don't fret. 'Maybe you have different themes or styles you want to try each year,' Siân adds. 'It’s a great opportunity to try new styles.'
• Keep decor away from functional areas: Avoid putting decor anywhere that is going to be in your way. If you use the stair banister to walk up and down the steps, avoid hanging decor here. If you have a small space, get a tree that fits the scale of that space so that you're not squeezing around it. Keep things like kitchen Christmas decor to a minimum, too.
• Stay true to one style: Visual clutter is just as bad as physical clutter – especially at Christmas, when we layer lots of decor and lights in one space. We suggest picking a color palette and sticking with it. This ties everything together and creates a cohesive look that feels intentional, rather than chaotic.

Prepare the Guest Spaces

How you prepare the space may depend on how many guests are staying and how long they are staying, but the basics to are always the same – from common cleaning tricks to ensuring guests have suitable storage and privacy.

• Clean: Work through a pre-guest cleaning checklist to prepare bedroms for guests. Target areas such as beneath the beds, baseboards, and door frames, high touch points such as light switches and door handles, and the mattress if it not been used in a while.
• Make space in storage: It is important to clear away some space in guest bedroom storage to allow guests to hang or fold clothes away during their stay – even if it is just for one night.
• Wash guest bedding: Guest linens that have been folded at the bottom of a cabinet or sat out on a bed unused can begin to smell musty over time, meaning doing laundry should be a priority on your to-do list, says Maria Mooney, cleaning expert at Truly Free. This also helps to eliminate dust mites that might set off guest allergies, she explains.
• Add some festive touches: For a truly nostalgic touch, add in a Christmas stocking at the end of the bed filled with goodies to welcome your guests in – a Christmas card, some self-care items such as relaxing face masks, sweet treats, and a pair of fluffy socks or slippers to use around the house make for the perfect Christmas welcome.
• Ensure guests have spare essentials: When staying in someone else's home, it is easy to feel awkward asking for some extra essentials, such as toothpaste, so ensure they are laid out ready for the guest to use as they need them. It can be handy to also include a piece of paper with all the important info about the house,e such as the WiFi password and details about where to find other essentials around the home, such as the coffee maker, as well as instructions on how to use it.
• Ensure guests stay warm: When styling an inviting guest bedroom, opt for high-quality bedding that will keep your guests warm and cozy. Cotton flannel bedding [available in complete sets at Brooklinen] is a good option for this. Add in extra blankets for guests to adjust their comfort level as needed, and consider including a heater and fan, as one of the main things making a guest bedroom less comfortable is a lack of options when it comes to temperature. The Dyson Hot+Cool Jet Focus Heater and Fan from Amazon offers the best of both in one sleek device.

Securing Your Home

It’s no secret that homes are attractive to burglars, especially during the holidays with the promise of gifts beneath a tree, so what can you do to protect your property when you’re not there?

• Create the illusion of an occupied home: Most will avoid entering homes that have what K. Campbell, Principal at Blue Glacier Security & Intelligence, calls ‘occupancy cues’. These include ‘cars in the driveway, lights turned on in the house, a loud television or music, and the absence of mail and packages piling up.’ 
• Don't let mail pile up: A mailbox stuffed with uncollected mail is the Achilles heel of many homes during the holidays, as Kirk MacDowell, Home Security Expert at Batten Safe, points out: ‘It is common for burglars to look in mailboxes. If they look in your mailbox and can see a few days of mail or see packages on your doorstep, it is a tell-tale sign that someone is out of town and away from their home.’ So, if you are going away, have a neighbor or friend pick up your mail and packages (which could also be stolen if they’re left out on your porch for several days).
• Secure all doors: Lock up properly before a vacation. Double-check all locks, not just doors. An unlocked door is pretty useless at protecting your home from a burglar, and that includes a door that has old locks that are easy to pick or pry open with a credit card. As an experiment, try it yourself: if your lock is easy to tamper with, replace it.
• Hide valuables: While you can’t change your whole home decorating scheme, drawing the curtains and blinds if you have valuable furniture, artwork, or accessories on display is always a good idea. Move wrapped gifts out of view of the window, too.
• Keep your social media accounts private: ‘Do not post about going on vacation or post photographs of being on vacation until you return. Criminals monitor social media to find homes where people are on vacation. Avoid bragging about expensive gifts, too.
• Be discerning when choosing a home security system: Many modern security cameras (there’s a wide selection on Amazon) with remote access features come with speakers and even video streaming that will allow you to talk to whoever is outside your door, even if you’re not there. Wireless doorbells such as the eufy subscription-free doorbell at Amazon can also give you some protection, although it will be limited to the area around your front door. 

Create a Cleaning Strategy

Leaving cleaning until quite late in the season might sound stressful, but it ensures your home is spotless when guests arrive, and saves you time repeating bigger cleaning tasks.

You will have already tackled guest spaces and kitchens by now, so this is for all the other rooms that may be feeling a bit neglected through the holiday rush. Deep cleaning before Christmas ensures a tidy home to rest in over the festive period, and will make the festive clear-up easier afterwards.

• Clean windows inside and out: Cleaning windows is usually a task people leave for spring and summer, but wiping them down in winter (especially if there has been snow or rain) will help to increase natural light in the darkest months of the year.
• Use a lint roller on furniture and lampshades: Dusting lampshades might seem a little excessive, but for a time of year when the sun sets early and we spend most of our waking hours in the dark, it makes a lot of sense. Dusting lampshades is not always easily done with a grippy microfiber cloth, however, so I use a reusable lint roller such as the Reusable Sticky Picker Set Cleaner Lint Roller available to Amazon to run over the lampshades in my house and clear them of dust and settled hair.
• Clean out fireplaces and log stoves: If you are lucky enough to have a working fireplace or log stove in your home, then you will likely have had the chimney swept when preparing your home for fall. Before Christmas, however, it is a good idea to do a quick check of the hearth and clear out any collected soot or ash.
• Launder table linens and polish silverware: Christmas dining room decor looks fantastic when done well, but is often improved by having fresh table linens, napkins, and polished silverware.
• Vacuum carpets: For a quick carpet odor fix, Forrest Webber, cleaning expert and founder of Bear Brothers Cleaning and The Trade Table, recommends cleaning a carpet with baking soda. He advises sprinkling some baking soda on the carpets and giving them a quick vacuum after 15 to 30 minutes, using your best vacuum. 'It's a simple way to keep the space fresh, even with all the extra foot traffic,' he continues. You can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the baking soda and let it infuse for an easy fragrance boost.
• Clean up tree needles daily: If you have a real Christmas tree, vacuum around it every day to stay on top of falling needles. Use a tree skirt to help catch any dripping sap or water spills. Should sap get onto your flooring, rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer works well for efficient removal. For sap stuck on fabric, use an ice cube to freeze the sap and harden it, then gently scrape it off with a butter knife.

Last Minute Hosting Prep

If you are finding your home increasingly overstimulating in the run-up to Christmas day, but don’t have much time to spare between final preparations and seeing family and friends, professional home organizers have your back.

These four tricks can help to establish order over any parts of your home that have slipped during the run-up to guest arrivals.

1. Use The Two-Tub Trick

Barbara Brock, professional home organizer and home stager, begins, ‘If time is of the essence, and it’s necessary to declutter quickly, you don’t have time to edit. It’s important to remove items quickly to limit visual clutter and make a home look organized fast, even if it isn’t.

‘I suggest having an empty tub handy to put unnecessary items in. You can then quickly remove items and put them in a closet to be edited later. The first major pre-Christmas decluttering rule is to prioritize what rooms people will be going into – these are the rooms you want to focus on first,’ Barbara suggests.

Alternatively, grab clear and dark bags. In the clear trash bag put items that you want to keep but don't have time to sort and put away. In dark trash bags, put items that can be thrown away.’

2. Clear Flat Surfaces

When you only have a few minutes minutes to spare, we highly recommend focusing on your home’s flat surfaces as part of your Christmas hosting prep countdown – counters, coffee tables, consoles – anything you could put a drink down on should be clear.

Jamila Musayeva, etiquette expert, agrees, ‘Have as much as possible open space in the kitchen counters so that you can fill it up with used dishes later on easily and proceed to entertain your guests without having to make space. Empty a couple of shelves or an area of the cupboard to store incoming food items or serving platters. Clear countertops of non-essentials to give yourself plenty of workspace.

‘The entryway is your business card so to speak. It is your first impression. Make it count and work on it in advance,’ Jamila adds. ‘Get rid of all unnecessary items. Spend 10 minutes clearing it out – store out-of-season items, neatly arrange what’s necessary, and create a space for guests’ belongings. A tidy entry sets a welcoming tone.’

You might even want to take away some of your decor to help cut clutter when decorating this Christmas. This holiday period is usually one of excess, but it is possible to have too much of a good thing when your home looks like Santa threw up on it. Besides, it makes cleaning around holiday decor ten times easier.

3. Clear Bathroom Clutter

It is a good idea to use the guest scanning method to prepare for guests. This means walking around your home as if you were a visitor and seeing what you spot – especially in spots like the bathroom.

Jo Hayes, founder and international etiquette coach at EtiquetteExpert suggests, ‘Get[ting] rid of excess bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in the shower or bath. These can make the bathroom look cluttered and messy, and attract mold. Do a stocktake of bathroom cabinets, clear out anything unused or unnecessary and make sure toilet paper is well stocked and stored within easy reach.’

It never hurts to clean your bathroom in 30 minutes or less if you can fit it into your schedule, either.

4. Bag Up Gifts

A tree with presents piled up beneath it can look great in the movies, but in real life when we have to share this space with this mountain of boxes, it can quickly get overwhelming.

To keep the area around your Christmas tree neat (and make it easier to keep your home clean with a real Christmas tree), we recommend strategically using gift bags, available in sets from Amazon, to split presents up into recipients. Your gifts all stay together under the tree, but on a smaller footprint, helping to make your living space less visually overstimulating.

5. Make a Schedule

It’s easy to get distracted by present-opening and socializing, so putting together a schedule is sensible if you want to ensure Christmas dinner actually makes it to the table! Be sure to allow yourself some time out of the kitchen to enjoy the day with your family, that’s what it’s all about, after all.

What to Shop

Then, when the festivities are over, start with the tiny ways to reset your home after Christmas to return to normality without burning yourself out.

For design enthusiasts, Shea McGee is like our Mrs. Claus. She has a way of making even the simplest festive detail feel impossibly chic and oh-so easy to copy –⁠ and this year, it’s her velvet-trimmed asymmetrical Christmas mantel that’s quickly stolen the show.

After plenty of begging in the comments on her holiday home posts, the designer has finally given us the tutorial we've been waiting on: how to make a bow for our Christmas mantels (and trees and wreaths) the Shea way.

In Studio McGee's latest Instagram video, a blink-and-you'll-miss-it tutorial, she shows us how to perfect her loopy bows for an elaborate yet effortless Christmas vignette. So, if you’re looking to recreate her chic look at home, this little ribbon detail might be your new favorite styling trick.

A few weeks ago, in this Christmas decor video, Shea showed how she brought the entire Christmas mantel to life.

‘I wanted this really huge statement off to one side of my mantel,' Shea explains in the video. Layering up five (yes, five!) garlands to build up her display, she then pulled lengths down to one side to create an asymmetrical design that helps to balance the proportions of her impressive stone fireplace.

To the right of the mantel, she hangs five of McGee & Co.'s McCallister Stockings using Command hooks from Amazon, and finishes the look with a big ivory bow.

While Shea doesn't totally break down the ribbon-tying step-by-step in the video, it's actually pretty easy to follow along. She uses a wide, 4-inch ivory velvet ribbon –⁠ this 4" Ivory Velvet and Satin Wired Ribbon from Etsy is a near match, while Wayfair's Raw Edge Velvet Ribbon gives a slightly more rustic look –⁠ which has enough body to hold its shape while still draping beautifully.

Rather than tying a traditional single bow, Shea appears to make two large, loose bows separately, each with generous loops and long trailing tails. 'Just decide how many loops you want, shape them with your fingers, and it comes together effortlessly,' she advises in the caption.

Then, she stacks them together and secures them with an extra piece of ribbon, creating one ultra-full bow with twice the movement and texture that gets tucked up under her foliage (presumably with another Command hook!).

Against the depth of the greenery, which looks like the McGee & Co.'s Pinecone and Berries Faux Garland and the Norfolk Pine Faux Garland layered together, and her roaring fire, the ivory bow is the perfect finishing touch to add some romance and drama.

The beauty of this method is how adaptable it is. Because the bows are tied individually, you can play with the size of the loops, the length of the tails, and even the direction the ribbon falls –⁠ perfect whether you're dressing a mantel, a wreath, or tying long velvet strands to trail of the branches of your Christmas tree.

Shop the Look

So if you’re looking to add a touch of softness or a hint of romance to your holiday decor this year, consider the bow trend. You can find an edit of 24 pretty bow pieces to shop here, and if you're after more Shea-approved ideas, check out Shea's outdoor Christmas bows for extra drama.

Leftovers, some will argue, are the best bit of the Christmas day menu, and this Christmas ham recipe will deliver on the day and beyond – a majestic, clove-studded baked ham with its chilli and marmalade glaze that is actually a cinch to put together. Cook it in the stock a couple of days ahead of time, ready to glaze on the day.

Christmas Ham with Chilli and Marmalade Glaze

Ingredients (serves 8-10 with leftovers)

• For the ham:
• 4 kg gammon joint (about 8.8 lb) uncooked ham on the bone
• 2 tbsp soft dark brown sugar
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 tbsp whole black peppercorns
• 2 bay leaves
• Water to cover (about 2.5 liters/10 ½ cups
• For the glaze:
• 2 tbsp thin-cut marmalade
• 2 tbsp ginger preserves
• 1 red chilli, deseeded & finely sliced
• 1 tbsp soft dark brown sugar
• Large pinch (about ¼ tsp) ground allspice
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp cider vinegar
• 2 tsp cornstarch or all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp whole cloves

Method

• Put the ham in a large casserole or saucepan, big enough to hold it comfortably. Add enough water to just cover – approximately 10½ cups – along with the brown sugar, 4 cloves, peppercorns and bay leaves. Bring to the boil slowly, skimming off and discarding any scum with a large spoon. Simmer very gently for 1 hour 50 minutes. Leave to sit in the hot cooking liquid for 20 minutes. Drain then cool slightly.
• Carefully remove the skin with a knife, leaving a good layer of the ham fat behind. Score the fat in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife (our Cookery Editor reviewed the HexClad Knives and highly recommends them), being careful not to cut into the ham itself. At this point, the ham can be cooled completely, then wrapped and chilled for up to 2 days before leaving at room temperature for 30 minutes and continuing with the recipe.
• The glaze – excluding the cloves – can also be made up to 5 days ahead of time and kept in the fridge until needed. Preheat the oven to gas 6, (or 375°F convection). Combine all the glaze ingredients in a small bowl and spread thickly over the scored fat. Press the pointed end of a clove firmly into the criss-cross join between each scored diamond, repeating until the top of the joint is completely studded.
• Sit the joint on a rack, nestled in one of the best roasting tins lined with aluminum foil (to make the tin easier to clean afterwards). Add about ¾ cup of water to the roasting tin and bake the ham for 30 minutes, until the glaze is well-caramelized.
• Rest for 10 minutes before carving into thin slices.

If you love the idea of a marmalade glaze, but would prefer to serve turkey for Christmas Day, try this wonderful recipe for a mulled marmalade-glazed turkey, which is equally showstopping.

As we hurtle into mid-December, many of us are now all consumed by Christmas preparations. This either brings you much, much joy or a surge of dread. If you find yourself in the former category, then you will know that wrapping gifts is almost as much of a joy as giving or receiving them. There is something almost meditative about the process; with Christmas music on and a glass of mulled wine in hand, it can take even the biggest scrooge to a cosy state of festive cheer.

When it comes to picking wrapping paper, many of us are only too aware how the plastic-heavy, glue and glitter-covered, non-recyclable wrapping paper of days gone by is pretty horrendous for the environment. That said, for some of us, the idea of wrapping our presents in reusable cloths or fabric, whilst extremely wholesome and very laudable, is just not realistic. I think it's better to have one or two beautifully chosen, beautifully packaged, and beautifully wrapped presents than a glut of gifts chosen with haste over heart. So, which paper to choose?

For Christmas decorating, many of us don't think about the Christmas gift wrap until the very last minute, and oftentimes, the best has sold out, and only the dregs remain. So, I have been scouting out the most beautiful designs that have caught my eye this year to help with your Christmas preparation, and have compiled them here in this edit. You can thank me later.

Set some time aside to wrap your presents, switch on the radio, and pour yourself something utterly delicious. My top tip? Wrap your gifts on top of an ironing board. This will save your back from aching and your feet from tingling, and you can lay out all your bits, tape, pens, paper, and ribbon.

The Best Christmas Wrapping Paper

Usually, at my house, all of the tags come off the presents almost as soon as they are placed under the tree, either the cat swipes them off with glee, or as more presents pile up, they simply drop off. If this rings true for your family too, then use a gift tag label, like these simple kraft paper stickers.

Remember, Christmas is a time for family, love, celebration and merriment, so as beautiful as your wrapping may (or may not) be, it's the thought that counts, and if that means wrapping your gift in a bin liner at midnight on Christmas Eve, so be it.

Whether it’s a simple strand of lights or a full-on floral display that turns heads, outdoor Christmas decor has a way of setting the scene long before guests even step inside. It’s the first impression – a cheerful nod to festivities and a chance to share a bit of holiday spirit with everyone who passes by.

The beauty is, you don’t need an elaborate setup to make your exterior feel magical. A well-placed wreath, twinkling string lights, or a touch of greenery around the door can transform a facade instantly. Of course, if you love to lean into the more expressive side of decorating, there are plenty of creative ways to decorate your home for the holidays.

To help you strike that perfect balance between jolly and stylish, we’ve gathered 10 expert-approved outdoor Christmas decor ideas. Whether your style leans classic and understated or colorful and full of personality, these tips will inspire you to create a welcoming, joy-filled entrance this holiday season.

10 Outdoor Christmas Decor Ideas for 2025

From classic Christmas style to more unique and modern displays, our outdoor Christmas decor ideas have something for everyone – no matter the style of your outdoor (or indoor) space.

1. Start with a Stylish Door Wreath

A beautifully styled Christmas front door sets the tone for your entire display, and a Christmas wreath is the easiest way to make an immediate impact. Whether you prefer something full and traditional or a more minimal design, a thoughtfully chosen (or handcrafted) wreath creates a warm, festive welcome long before guests cross the threshold.

'I love making a wreath, it’s so much more meaningful than buying a ready-made one,' says designer Kailee Blalock from House of Hive Design Co. 'When you craft it yourself, you can weave in the same ornaments, textures, and ribbon that you’re using on your Christmas tree, which creates a cohesive moment from the porch to the living room.'

You can forage your own foliage to create a wreath from what's growing in your own backyard. This not only means it's an almost free way to make your Christmas decor, it also creates a lovely, cohesive link between the colors and textures of your backyard and the wreath on your door.

If you don't fancy getting crafty and making your own design, then there are plenty of shoppable options to consider – from classic round shapes like the Orange Spice Live Wreath from Williams Sonoma to Terrain's Faux Mixed Evergreen Star that can be layered up with berries and ribbons.

2. Deck Your Doorway with Garlands

If you want to extend your festive foliage decorations beyond your front door, then Christmas garland ideas are perfect for creating a cohesive outdoor display. Draped over an entryway, wrapped around porch columns, or stretched across a portico, they instantly frame your home with texture and warmth.

Designer Kathy Kuo loves the architectural impact garlands bring. 'I adore timeless outdoor Christmas decor that frames a home’s exterior, highlighting its shape and architectural details,' she says. 'Think wreaths hung on the windows and front door with garland and twinkle lights wrapped around their edges; front steps lined with glowing lanterns and tiers of planters, each one overflowing with holiday greenery. It’s this kind of classic approach that makes a home feel incredibly festive, inviting, and a touch nostalgic without being over the top.'

Fresh foliage garlands offer a wonderfully organic feel, especially when filled with pinecones, berries, or fragrant touches like dried oranges and cinnamon sticks. Faux designs, meanwhile, have come a long way and are ideal for those who want a durable, low-maintenance option that still looks lush. You can also pick up pre-decorated versions, like Orange & Eucalyptus Faux Garland from McGee & Co. that looks deceptively real.

3. 'Outdoor-Scape' with an Al Fresco Tree

Christmas trees aren't just for indoors. Whether real, faux, or cleverly crafted from branches and foliage, an outdoor Christmas tree adds instant height and festive drama to a porch, pathway, or front garden.

Gisela Graham loves to decorate beyond the front door. 'We all know at least one person who decorates their front garden every Christmas, but this festive season, ‘outdoor-scaping’ has hit the big time and become a proper trend.'

'I’m a big fan of adding a touch of magic to your front door and porch area – after all, it’s the first thing visitors will see and is the perfect place to extend a visual welcome,' Gisela continues. 'So, if you’re fortunate enough to have the space, grab an extra tree this year and get creative with plenty of outdoor decorations, or make your own from faux or real foliage and lots of red berries. If the area is not under cover, though, be sure everything you use is weatherproof and tightly secured.'

A pair of potted faux fir trees like Pottery Barn's Winchester Fir Walkway Trees - Set of 2, flanking the doorway, will instantly elevate your entrance. For something more fun, decorate with weather-resistant ornaments or clusters of berries or foliage to echo your indoor scheme. Complete the scene with lanterns or battery-operated candles along the steps to add a soft, welcoming glow.

4. Get Creative with Twinkling Lights

Nothing transforms a home quite like outdoor Christmas lights. Whether you’re working with a sprawling front garden or a city stoop, twinkling lights have an unmatched ability to bring instant atmosphere, warmth, and a hint of magic to your exterior decor. They can be subtle or show-stopping, traditional or contemporary.

For those decorating smaller spaces, Gisela Graham champions a creative, concentrated approach. 'If space is tight, you can still create a winter wonderland - but all on your front door! Wreaths, garlands, foliage, and battery lights are simple to pop up using gardening wire to attach them to door knockers and knobs or hang them from removable sticky hooks. You can be as OTT or minimalist as you like, just give your imagination a free hand and have plenty of festive fun,' she suggests.

If you prefer a more classic, cohesive scheme, designer Laura Williams of Living Oak Interior Design suggests sticking with white lights for a timeless look. 'I love a classic white light display along the trim of a house and throughout the trees and shrubbery. Continuing the white motif with understated, white light decor is my favorite. I also love to add beautiful wreaths with neutral or holiday colored bows on windows and the front door.' These warm white Battery-Operated Starry Lights from Amazon have over 500 positive reviews.

5. Add a Festive Bow (on Everything!)

Sometimes the simplest details have the biggest impact, and this year, the Christmas bow decor trend has made its way al fresco. Whether tied around a wreath, added to lanterns, or large and dramatic on a front door, a bow instantly introduces charm and color.

'This holiday moment at the greenhouse felt playful,' says Lauren Sullivan of Well x Design, who decorated her backyard with plenty of playful bows this Christmas. 'The red bow on the sheep was an obvious must, and we added hanging lights along the ridgeline inside to make the space feel festive without overdoing it – just a few evergreens, ribbon, and a sense of whimsy.'

Consider experimenting with scale and texture to suit your indoor scheme – velvet bows for a luxe, traditional look; burlap for a rustic theme; or satin in unexpected Christmas colors like deep plum or forest green. Tie them to porch railings, planters, mailbox posts, or even outdoor sculptures (like sheep!). Alternatively, the Brass Bow Wreath Hanger from Terrain kills two trends in one AND makes hanging your wreath a breeze.

6. Fill Planters with Poinsettias for Color

Poinsettias are one of the most iconic holiday plants, and using them outdoors is a simple way to introduce Christmas color to your exterior. Tucked into planters, grouped on the steps, or arranged in your wreath, their rich red leaves instantly brighten a winter landscape and bring some traditional cheer.

They’re also incredibly versatile – mix them with evergreens for a classic look, or pair them with white cyclamen, ivy, or winter berries for a more layered arrangement. If you want to make your planters a touch more festive, lighting can enhance their impact once the sun sets. Michael Meiser, president of Lumilum, suggests highlighting key features in the garden to create a warm, atmospheric glow.

'If your backyard has features you want to show off, use LED spotlights to highlight its best bits, giving a striking appearance to the area during the festive season,' says Michael Meiser. 'For a less intense alternative, weave warm colored bulb fixtures or lanterns into your plants or shrubs to create warmth that emanates from amongst them – giving your whole garden that warm, cozy feeling.'

7. Greenery Makes a Timeless Display

Fresh greenery is one of the most timeless ways to decorate outdoors for the holidays. Whether you have a sprawling porch or simply a front door to frame, evergreens instantly bring texture, depth, and a natural elegance that feels appropriate well beyond the Christmas season.

Designer Bethany Adams is a fan of this classic decor. 'I really love to decorate with fresh greenery outside,' she says. 'It lasts for months in the cold temperatures, and unlike anything specifically related to Christmas (like inflatable reindeer), it exudes a sense of wintery cheer that can extend long past January 1.'

A foliage swag is a great way to add a touch of greenery, and these 4 Pack Christmas Teardrop Swags from Walmart come complete with their own velvet bows.

'Overscale foliage works beautifully outdoors since generous evergreens and winter stems bring natural fullness, and a sense of quiet luxury,' Lauren Gilberthorpe agrees. 'Planting winter foliage near the entrance gives a subtle nod to the season and continues to look beautiful well into the New Year. Scent at the front door makes a real difference, too. A wreath adds presence and introduces the natural fragrance of pine or eucalyptus, or dried citrus. It is a simple detail that makes arriving home feel special.'

Whether you keep the look purely green or add pinecones, eucalyptus, or berries for interest, festive foliage offers a quick, easy, and timeless way to dress your exterior with style.

8. Use Thrifted Ornaments for a Collected Feel

Thrifting some unique vintage Christmas decor is a wonderful way to give your home a collected, characterful feel. Their patina, retro colors, and unique finishes bring a sense of nostalgia that new pieces often can’t replicate. Whether scattered around a doorway, tucked into planters, or gathered in a decorative bowl on a porch table, vintage ornaments add oodles of charm and personality.

Alexis Vitale of Vitale Design Group, who styled this cheerful entryway above, says: 'Holiday cheer doesn’t need to be overdone – just a few thoughtful touches. Jumbo vintage ornaments set a joyful tone at the entry, while minimal trees add quiet elegance,' Alexis explains. 'A naturally arranged mailbox accent completes the look, bringing warmth and a hint of organic beauty right to the curb.'

To adopt a similar look, hunt for oversized baubles at thrift stores, flea markets, or estate sales – imperfections only make them better. Mix metals, finishes, and soft tones for a sophisticated palette, or lean into classic reds and greens for something more traditional.

9. Decorate with a Collection of Festive Figures

Another popular choice for outdoor Christmas decor ideas is eye-catching festive figures. But, we aren't talking garish light-up Santas or blow-up elves, you can get incredibly tasteful outdoor decor that sets a festive, yet tasteful scene.

Rattan deer, woven snowmen, twinkling warm white angels, and wooden nutcrackers are all popular choices for 2025, bringing an organic look to porches and front gardens. Many designs now incorporate subtle lighting, offering a gentle glow that highlights their form without overpowering the rest of your display. They’re decorative enough to make a statement during the day, yet magical once dusk settles in.

This Rattan Snowman from Pottery Barn has not only been crafted from beautiful rattan, but they lights up too adding stylish decoration to your space throughout the day and night. There's also a delightful rattan gingerbread collection, too, if you want something slightly more whimsical.

10. Add Window Wreaths for an Unexpected Display

Windows deserve decoration too, and a wreath positioned (inside or outside) on each window creates a totally elaborate and unexpected display – and it's surprisingly low effort for the impact it leaves.

In Shea McGee's holiday home decor reveal, the designer showed (in a 14-minute-long holiday house tour) off her window wreaths to great effect. ‘The exterior this year is a little bit different than I’ve done in years past in that I went really large with the wreaths on the windows, and then I did a massive one on my garage,’ she explains in her video. Her wreaths appear to be real, but you can pick up the McGee & Co. 32" Grandis Pre-Lit Faux Wreath half price in their holiday sale.

Whether you choose classic evergreen wreaths with red ribbon for a timeless holiday feel á la Shea McGee, or go for more modern styles with minimalist foliage or metallic accents, window wreaths offer an easy decor idea that adds festive cheer both indoors and out.

Shop Outdoor Christmas Decor

FAQs

Bringing festive charm to your outdoor spaces doesn’t have to mean over-the-top displays or inflatable scenes that dominate the lawn. Often its the quieter, considered touches that create the most welcoming impact. If you're looking for more stylish ways to decorate your home for Christmas, take a look at our designer-approved holiday decorating themes for 2025.

They’re the tastemakers, the trendsetters, and the home decor visionaries. Interior designers know just how to make a space come to life, so you can only imagine that when it comes to giving gifts, they know exactly which home decor products can make a home sing with style.

So, on the hunt for some chic gifting inspiration, I asked top interior designers to share their go-to home decor gifts for this year. From coffee table books and candles to oil dispensers and linen napkins, these gifting ideas are both chic and thoughtful.

‘The key is to think of what someone may not splurge on for themselves – something that will bring a smile every time they see it or that they didn’t realize they couldn’t live without,’ interior designer Karina Plotko advises when choosing gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.

If you’re struggling to come up with clever Christmas gift ideas – or even if you think you’re a gift-giving pro – give these designer-recommended picks a read. After all, the experts know what they’re talking about, so you can count on their ideas to be the kind that people will actually want to receive.

Whether you’re shopping for the friend who loves to host, the one who loves a styling moment, or even the one who has everything, these designer-approved picks prove that the most memorable presents are the ones that elevate the everyday. And you're looking for a more curated collection of host gifts, check out our gifts under $50 – all hand-picked by our Head of Living.

Once the tree is up, the wreath is hung, and the goose is ordered, the house often still feels as though it needs a little more. I have never really warmed to festive-themed cushions; they have always felt a bit gimmicky and naff, and overly sweet designs have never been my thing. Unlike our American friends across the pond, here in Britain, we tend to be a bit nervous about our Christmas decor and our biggest fear, I think, is that it might be too gaudy or twee. The result of this nervousness, though, can often mean we decorate in a way that feels entirely predictable, bland and lacking any cheer whatsoever.

So, when it comes to Christmas decorating, I think we could all do with taking inspiration from one of this year's defining trends: dopamine decor. If we are feeling restrained and self-conscious around Christmas, then all hope is lost. We should embrace the fun, the festive and the outright kitsch.

Here are my picks of the most beautiful Christmas cushions I have my eye on right now. Throw them on the sofa or that reading nook in the corner, and pop them away on 6th January. A small joy, but one that can really make the whole room feel so much more festive.

Nostalgia-core is the defining Christmas trend this year, and these cushions perfectly capture the desire for familiar, playful, and heartwarming patterns. That said, when it comes to styling festive cushions, less truly is more. You don’t need to drape every surface in them; one or two carefully placed pieces will always feel more intentional and elegant than an avalanche of cushions. Add them to your sofa, favourite armchair, or even at the foot of the bed. The trick is to let them enhance your existing décor rather than compete with it, choosing colours and textures that sit harmoniously alongside what’s already in your home.

Shop Our Favourite Christmas Cushions

As with all seasonal decorating, the true joy lies in the little details that make your home feel warm, inviting, and unmistakably festive. Cushions are one of the simplest ways to dip a toe into holiday styling without overhauling the entire sitting room. They allow you to play with patterns and textures, add a touch of comfort on long December evenings, and quietly announce that the season has arrived. There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about bringing them out each year – like the soft-furnishing equivalent of unpacking the Christmas baubles.

And if you discover a cushion you adore, cherish it. Store it carefully, keep it safe from wayward mince pies, and let it return each December as a joyful, enduring holiday tradition.

There's no better gift than one that keeps on giving, like living plants. There are lots of classic holiday plants you can gift this month, but I personally think unique potted plants to gift for Christmas are much more exciting.

Of course, traditional Christmas plants like poinsettias will always be a joy to receive, but the best potted plants to gift for Christmas are those more unexpected. From potted fruit trees to striking houseplants, there are so many unique living gifts to give this year.

To help you choose the perfect pick for your green-fingered loved ones, I've compiled my top six potted plants to gift, alongside some tips you can pass on to care for them successfully – spoiler: they're all straightforward to look after.

6 Potted Plants to Gift for Christmas

The best potted plants to gift for Christmas don't just include holiday houseplants, it also includes additions for container gardens. Here are six beautiful choices I promise anyone will be happy to receive:

Beautiful Gardening Accessories to Accompany a Plant Gift

FAQs

Are There Any Potted Vegetables You Can Gift?

Some of the best potted vegetable plants to gift are those that have ornamental value, like dwarf varieties of tomatoes and peppers – though these are technically fruits. For example, this Fire Pepper Plant from Walmart is a good choice for growing indoors on a kitchen windowsill.

For even more inspiration on potted plants to gift for Christmas, have a look at our guide to poinsettia alternatives.

There’s something unmistakably British about hanging up a Christmas stocking in anticipation of Old Saint Nick. Whether yours was hand-knitted by a doting grandparent or faithfully pulled from the loft each December, the ritual of placing it at the end of the bed or by the fireplace never loses its magic. It’s one of those heart-warming acts that feels steeped in memory – a Christmas tradition passed through generations and one that deserves to be celebrated year after year.

Stockings sit at the very heart of classic Christmas decorating ideas. They carry stories, childhood excitement, and the promise of small delights to come – and with the big day drawing nearer, it’s certainly not too late to choose a beautiful new one for this season. After much searching (and a great deal of festive joy), we’ve curated the most charming, timeless, and truly beautiful designs – stockings that honor heritage while adding an extra touch of wonder and style to your home.

So, if you’re refreshing your festive decor or simply want something extra special waiting for Father Christmas on the twenty-fifth, now is the perfect moment. Below, discover our edit of the most gorgeous Christmas stockings available in the UK right now – selected for their craftsmanship, character, and ability to bring even more warmth and joy to the big day.

The Christmas Stockings We’re Loving This Year

Once you’ve chosen your perfect stockings, it’s time to think about the display – knowing how to hang stockings can transform them into a true festive focal point. I love arranging stockings along the mantel at varying heights or draping them along a staircase with pretty ribbon for a layered, playful effect.

For a more classic look, hang them evenly spaced on hooks or stocking holders (Command hooks from Amazon work beautifully). Don’t be afraid to mix textures and colours – combining velvet, linen, or patterned stockings adds extra charm. Done thoughtfully, your stockings become a curated piece of holiday décor, drawing the eye and making Christmas morning feel even more magical.

Whatever your style, the perfect Christmas stocking is more than just a holder for treats. Add a personal touch with embroidered initials, a delicate hand-tied ribbon, or a small seasonal charm to make each stocking feel truly one-of-a-kind.

We decorate the rest of the house, so why not our kitchen countertops? After all, we spend a lot of time in the kitchen prepping for the festive feasts, so we may as well make it feel as joyful as possible, right?

The best part about Christmas decor ideas is that there’s no shortage of spaces to transform with some festive magic, from mantels and stairways to doorways and dining tables.

Our favorite Christmas countertop ideas involve embracing the kitchen as a gathering space for friends and family, integrating functional cookware and serving platters as eye-catching centerpieces, and creating a multi-sensory experience with lighting, scents, and nature-inspired pops of color.

No matter your festive aesthetic (tapping into the Ralph Lauren trend, Scandi chic, or the rustic Little Women-inspired look), don't forget to deck out your kitchen – islands, shelving, countertops – too. Check out these simple, yet sophisticated expert-approved Christmas countertop ideas to add some merriment to your festive workspace.

9 Chic, Yet Simple Ways to Deck Out Your Kitchen Countertops

The last thing you want is extra clutter around when you're catering for the masses over the holidays. These expert-approved Christmas kitchen countertop ideas will keep your workspace clear for the festive food prep, while adding a festive vibe and turning your kitchen a welcoming hub to gather in.

1. Decorate on Multiple Levels

Even when you’re focusing on Christmas countertop ideas, you don’t have to limit yourself to one corner of the room – or even stick to one level.

‘I love using vertical moments in a kitchen for holiday decor,’ explains Linda Hayslett of L.H. Designs. ‘Hanging décor from unexpected spots in the kitchen, like the edge of open shelving or even the range hood, adds a welcoming, lived-in charm. It brings the holiday spirit up into the vertical space so the counters stay functional, but the whole room still feels festive.’

From draping garlands across a kitchen mantle to hanging decorations from ceiling beams, there are plenty of ways to add excitement and send the gaze traveling upwards. You can even get inspired by Chrissy Teigen’s Christmas shelf decor and nestle some Nutcracker figurines (like these from Macy's) and tabletop Christmas trees, next to cookbooks on high kitchen shelves. If you are hanging decor above the stovetop, avoid a fire hazard by ensuring that nothing drapes too close to the hob.

You can even bring stockings into your kitchen, like Hayslett did in Serena and Lily’s Pacific Palisades Holiday House a few years’ back (pictured above). Get the look with these blue and white Walmart stockings which echo vintage blue and white tableware. ‘Stockings on a hood or garland draped over a shelf adds a layer of softness and surprise, and it breaks up all the hard finishes in a really beautiful way. It’s unexpected in a kitchen, so it feels chic and intentional, not kitschy.’ Perfect for adding coziness, without crowding that all-too-precious countertop real estate you’ll be using for meal prep.

2. Choose Display-Worthy Functional Cookware

When it comes to Christmas counter ideas, think about styling your space with objects that are practical as well as festive. There’s something harmonious about having items on display that don’t get in the way of the kitchen counter’s primary function as a prepping, cooking and serving space, like these whimsical-yet-practical Santa’s Sled salt and pepper shakers (Pottery Barn).

‘The best Christmas countertop decor blends beauty and function, bringing in purposeful elements that still feel special (particularly important in small kitchens where countertop space is at a premium),’ says interior designer Kathy Kuo.

‘I like to swap out everyday essentials for similar versions with a holiday twist – a polished brass utensil holder, tea towels with green embroidery, or a pretty pewter soap dispenser that makes everyday chores feel a little more luxe.’

Looking for inspiration? Check out Le Creuset’s beautifully embossed Holly collection. These pretty stove-to-countertop pieces, from mini white and gold cocottes to large chef's ovens, will bring a wonderful festive feel, and you'll get them out year after year.

3. Try Unexpected Ways With Foliage

There’s nothing wrong with sprucing up a counter with some festive mini-trees (we're going all out on tabletop trees this year) or fabulous blooms in a vase. Then again, if you want to keep your countertops functional and not over-crowded, why not get a little creative when it comes to decorating with greenery in the kitchen?

As founder and CEO of Flowerbx, Whitney Bromberg Hawkings, advises: ‘Hang a wreath where you’ll actually enjoy it,’ instead of sticking it in the same place on your front door yet again.

‘Hanging one above the sink or on an interior cabinet instantly brings festive character into a space you use every day. It feels unexpected yet functional – a simple way to bring a Christmas atmosphere into the room without taking up counter space,’ she explains.

You can avoid using up counter space for garlands and other foliage displays by draping them across window ledges or wrapping them around pendant lights hanging from the ceiling.

4. Add Sparkle to Your Sideboard

Who says Christmas ornaments are only for our trees? You can hang ornaments from ceiling beams, display them in glass jars, or style them alongside some treasured keepsakes, which Austin-based interior designer Bambi A’Lynn Bratton of Bambi A’Lynn Interior Design, likes to do.

‘The holiday season is the perfect excuse for me to pull out my favorite silver pieces that hide in a cabinet most of the year! I'll display them – like my silver tea service – as kitchen counter decor all season long, especially when I'm hosting events like a ladies' brunch or dinner for eight,’ she says.

‘To give things a festive feel, I like to tuck in a few shiny round ornaments here and there. Silver and sparkle is such a simple way to add color and shine to your countertops and make your kitchen feel special for the holidays.’

The Heritage Silver Entertaining Collection from Pottery Barn has an array of classic pieces, from trays to wine chillers that will become family heirlooms.

5. Bring Warmth and Texture With Wood

There are certain things you should never place on a kitchen countertop, but a chopping board most certainly isn’t one of them.

‘I love anchoring a kitchen countertop centerpiece with a beautiful wooden board and placing a moody vessel with large foraged greenery from the yard,’ says Laura Williams of Living Oak Interior Design. ‘Surrounding would be beautiful, neutral bottlebrush Christmas trees at varying sizes and tones – adds a cozy, understated holiday vibe.’ These bottlebrush trees from Walmart are ideal.

Designer Marie Flanigan of Marie Flanigan Interiors layers greenery, seasonal touches like bowls with berries or a vase with foraged branches, then adds a ‘beautiful wooden board or stone tray’ as the finishing touch to her kitchen counter decor.

This helps ‘ground everything and keep the counter feeling intentional rather than cluttered. The result is festive but unfussy, a quiet nod to the season that feels warm, organic, and perfectly at home in a working kitchen. I love styling a kitchen counter in a way that feels collected, natural, and truly lived-in,’ she explains.

6. Give Herbs a Spotlight Moment

We love a deceptively simple decorating idea that’s timeless and contemporary at once. For a minimalist take on Christmas countertops, all you need is a statement bowl and some fragrant herbs, like pine-evoking rosemary. Bonus: you can also sprinkle some on all of your slow-cooking roasts this season.

‘I keep a big vessel of rosemary on our counter in December. It’s used in so many Mediterranean winter dishes – from Hanukkah-roasted chicken and potatoes to Christmas roasts – so the scent feels naturally warm and festive,’ says Elizabeth Krueger Design’s Elizabeth Krueger.

‘It brings in a touch of greenery and a subtle nod to both holidays without overwhelming the space.’ Use an organic vessel like West Elm's Takara Teak Wood bowl, which has a distinctive and rustic 'live' edge', to display your herbs in.

7. Create a Feast for the Senses

One of the quickest and easiest ways to elevate your countertop is by styling with the season’s foodie treats: citrus fruits, chestnuts, winter berries, pomegranates. (This can help minimize waste since your decor doubles as a snack.)

‘I always start with a big ceramic bowl piled high with clementines. This time of year you can find them with their leaves still on, which I think is one of the small beauties of the season,’ co-founder of PORTA NYC, Alice Russotti, says. She finishes off her counter with a vase of paperwhites and an atmospheric candle.

Designer Lauren Carlucci of Lauren Carlucci Studio recalls a similar kitchen counter aesthetic with nostalgia: ‘Growing up, my mom always filled the kitchen with oranges studded with cloves. Our kitchen countertops were never without potted paperwhites, my favorite. We also kept a large bowl of chestnuts we’d collect on walks, which became its own quiet tradition.’

8. Make it an Inviting Space to Gather

Just because you’re working with limited counter space doesn’t mean you can’t go all out when it comes to more traditional or maximalist decor, whether you want to embrace the Little Women trend or opt for something bursting with tartan and texture. (We’re looking at you, ‘Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic.’) Creating an inviting and welcoming space encourages easy conversation (and lots of midnight snacking).

‘The holiday is the perfect time to dress anything up. Adding a bit of ribbon or layering some evergreen foliage on which rest your homemade scones,’ advises designer Scot Meacham Wood. ‘I love using a three-tiered cake plate as the centerpiece of our kitchen. It serves as the focal point for tea service, homemade scones, and related morning snacks.’ This Spode tartan cakestand from Macy's is ideal for getting the look.

9. Give Everyday Items a Festive Glow-Up

Your kitchen doesn’t need to be decked out in tinsel and Nutcrackers to feel festive. For a sustainable take on Christmas countertop ideas, use everyday items in unexpected ways.

‘One of our favorite ways to make kitchen countertops feel more festive during the holiday season is to use planters, as they are versatile and can be used for many purposes (holding plants or not),' says Ali Qari, founder of sustainable furnishings retailer, Urban Natural. 'For the holidays, it’s fun to put paperwhites or amaryllis bulbs in them to add some greenery to your kitchen. Or instead, try using them as candle holders,’

Bergs Potter pots (available from Magnolia), made from Italian terracotta, ‘balance heirloom qualities with Scandinavian design, allowing them to feel at home just about anywhere.’

10. Curate an Ambient Lighting Scheme

A pair of candles can create a calming, festive glow that makes your whole kitchen feel cozier and more elegant right away.

‘For holiday decor, we love a warm, subtle seasonal candle with a little evergreen and tobacco note,' Mallory Robins and Elizabeth Bennett of KOBEL+CO explain. Try the luxe Trudon Ernesto Leather and Tobacco Candle from Saks. 'Dining by a taper candle in the kitchen during the winter months adds a romantic flair to the cold, dreary weather,’

‘No Christmas countertop is complete without copious amounts of candlelight. Tiers of taper candles in antique gold candle holders will imbue any kitchen with the perfect dose of holiday magic,’ adds Kathy Kuo. Stock up on taper candles from H&M Home, which come in festive burgundy, more subtle browns, and white.

Festive Buys for Decorating Your Christmas Kitchen Countertop

There are plenty of Christmas countertop ideas to try this festive season and the next, as well as tips you can use year-round (integrating herbs and foliage, using organic materials, showcasing cookware that doubles as art, to name a few). And if you want more festive inspiration, we chatted to designers about how to try tinsel Christmas decor – the unexpected 2025 trend.

Now that December is here, I can finally start decorating for Christmas. Despite the decorations going up earlier and earlier every year, I am a traditionalist and have to wait until December before a fir comes anywhere near my home. So I have patiently waited, watching all my favorite designers decorate their homes, and now that it’s time to do my own, the inspiration is abundant.

This year, I’m being inspired by the iconic designer Shea McGee and her charmingly decorated holiday home. For me, it's the perfect balance of chic yet charming, and it nails the trend for a nostalgic Christmas without going too kitsch.

In a recent Instagram post and video shared to the designer's website, Shea gave us a glimpse into the design of her home for the holiday season, and it’s nothing short of spectacular. All sorts of holiday decor ideas like evergreen garlands, bows, and other festive decorations adorn both the exterior and the interior of her home, making the space feel as warm and welcoming as can be.

As Shea walks us through the home, I couldn't help but take note of the many holiday design ideas that she's implemented to make each room come to life with seasonal charm. A grand porch display, a welcoming entry, even an intricately embellished 10-foot-tall tree – all of these ideas and more just radiate timeless festive energy that I, for one, want to try out in my own home.

5 Design Lessons We're Taking From Shea McGee's Holiday Home

Although there are tons of design ideas to take from the 14-minute-long holiday house tour that Shea's uploaded to the Studio McGee website, I've pulled out five that I'd consider to be the most easily replicable. With these ideas, your Christmas home will look as stunning as Shea's in no time.

1. Create a Grand Exterior Display With Classic Decorations

Before even setting foot inside Shea's home, we're greeted with the most stunning exterior decor display, featuring an array of wreaths, garlands, and mini evergreen trees. These outdoor Christmas decorations are rather traditional, and Shea's kept the styling minimal by adding just a few red bows here and there. So what makes this exterior holiday display so grand? Its scale.

‘The exterior this year is a little bit different than I’ve done in years past in that I went really large with the wreaths on the windows, and then I did a massive one on my garage,’ Shea explains in her video. The large size of these wreaths makes an impressive impact – not only on the windows themselves, but on the overall vision of the home. Paired with long strands of garland that wrap the porch columns and frame the front door, the wreaths aid in developing a design scheme that's as striking as it is visually appealing.

Shea's exterior decor is proof that you don't need to go crazy with your outdoor holiday display – quite the opposite, actually. With a few simple and slightly oversized wreaths (like this Artificial Pre-Lit Fir Christmas Wreath from Target), some complementary bushy garlands (like this Mixed Evergreen Foliage strand), and a few red ribbon bows here and there, your Christmas porch will look just as classic and timeless as Shea's, with a hint of grandeur.

2. Allow the Entryway to Set the Tone

As soon as we're brought into Shea's house, she stops us in the entryway. Complete with a console table decorated with all sorts of charming objects, this display 'sets the tone for my Christmas vision this year,' Shea explains.

It's a healthy mix of old finds and new pieces, colorful details as well as sleek metallics. To make the scene come to life, Shea incorporated a miniature evergreen tree that's been cleverly placed in a Chinoiserie ginger jar (like this one from McGee & Co.) and decorated it with glistening gold pears. ‘I always like to have a tree in my entryway on the tabletop, and instead of doing an eclectic mix of ornaments, I went all in on these gold pears,' the designer says. These Gilded Pear Ornaments may be sold out on the designer's website, but this Sugar Pear Glass Ornament from Crate & Barrel can help you achieve a similar look.

Also on her entryway table is an assortment of vintage silver picture frames (like these Blanche Pewter Frames from her site) filled with black and white photos of her family and some silver bow taper candle holders to match. These silver details tastefully contrast the gold fruit hanging on the tree to create a distinctly warm and unique setup.

Rather than a meticulously curated assortment of perfect decorations, this tabletop display of Christmas decor feels layered, collected, and full of character – just like the rest of the holiday decor in Shea's home. It teaches us that sometimes the best holiday displays are the ones that value authenticity over perfection.

3. Use a Tall Tree to Anchor the Room With Festive Flair

The Christmas tree is usually the focal point of any holiday decor display, but Shea’s tree is the ultimate show stopper – not only because of its size, but because of its decorations, too. At 10’ tall, this Grandis Fir is McGee & Co.’s tallest artificial tree to date. With its height and its elaborate decorations, this tree tastefully grounds Shea's living room with festive style and sets the tone for the room itself.

As for the tree's design, Shea and her team started by incorporating an unusual addition – hydrangeas. ‘I love my hydrangeas so much. They bring me so much joy in the summer, and now they’re going to bring me joy through the holiday season,' the designer explains as she fills gaps in the tree with McGee & Co.'s Green Hydrangea Stems.

After the flowers, Shea added clip-on candles (like this set of 10 from Grandin Road), garland strands (McGee & Co.'s Batavia Brass Garland is sold out, but the Petite Gold Garland is still in stock), and ornaments. Because she wanted to create a warm palette, Shea chose baubles in shades of brown, tan, and red. She added some personality pieces, too – including this Greenhouse Ornament and a set of Stoneware Ginger Jar Ornaments. Finally, Shea tied long red ribbons in bows around the tree to stylishly drape over the entire display.

Because of its substantial size, Shea's tree acts as an anchor for this Christmas living room. If you don't have the space for a 10' tree in your home, take inspiration from Shea's decorating and incorporate flowers, garland, neutral baubles, and personality ornaments on the tree, as well as long ribbons to top off the entire look. This will help your Christmas tree feel like the statement piece it deserves to be.

4. Create an Asymmetrical Mantel Statement

Shea gave us a sneak peek of her asymmetrical Christmas mantel a few weeks ago, but in her latest Christmas decor video, she went into further detail explaining how this setup came to be.

‘I wanted this really huge statement off to one side of my mantel,' Shea says. Because her mantel is already so large (it's almost as tall as the designer herself!), the proportions of her decorations were an important consideration. That's why she chose to layer three garland strands to build up the display, making it appear much more substantial. She finished the look with a large, draping white bow that ties the scene together.

Instead of playing it safe and stringing a singular strand of garland across your Christmas mantel this holiday season, use Shea's asymmetrical display as inspiration to try something new. With a couple of strands of garland (like McGee & Co.'s Pinecone and Berries Faux Garland and the Norfolk Pine Faux Garland) and a spool of white velvet ribbon (like this White Velvet Wired Ribbon), you can make your very own rendition of Shea's asymmetrical Christmas mantel.

5. Use Extra Decorations to Style a Second Tree

While the main tree in Shea's house is decorated with a specific, classic Christmas look, the designer decided to feature a second Christmas tree in her craft room for personal ornaments that might not fit the aesthetic of the main tree.

‘[This tree] is where I put all of my handmade ornaments and lots of the playful, charming, and colorful ornaments that we’ve collected over the years,' Shea explains. The tree is adorned with lots of handmade ornaments made by her children, along with other, more personal decor details. To create a sense of cohesion amongst these handmade pieces, Shea leaned into the playful theme by adding colorful bows onto branches around the tree itself. Even with all of the child-made decor, this tree still looks very sophisticated and charming.

If you're focused on creating an aesthetically pleasing Christmas tree display in your living room, that might mean that some of your more personal, sentimental ornaments get neglected. So, if space permits, take a page out of Shea's playbook and consider setting up a smaller tree in a different area of your home (perhaps a hallway, a playroom, or a reading nook). Decorate this tree with the nostalgic, sentimental, handmade ornaments that speak to your family's story – just like Shea has done.

Shop The Look

Shea McGee's home decorated for Christmas is a clear demonstration of how timeless Christmas decorating ideas can make for the most impressive holiday displays – whether that be large wreaths, substantial garland displays, or tall trees brimming with classic ornaments and decorations. So thank you, Shea, now I know just how to decorate my home for the holiday season.

Christmas prep is officially in full swing, and if you’re anything like me, you’re suddenly very aware of how your home looks from the sidewalk. The right outdoor lights can instantly elevate your home's warm holiday welcome for guests and wow neighbors.

I’ve spent the past few seasons getting hands-on with smart lights to see which ones actually make decorating easier – especially with all the ways that smart tech is redefining outdoor Christmas decorations.

So when I saw that Philips Hue’s Festavia string lights were discounted by more than $50 for Cyber Week, with full app control and music sync, they instantly jumped to the top of my Christmas wish list to easily make my festive display more eye-catching than ever.

Get A Polished Outdoor Display In Minutes With Philips Hue's Discounted String Lights

If the idea of smart lights makes you think of complex hubs and confusing apps, the Festavia String Lights will be a pleasant surprise. Once they’re plugged in and paired – which takes a few minutes via Bluetooth – you’re essentially just choosing where to drape them.

This can be across a porch railing, around a doorway, or woven through a small tree, and the app does the rest. And if you’re still figuring out your layout, it’s worth seeing what outdoor Christmas decorating ideas are approved by designers, then use the lights to bring those looks to life.

I’ve used similar app-controlled lights at home, and what struck me most was how easy the day-to-day routine became. Instead of wrestling with timers or unplugging cables in the rain, I could simply tap my phone to turn everything on at the same time.

So when it comes to lighting a porch for Christmas, you're given heaps of customization, but setting up and controlling them is as simple as can be.

Because you can dial the brightness and color temperature up or down, it’s also much easier to avoid that over-lit, slightly chaotic look. A warm white glow along the railing, with just a few subtle color accents, will help you avoid tacky outdoor Christmas lights while still feeling festive and fun. Instead of guessing, you can slide your finger on the app until everything looks calm and cohesive from the street.

The strings also lend themselves to a more considered color scheme. Once you’ve chosen your overall direction – minimal, modern, traditional, or nostalgic – you can use them to echo your favorite designer-approved Christmas decorating ideas outside.

For example, if you’re going for a more elevated, editorial-style look indoors, the ability to fine-tune each bulb’s shade means your exterior can match that mood instead of feeling like an afterthought.

And as you can adjust every bulb from your phone, it’s easy to experiment with more unusual palettes than the classic red-and-green. If you’re tempted by unexpected Christmas color schemes for 2026 – think soft pinks and light blues – Festavia lets you try them on your porch without committing to all-new decor.

If you don't like it, simply change the colors in a couple of taps, and you’re back to warm white or candle-like amber.

I'm also a fan of how these string lights frame a front door. Wrap them loosely around a wreath, or let them cascade down one side of the porch for a more relaxed look.

If you’re rethinking your front-door styling this year, use them to highlight your favorite Christmas wreath ideas or to give extra presence to one of the clever looks if you have any Christmas wreath alternatives.

While these are marketed as Christmas lights, they’re honestly too useful to pack away in January. A warm white setting works beautifully for spring and summer evenings outdoors, whether you’re hosting friends or reading on the porch.

If you’re currently deep in Christmas planning mode and want something that feels both on-trend and future-proof, the Festavia String Lights are a smart buy. They're stress-free, give you the power to tweak your display as much as you like, and help your home look more polished than ever.

The Philips Hue Festavia String Lights are discounted to $71.99 for Cyber Week.

What to Shop

Planning the rest of your festive display? These will help you along the way.

All prices correct at time of publication.

For more festive inspiration, see the ways smart lights can elevate indoor Christmas gatherings and save on energy.

One of my favorite ways to bring my Christmas decor to life is by using real plants, foliage, and flowers. From a wreath full of seasonal foliage, to my latest obsession, festive kokedama.

Kokedama is a Japanese tradition, offering an alternative take on hanging baskets by growing plants in moss balls and elevating them from ceilings, pergolas, and and other structures. By selecting Christmas plants to make kokedama, you can make living hanging ornaments for your home, or just place them in the center of the table for your holiday get-togethers.

There are quite a few festive kokedama ideas I've seen, but just three plants stand out as the most eye-catching. Here, I've compiled my top festive kokedama plants, alongside tips on making this holiday DIY a success.

3 Festive Kokedama Plants

The beauty of kokedama is that it can be done with nearly any plant, so essentially any Christmas plant can be used. However, I think the following three are the best options, easiest for beginners, and will instantly infuse a festive feel to the home.

If it's your first time making kokedama, make sure to stock up on these essentials. Or, use a kokedama kit (from Amazon):

1. Poinsettia

There's no better holiday houseplant to turn into kokedama than poinsettia.

With vibrant red bracts (or modified leaves), these plants have become synonymous with the Christmas season. For me, being able to style my poinsettia a bit differently is key to uplifting my indoor plant display at this time of year.

This is where poinsettia kokedama comes in. Just like looking after a poinsettia, it's important to keep it hydrated, warm, and in a bright position.

Failing to do so will lead to your kokedama quickly fading and your poinsettia dropping leaves.

You should therefore soak the moss ball in water when it feels dry (be aware that hanging it will cause it to dry out more quickly) and ensure the room temperature stays between 60-72°F.

Find a poinsettia at Walmart to turn into kokedama, or purchase a moss ball planter (from Amazon) to create the look of kokedama for minimal effort.

I particularly like the idea in the image above where LED lights (like these warm white string lights from Amazon) have been used to embellish the kokedama. You can also add other festive touches like pinecones or dried orange slices.

2. Hyacinth

Even though hyacinths are spring bulbs, they are one of the most popular indoor bulbs to force for Christmas.

There are so many ways to grow hyacinths indoors for the holidays, including growing them as indoor bulbs in water.

Hyacinth kokedama is another unique take. Even if you don't hang up your kokedama, you can display it as a centerpiece for Christmas Day. The bright bloom emerging from moss provides an effective, natural tablescape.

It's best to make a hyacinth kokedama by first forcing it in soil (with this hyacinth bulb forcing kit from Walmart) and then turning it into kokedama by wrapping its root ball in moss (with this moss sheet from Amazon).

3. Orchid

Orchids are some of the extravagant plants to turn into kokedama, and you can give it a holiday twist with Christmas orchids.

Alongside the popular moth orchid houseplant (form The Sill), there are a number of orchids that bloom at Christmas time, ideal for turning into festive kokedama.

Some of the best picks include Star of Bethlehem orchid and Mayflower orchid.

Follow orchid care advice to look after your orchid kokedama. This includes regularly misting your kokedama moss ball to hydrate roots. You can use a glass plant mister (from Amazon) for this.

Be aware that your orchid kokedama will need a different type of potting mix than other types. This is because orchids need a well-draining orchid bark (from Amazon) to thrive, or you can try making your own orchid potting mix.

FAQs

How Long Does Kokedama Last?

Kokedama can last for many years when looked after properly. This includes soaking the moss ball to properly hydrate plant roots. What you may have to do is upgrade to a larger moss ball as your plant grows bigger and its root ball gets bigger. Make sure to also keep on top of the plant care for the specific plant you have growing in kokedama to maintain its health.

If you want to take your festive plant display a step further, you can think even more outside the box by using Christmas tree alternatives.

Shop Indoor Plant Accessories

Move over traditional Christmas themes, there’s a fresh festive trend skiing into our homes this year, and I am here for it. Ski-inspired Christmas decor is emerging as the must-have seasonal style, and it’s easy to see why: many of us adore a winter ski holiday, from gliding down powdery pistes to warming up with a cheeky vin chaud at apres-ski. Now, all that mountain magic can be brought home in chic, playful, and surprisingly stylish ways.

Christmas decorating has never felt this adventurous. Think retro skis, cosy lodge-inspired touches, and playful nods to apres-ski fun, all brought together in a way that feels polished and modern.

If you’re a seasoned skier or know someone who lives for hitting the slopes, these ski-inspired pieces also make thoughtful, festive gifts that will have them dreaming of powdery pistes all December long.

The ski Christmas décor trend finds its roots in mid-century alpine resorts and the playful glamour of post-war winter holidays, when ski culture became a symbol of luxury, leisure and a little lighthearted escapism. Retro ski posters, bold lodge textiles and après-ski gatherings all helped define an aesthetic that felt both stylish and inviting – full of character, warmth and charm.

Lately, I’ve been spotting ski-inspired pieces everywhere, from the fashion runways to the latest homeware collections, and it’s clear that après-ski chic is evolving into a full-blown movement. Is it a passing moment? Perhaps. But its rise speaks to a broader craving for joyful nostalgia and the comfort of whimsical storytelling in our interiors.

Whether you lean into vintage ski artwork, vibrant alpine prints, or playful lodge-inspired accents, this trend offers an easy way to bring personality, colour and a sense of adventure into your home. Its appeal lies in the effortless blend of cosy alpine textures, charming motifs and design-led details – creating spaces that feel curated, uplifting and unapologetically fun.

Shop The Look

Whether you’re curating a whole alpine-inspired scheme or simply adding a few standout pieces, this trend offers a chance to have fun with your Christmas décor in a fresh, modern way. It’s about celebrating personality, layering unexpected details, and creating moments that feel vibrant, playful, and full of life.

There’s a particular kind of Christmas that instantly tugs at nostalgia – the kind wrapped in red velvet ribbons, tartan trims, and twinkling lights. And if any home truly captures that feel, it's the fictional home of the McCallisters in Home Alone.

More than 3 decades later, their sprawling Illinois home still defines what a classic, all-American holiday should look like: warm, bustling, red and green, and just a touch OTT. This is Christmas pre-minimalism – maximalist, memory-filled, and totally festive.

But while the Home Alone aesthetic feels wonderfully effortless on screen, it’s anything but random. That very 90s Christmas decor look comes from a very deliberate mix of color, texture, nostalgia, and abundance – a festive formula that makes every room feel fully dressed for the season. And the good news? You don’t need a sprawling suburban mansion or a Hollywood budget to recreate it. With the right palette and a few charming details, you can bring that same movie-magic into your own home.

How to Have a Home Alone Christmas

What makes the Home Alone look so enduring is how deeply familiar it feels. And the ingredients remain the same in 2025: bold red and deep green, plenty of garlands, clashing patterns, and ornaments collected over decades rather than curated for a single season.

And that’s the real magic of this look: it’s not just simply picking up some new decor, it’s mood-setting. In fact, the Home Alone Christmas aesthetic isn’t just about dressing the Christmas tree or setting a festive table – it’s a vibe for the entire home.

'A Home Alone Christmas is peak 90s suburban nostalgia,' says designer Sara Parker, who did a deep dive into the aesthetic on her TikTok. 'The McAllister house is the blueprint for maximalist traditional Christmas design – think thick garlands, oversized bows, sentimental ornaments, and a tree so full it looks like it’s been collecting memories for generations.' 

'The atmosphere is cozy but chaotic with a familial feel everywhere you turn, and the rooms feel layered and lived-in,' Sara adds. 'It’s truly the type of home you feel welcomed into the moment you step through the threshold. Traditional greens and reds, plaids and warm lights complete the “storybook-Christmas” experience this classic film is so loved and known for.'

In the McCallisters’ world, every room (and corner) gets the Christmas treatment. Think garlands trailing along the stairs, stockings hung on every mantel, patterned textiles on beds and couches, and little holiday ornaments tucked onto shelves, consoles, and kitchen counters.

It’s striking the balance between nostalgic without feeling dated, spirited without feeling kitschy, that sets the look apart among other holiday decor themes.

To bring the spirit of Home Alone home, you want to think beyond the traditional “holiday decorating zones.” We all know that the living room and dining room are Christmas hotspots, but don't miss out on spreading festive cheer throughout the rest of your home – especially if you're hosting.

Swap in deep red bedding or quilted throws in the bedrooms, hang stockings or garlands in unexpected places, and let the kitchen join the celebration with red pots and pans, seasonal linens, or a few festive ornaments like nutcrackers and mini trees.

The Home Alone kitchen is a true 90s, maximalist, family hub that feels permanently set for the holidays. The deep hunter-green tiled countertops, dark wood cabinetry, and terracotta floor create a cozy palette that instantly reads “festive,” even without a single strand of garland. Of course, I'm not suggesting a total festive remodel, but to channel this look today, lean into saturated color (especially greens and reds), introduce some warm wood tones, and style your surfaces with vintage-inspired cookware, copper or enamel cookware on display, and a little poinsettia.

Even small touches like a plaid hand towel, a vintage cookie tin, or a sprig of holly in a bud vase can help extend the Christmas mood into everyday spaces like the powder room. In true Home Alone fashion, the magic comes from a home that feels completely, wholeheartedly dressed for Christmas.

Of course, one of the easiest ways to begin is with a confident Christmas color scheme of red and green. But you want to steer clear of brights – think deep, rich, timeless tones that instantly evoke movie-set magic.

'For a traditional Christmas feeling, I love keeping the color palette grounded in classic reds and greens, which captures a warm, nostalgic atmosphere,' designer Birdie Fortescue advises.

'I then like to create a balance with accessories such as rattan candlesticks and vases, as well as foliage such as eucalyptus, holly, and spruce from the garden,' she suggests. 'The green and red combination creates a balance of warmth and tradition that makes this scheme so charming, especially when mixed with touches of wood, brass, and plenty of soft, glowing candlelight.'

Beyond color, the Home Alone home is remembered for its welcoming, comfortable feel. It’s the type of home that looks lively, with layered rooms filled with pattern, history, and warmth.

'The Home Alone Christmas aesthetic is all about creating an atmosphere that feels cozy, lived-in, and wonderfully inviting,' says designer Kathy Kuo. 'It’s nostalgic and unfussy, layered and warm – the kind of space where guests can kick their feet up and truly relax.'

'To capture this feeling, start with the lighting,' she suggests. 'Dimmable table lamps, glowing candlelight, and twinkling string lights all help create the snug, magical ambiance we’re going for.'

'Beyond lighting, look to layer lots of textiles like soft rugs, plush throw pillows, and fuzzy blankets are an absolute must,' Kathy continues.

But it’s not just about adding more textiles; it’s about mixing them with intention. Vary the textures, from chunky knits to patchwork quilts and velvet pillows, and don’t shy away from traditional prints like tartan, paisley, or small festive florals. Once every seat looks like the perfect place to curl up with a holiday movie or mug of cocoa, you’ve captured the spirit of a Home Alone Christmas

'And when it comes to Christmas tree decorations, more is always more. Think trees piled high with collected ornaments, mantels, and banisters dressed with strings of lush garland, and plenty of decorative accents in mixed materials like brass, velvet, and hand-blown glass,' Kathy adds. 'The culminating effect is a comfortable, welcoming home brimming with holiday cheer.'

To fully nod to the McCallisters’ iconic interiors, layering in some classic 90s touches will bring the look to life.

'Whether you are leaning towards the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic or the McCallisters, I think we can all agree that a 90s Christmas feels right this year,' adds designer Katie Kiser of Katie Kiser & Co.

'To achieve this robust yet perfectly familiar design palette that encompasses the iconic Home Alone house, you need to incorporate a few key elements,' Katie suggests. 'Red tartan bows for your wreaths are a must. Frasier Fir garland, flanking every available surface with red rope tassels woven throughout, is another very traditional 90s touch.'

Think beyond a simple mantelpiece moment. Layer fir or spruce garlands along staircases, over doorways, across artwork, and even trailing along tables. Mix in holly or eucalyptus for added texture, and weave in plush velvet ribbons, tartan trims, or even red tassel ropes to give your greenery depth and decorative richness.

'When I think about 90s Christmas decor, I envision brass “Hark the Herald” angel candelabras on the buffet table, tinsel on the trees, wool-woven stockings hanging above the fireplace, Spode Christmas dinnerware on the table, vintage wooden painted Christmas ornaments (I love this Green Jumping Jack Ornament available at Crate and Barrel), and, of course, colored lights.'

The end result is festive, heartfelt, and wonderfully reminiscent of the film's cozy, characterful aesthetic.

The Home Alone Christmas Edit

If you’re ready to bring a little of that movie magic into your own home, the right pieces can make all the difference. From red-and-green accents to nostalgic ornaments and cozy textiles, these finds capture the spirit of a classic. Below, I’ve rounded up a curated edit of pieces that channel the Home Alone aesthetic to shop now.

In the end, leaning into a Home Alone–style Christmas is not about perfection or perfectly coordinated decor; it’s about creating a home that feels warm, generous, lived-in, and a little bit nostalgic.

Whether you go all in on red and green everything, drape every banister in garlands, or simply add a few 90s-inspired touches, the joy is in embracing a holiday look that feels familiar and comforting. And if your home ends up feeling a little fuller, a little cozier, and a lot more twinkly this year, then you’re already halfway to the movie-magic charm of the McCallisters’ Christmas.

Now that December has arrived, many of us are decking out our homes with festive decor – starting with the holiday centrepiece: the Christmas tree. But amid the excitement of choosing the perfect tree and hanging your ornaments, there’s one essential step experts say most people forget: pruning.

It’s an often-overlooked part of Christmas tree care, and it’s easy to see why. Not every tree needs it, but a quick prune can make a big difference in keeping your tree looking fresh and full throughout the season. It’s why these Fiskars Pruning Shears from Amazon are a staple in my toolkit, as well gardening gloves (from Amazon) to protect my hands when pruning. Pruning is especially helpful for trees that suffered minor damage in transit or weren’t in the best condition to begin with.

The good news? Pruning a Christmas tree is simple – whether you’re shaping it to your ideal silhouette or giving it a little health boost. Here’s what an expert wants you to know.

How to Prune a Christmas Tree

One of the biggest real Christmas tree mistakes is not caring for it as a live plant, as you would with other indoor plants.

This includes making sure to prune your Christmas tree, but only doing so if necessary. Over-pruning will leave your tree looking bare and can hinder its health going forward.

Horticulture expert Michael Clarke says to start by removing damaged and dead foliage, as well as any broken branches.

'This improves the tree’s appearance, prevents pests and disease, and if it's a potted tree with roots, it helps the tree direct energy into new growth,' he explains.

Michael notes that even if your have a potted Christmas tree you can prune damaged branches 'at any time of year.'

Use essential pruning tools to do this, like these bypass pruning shears from Amazon or these Fiskars loppers from Amazon, if you're dealing with thicker branches. You may also want to wear gardening gloves with long sleeves (from Amazon) to protect your skin, and consider doing this outdoors to prevent mess in your living room.

With damaged and dead plant matter removed, you can turn your attention to shaping your tree.

This may not be necessary if you picked your tree up from a supplier that has already pruned it to shape. But, if there are any wayward stems or the tree isn't as shapely as you would like, you can do some trimming to improve it.

For cut Christmas trees, you can be a bit more liberal, keeping in mind a clean, symmetrical shape.

'Shorten or remove irregular side branches, by trimming back branches that are sticking out too far on one side and very upward or downward angled branches that interrupt the classic cone shape,' Michael suggests.

The main upright stem is the 'leader' and, as Michael notes, you should remove any other vertical facing stems that are attempting to compete. This will give you a neat silhouette.

For a potted Christmas tree, you need to keep in mind it is still living and will continue growing. This is where tree pruning mistakes could harm its health.

'Prune a bit more selectively to shape it and always cut just above a bud or side shoot to encourage new growth,' Michael advises.

Make sure to not cut back too far into old, bare wood, as evergreen trees (like conifers and pine) only set buds for new growth on new wood.

The aim is to cut branches at the top of the tree shorter than those at the bottom to create the cone shape. Stepping back between cuts can help you see how it's progressing.

You should also do a bit of research around the specific pruning needs for the variety of Christmas tree you have, especially if you plant to grow it in your yard after the holidays.

For the most part, it's best to prune evergreen trees in early spring ahead of active growth.

FAQs

Can I Prune My Christmas Tree to Make it Shorter?

Yes, you can prune your Christmas tree to make it shorter, if it doesn't quite fit in your space. The best way to do this is actually pruning at the bottom, shortening the trunk. You can also trim branches to make it slimmer, but make sure to maintain the Christmas tree cone shape when doing this.

With your Christmas tree pruned, watered, and ready for decorating, you can start bringing your dream holiday tree to life. Explore our expert guide to the most beautiful, stylish Christmas tree ideas of the year for inspiration.

Shop Timeless Christmas Tree Accessories

I have always loved the way a British home holds Christmas. Older architecture makes the season feel wonderfully rooted, and I like my decorations to reflect that sense of heritage. For me, placing my Christmas tree in a pot feels perfectly in tune with this spirit. It looks intentional and elegant, as though it naturally belongs within the room rather than being perched on a temporary stand.

When I explore Christmas tree ideas, I often think about how a tree can enhance the surrounding architecture. A potted tree has a sculptural quality that works beautifully in period spaces, from high-ceilinged townhouses to cosy cottages, but if you choose a more modestly sized tree, it allows for even further versatility. A smaller potted tree can sit gracefully on a side table, a console, or a home bar.

If, like me, you often wait until December has properly begun to bring the tree inside, there is still plenty of time to find something lovely. I keep two smaller trees on the entryway table in emerald green glazed pots from The Burford Garden Co., which I always adorn with celestial-inspired decorations (I recently bought these two charming moon and sun decorations from Abask), and the overall look is utterly beautiful, if I do say so myself. Here are the pots I utterly love, from elegant classics to more rustic iterations.

One of the things I love most about a potted tree is the way it can be layered seamlessly into the rest of the room. Unlike a tree in a stand, which often feels like a seasonal addition, a potted tree can sit alongside vases, candlesticks, or a carefully curated arrangement of books and plants, almost as though it has always been part of the interior's scheme. You can play with height and scale, adding smaller evergreens, decorative branches, or lanterns to create a vignette that feels considered and atmospheric. In this way, the tree becomes part of the home rather than just a festive feature, making the whole space feel warmer, layered, and welcoming.

'Practically, potted trees are easier to move around, clean beneath, and even lift onto a table or sideboard if you want to create a higher focal point,' notes Hebe Hatton, Head of Interiors here at Homes & Gardens. 'There’s no need for cumbersome skirts, awkwardly balanced stands, or hidden water reservoirs. Aesthetically, the pot itself becomes part of the decor, adding colour, pattern, or, in the case of some pots, texture that complements the room.'

'I love how it gives the tree a sense of permanence, almost as though it belongs there year-round, rather than feeling like a temporary seasonal addition. Even a modest tree feels elevated and considered when it sits in a beautifully chosen pot, and it allows me to play with layers, vignettes, and festive styling in a way a traditional stand simply can’t.'

Shop Beautiful Christmas Tree Planter Pots

For me, putting a Christmas tree in a pot has always been the most charming and practical way to bring the festive season into my home. It allows me to move the tree, style it creatively, and really make it part of the room rather than just a seasonal afterthought.

Whether you choose a heritage-inspired chinoiserie pot, a rustic ceramic, or a simple green container, a potted tree gives you endless options. This year, I’ll be doing exactly the same, and I can’t wait to see how the right pot transforms the space. If you’ve been waiting to rethink your tree, there’s never been a better time to try it.

It feels as though Christmas has truly begun, and everywhere I look, the season is quietly taking shape. If, like me, you prefer not to decorate too early, you may only just be turning your thoughts to the tree, the garlands, and all the little details that make a home feel festive.

This is also the moment when I start gathering Christmas wreath ideas, because the right wreath sets the tone for the entire house. Hung on the door, it becomes an instant welcome – bringing a touch of magic before anyone even steps inside. Whether your taste leans toward something traditional and fragrant or something more colourful and contemporary, there’s a real joy in finding the one that feels just right.

And if you haven’t chosen yours yet, it’s certainly not too late. In fact, I think this is the perfect time to pick one, when you can clearly sense the mood you want to create. With that in mind, I’ve gathered the most beautiful Christmas wreaths of the season to help you find one you’ll love from the first day of December to the last.

I actually have two wreaths that I rotate through the season, and each one brings something different to my home. One is homemade and crafted with natural materials for a homegrown Christmas wreath that feels wonderfully personal. I gather foliage from the garden and nearby walks, and there is something very grounding about creating it myself. It changes slightly every year, depending on what I can find, and that makes it feel even more special.

The other wreath is a favourite that has become part of our family traditions. It is a classic fir tree wreath from The White Company, and it comes out year after year looking just as beautiful as the day I bought it. I love the simplicity of the design and the way it instantly makes the front door feel smart and welcoming. Having both options means I can enjoy the creativity of making something by hand while also relying on a timeless piece that always looks perfect.

Soft Touches for a Naturally Styled Door

There is a quiet elegance to pussy willow that brings a soft and natural beauty to Christmas decorating. These wreaths feel serene and sculptural, and they work beautifully in calm interiors where texture takes center stage.

A Festive Hit of Red Berries

If you’re drawn to warm tones and instant festive cheer, red berries are the perfect pick. Bursting with colour and vitality, they enliven any doorway and evoke that unmistakable Christmas magic from the very first step outside.

A Touch of Gold for Holiday Glow

Gold adds a touch of radiant glamour to the season, and these pieces are perfect for letting your decorations catch and reflect the winter light. Playful yet sophisticated, they bring a sense of celebration to even the simplest schemes.

Classic Wreaths that Capture a Heritage Look

These designs lean into tradition with shapes and greenery that have defined Christmas for generations. They feel familiar and comforting and are perfect for homes that favour timeless seasonal style.

The Beauty of a Year Round Evergreen

Simple and understated, these wreaths transition effortlessly from season to season. With a few thoughtful additions, they take on a festive spirit at Christmas and can later be refreshed for spring, summer, or even Easter.

Wreaths needn’t be confined to Christmas front doors – they can be styled throughout the home in unexpected and delightful ways. Hang one above a mantelpiece, layer several along a hallway wall, or place one flat at the centre of the dining table, surrounded by candles and greenery.

Incorporating elements from your own garden – sprigs of holly, rosemary, pinecones, or even dried seed heads – adds a wonderfully personal, seasonal touch. These natural accents bring texture, fragrance, and life to a wreath, making it feel entirely unique and deeply rooted in your home.

A good wreath can last for years if properly cared for, becoming a cherished part of your Christmas traditions. To ensure it stays in perfect condition, it is important to know how to store Christmas decorations properly. I always recommend investing in a Christmas wreath storage bag available on Amazon to keep it safe from dust, moisture, and damage. With the right care, your wreath will continue to bring festive cheer to your home year after year.

I'll level with you – I find it virtually (no, actually) impossible to take a trip to IKEA and leave empty-handed, when there are always so many useful pieces and stylish basics to stock up on at such affordable prices. But with the sale on the popular Vinterfint range, with some pieces down to 99c, it's even more tempting to fill my cart with buys that will bring my Christmas table decor ideas to life. And at those prices, I'll have money left over for extras to cater for any unexpected guests or breakages.

From the simple, yet elegant range of side plates and bowls with their delicate red rim (all at 99c) to the bold, graphic prints seen on the trays and the festive red and white stripe on the napkins, there's something for all styles of tablescape in the range.

Start with a bold red tablecloth or get out your crisp white linens, and add a simple red runner for a more sophisticated look.

There are some wonderful and really inexpensive table center ideas to be found in this collection, too, from artificial potted arrangements and bouquets to faux poinsettia plants, or if you prefer a more minimal look, this decorative table tree lamp will cast a beautiful glow. Alternatively, team these Vinterfint candleholders with some winter fir-scented tealights to bring Christmas to all the senses.

Once you've set eyes on this collection, you won't be able to resist putting a few pieces in your virtual cart, especially at these knock-down prices. Here's my shopping list to get you started.

Shop IKEA's Vinterfint Tableware

Loving the idea of bringing the festive look to the table for less? Pottery Barn's Christmas Tableware sale has some brilliant offers, that are just too good to pass up –but don't take my word for it.

Vintage holiday decorations have become more and more popular in recent years and are beloved by those who yearn for the nostalgia and simple pleasures of Christmases past. Mostly handmade and featuring details that modern decorations can’t replicate, vintage decorations have a unique charm that kindles warming memories of times gone by.

From handblown glass tree decorations and unique hand-painted ornaments, to festive dinnerware and limited-edition releases, one-of-a-kind decorations are a perfect way to inject a little festive magic into your Christmas decor. Here we’ve rounded up the most collectible vintage holiday decorations and tips on what to look for and where to find them from collectors and dealers in the know.

What Are The Most Collectible Vintage Holiday Decorations?

There’s no doubt that our affection for the past and craving for simpler times has led to an upsurge in vintage holiday decorations. As well as sparking happy memories of childhood Christmases, they are wonderfully decorative and are a great way to make your Christmas decor stand out from the crowd, say the experts.

‘Unlike mass-produced decor, vintage finds often feature richer materials, intricate details, and designs that feel warm, whimsical, and enduring. They add character and storytelling to a home, helping people create a holiday look that feels both personal and beautifully layered,’ says Lauren Reveley, co-founder of online vintage home and embroidery shop Bessette.

Thrift stores, yard sales, estate sales, and flea markets are a great place to hunt for vintage holiday decorations, but there's also a wealth available online at Etsy, 1st Dibs, and Chairish. Below, we've shared what collectible items to look for if you want to decorate with vintage this holiday season, along with handy tips from the experts.

1. Vintage Glass Ornaments

When it comes to vintage holiday decorations, glass decorations are by far the most collectible, with most experts citing these as highly sought after, as well as their personal favorites.

‘The most sought-after Christmas decorations really vary since there are so many different categories that people collect,’ says Leben Riebe, an avid collector of vintage decorations and founder of the Leben Riebe Christmas store. ‘However, I think at the moment, all vintage glass Christmas ornaments are highly collectible. The prices people are willing to pay have also gone up significantly since I began collecting in 2016. I particularly love the teardrop and indents that were made in Poland. They’re colorful, and they’re interesting. They range in size from tiny treasures no more than an inch wide, all the way up to jumbos that are 8 inches or more long.’

Designs handblown in Germany from the 19th century and early 20th century are particularly coveted. ‘Among the most sought-after vintage holiday decorations on 1stDibs are those that come from Germany, especially the fine glass baubles that have been made in the town of Lauscha since the mid-19th century,’ explains Anthony Barzilay Freund, editorial director at 1stDibs. ‘These delicately rendered, colorful Santas and angels and nutcracker soldiers became widely popular as far away as the United Kingdom and the United States by the 1870s, and they still have their devoted collectors around the world.’

Originals are expensive and hard to come by. However, luckily, there are glassworks in Lauscha that still make hand-blown glass ornaments using the original glass molds and the same time-honored techniques. For a curated selection, head to the John Derian store in New York. ‘Everyone loves our hand-blown and hand-painted glass ornaments from Nostalgie Christbaumschmuck,’ says John Derian. ‘My most treasured vintage ornament is a very small, pale blue, glass ornament with its original handmade wire hanger from the 19th century.’

This season, John Derian has also teamed up with Target to release an exclusive range of vintage-style decorations – a wonderful way to capture the vintage aesthetic without the hefty price tag. There's an array of glass ornaments in the collection, from kitschy glass lemons to classic miniature glass wreaths.

2. Santa Ornaments

Whether vintage made from glass, china or papier-mâché, vintage Santa ornaments have graced mantelpieces for centuries and continue to be popular today. An iconic symbol of the festive period, St Nick motifs can be found on everything from vintage paper die-cut Dresden decorations to plastic retro ornaments. Angela Wator, founder of the Festive Collective store in Chicago, is a Christmas fanatic with a particular fondness for decorations made in the traditional way.

A long admirer of vintage papier-mâché ornaments, she's hunted down manufacturers in Germany who make them using the same time-honored techniques to stock in her Christmas store.

‘Our most sought-after decorations are neither vintage nor modern, but new items that have been made using traditional methods. Our exquisitely detailed papier-mâché Santas and trees are custom-made for us in Germany by Ino Schaller, a family business using traditional papier-mâché methods and the same molds their ancestors developed since 1894. Because they’re hand-painted for us, we often see these antique forms adorned with modern colors and motifs.’

You can find plenty of original vintage Santa decor on Etsy, like this Vintage Set of 5 Mercury Glass Christmas Santa Ornaments from the 1950s or these ceramic Santas from the 1980s. There are modern variations too, with Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, and Spode stocking nostalgic replicas.

3. Holt Howard Santa Mugs And Ornaments

When it comes to Santa ornaments, for many, it’s the Holt Howard ornaments that may come to mind. Mid-century collectibles are distinguished by their kitsch pixie-like faces. The Holt Howard China Santa mugs are a particular festive favorite among collectors, which are often used for display rather than for drinking from. Leben Riebe likes to use them as part of creative Christmas displays.

'I have a small but dear collection of vintage Santa mugs that I display on top of antique Delft vases on my dining room sideboard. I place a little vintage bottle brush tree in each one to give Santa a festive party hat. I serendipitously began displaying them this way a few years ago when I couldn't find a spot for them elsewhere in my home, and it has become one of my favorite parts of my holiday decor.'

Anna Kinsel, blogger and founder of the online vintage store @hunleyhome, is also a fan. ‘Original Holt Howard Santa Mugs are a bit more elusive and can range anywhere from $40 to $100 apiece, so many of my weekends are spent roaming antique malls in search of the perfect addition for my china cabinet,' she says.

eBay is a good place to source these pieces at a reasonable price, and there's plenty on Etsy too.

4. Putz Houses

Originating in Germany in the early 20th century, but also made in Japan, Putz houses are miniature houses made from colorful cardboard and paper, which often have pitched roofs and are adorned with festive details like mini wreaths, snow, glitter, and mini bottle trees. The word Putz comes from the German word Putzen, meaning ‘to decorate’ or ‘to adorn’. The houses have captured the imagination of many collectors and are often displayed as part of winter village scenes.

‘I collect vintage Putz houses made in Japan in the 1930s and 1940s that I set up each holiday season as a Christmas village on my fireplace mantel,’ says Leben Riebe. ‘They are made of paper and covered in old glitter that makes them resemble little Christmas confections. I arrange them on a snowy blanket and add lighted lamp posts, bottlebrush trees, and little villagers to complete the wintry scene.’

If you're inspired to recreate this Christmas mantel decor idea, then Leben offers vintage-style Putz houses on his online shop, plus you can find originals on Etsy. You'll find replicas on Pottery Barn and Balsam Hill.

5. Vintage Festive Tableware

It’s not just tree ornaments that can transform your interior at Christmas time; tableware and table linens are a fabulous way to bring the vintage Christmas aesthetic to the dining room. From decorated plates to glassware, there’s no shortage of vintage festive pieces, but perhaps most iconic and collectible is the Spode Christmas Tree china. First produced in 1938, the design is instantly recognizable with its Santa-topped Christmas tree motif and evergreen trim.

Anna Kinsel is always on the hunt for pieces to add to her personal collection. ‘I first fell in love with vintage Christmas in 2018, shortly after graduating from college. At the top of my wish list was Spode’s iconic Christmas Tree pattern. With little money, I hunted for pieces at estate sales and thrift stores. My first 12-piece dinner and salad set was purchased at an estate sale in Houston for only $100. It was a 1993 set, marked 'Made in England', and from the moment I brought it home, it became the heart of my Christmas décor.’

Lauren Reveley agrees that, ‘Few holiday tables feel as timeless as one set with Spode’s beloved Christmas Tree pattern, a tradition passed down through generations.' When thrifting, 'look for the warm ivory background, the distinctive green trim, and that little Santa perched at the treetop – your telltale sign you’ve found the real thing,' adds Lauren Reveley. 'Whether it’s a single plate or a full service, any authentic piece adds nostalgic charm to your Christmas table decor and is always worth scooping up.’

Spode's Christmas tree pattern is still made and stocked at Macy's if you can't get your hands on the antique pieces – even new, they are sure to become family heirlooms.

6. Vintage Christmas Table Linens And Textiles

Vintage Christmas textiles are a fabulous way to inject heritage Christmas charm into festive feasting. From vintage embroidered napkins to traditional plaid tablecloths, vintage textiles are easy to source at thrift stores and are perfect for setting the scene for a nostalgic celebration. If you love the Ralph Lauren Christmas trend, they're a must.

‘Vintage Christmas textiles are some of the most delightful seasonal finds, especially when you come across a Ralph Lauren plaid tablecloth from the 1980s or a mid-century poinsettia print. Ralph Lauren’s classic tartans – deep reds, greens, and navy – bring a cozy, polished look to the table, while earlier pieces often feature bold poinsettias, holly borders, and crisp cotton or linen textures that feel wonderfully nostalgic,’ says Lauren Reveley. ‘When browsing thrift stores or estate sales, check for vibrant color, intact stitching, and only minimal staining. A well-kept vintage tablecloth adds instant holiday warmth and character to any gathering.’

7. Kugel Glass Decorations

Handmade in Germany from the 19th century, Kugel decorations are often distinguished by the silvery and luminous appearance of the glass, which has often become slightly tarnished or ‘foxed’ with age. They are usually spherical and come in a range of sizes from a couple of inches to up to 12 inches, though ribbed and fruit-inspired shapes were also made.

Kugel decorations were made in an array of colors, which was achieved by adding different minerals to the molten glass, and the insides were lined with silver to give a metallic, luminous appearance. The decorations were then topped with brass caps to prevent the silver interiors from oxidizing.

The predecessors of these Kugel Christmas balls were the larger Kugel decorations, also known as witch balls. In Europe, it’s thought these were hung in windows from the 18th century in order to ward off evil spirits. Both the original Kugels and the smaller decorations that came after are both sought after by collectors of vintage decorations. ‘I love a simple silver ball, whether new or antique. I have a collection of small and large vintage kugels that I hang throughout my apartment,’ says John Derian.

8. Branded Christmas Decorations (With Original Packaging)

As with any type of vintage and antique pieces, branded items are always sought after. ‘Equally special are collections of vintage holiday decorations released on an annual basis by major heritage brands, including Reed & Barton’s sterling silver ornaments and classic decorative porcelain dishes by the likes of Rosenthal and Royal Copenhagen,' explains Anthony Barzilay Freund, Editorial Director, 1stDibs.

If you're searching for vintage Christmas decorations that will hold their value, look for those with stamps and hallmarks, and keep your eyes peeled for decorations in their original packaging. Often, the original packaging can be as charming as the items themselves.

'We carry a lot of vintage reproductions with thoughtfully designed packaging that create a nostalgic experience beyond the item itself. When a customer is unboxing a set of Tru-Tone glass bulbs from a beautiful die-cut box, the entire process of decorating feels more meaningful and redolent of history,' says Angela Wator.

A vintage Aluminum Christmas tree, such as this one on Etsy, complete with its own packaging, can fetch upwards of $850. 'A vintage aluminum Christmas tree – especially one paired with its original color wheel – is the crown jewel of holiday thrifting. These mid-century treasures shimmer with that iconic 1950s–60s glow, and a working color wheel brings the full nostalgic magic to life. If you spot one in good condition, grab it fast – they’re striking, collectible, and disappear quickly this time of year,' says Lauren Reveley.

9. Decorations With a Beautiful Patina

For many Christmas collectors, it isn't necessarily the motif, style, or brand of the decoration that draws them in, but the beautiful handcrafted details. Decorations made up until the mid-20th century are meticulously handmade and often showcase the unique marks of their maker. These decorations have been passed down through generations, unboxed year after year, which has left many with charming patinas imbued with inimitable charm and character.

‘I especially love the joyful and exuberant designs of many vintage Christmas decorations. The artisans creating these objects did not have a fear of mixing different colors, patterns, and textures, and did so very thoughtfully. And the result is something that seems so hard to find with new Christmas decorations today,’ explains Leben Riebe.

The Vintage Christmas Decor Edit

Craving a nostalgic Christmas? These hand-picked vintage finds are ideal for capturing the unique, layered look. Look for authentic glass decorations from the 19th and 20th centuries. Some retailers also offer beautiful replicas of vintage designs. However, for those who don't have time to hunt out originals, there's also a huge array of vintage-inspired designs to channel the vintage Christmas aesthetic.

If you love nostalgic seasonal style, then it’s well worth hunting down vintage holiday decorations to incorporate into your Christmas scheme. Whether it’s glass ornaments for the tree, standing ornaments for the mantel, or festive homewares and tableware, incorporating vintage and collectible pieces is a wonderful way to bring a personal touch to festive decor and spark happy memories.

‘There is a connection to the past that I experience when collecting vintage Christmas items,' says Leben Riebe. ‘They bring back memories of my childhood Christmases and the wonder and excitement that I felt during the holiday season.’

When decorating with vintage, balance is key – too much vintage and schemes can feel dated. Mixing one-of-a-kind decorations such as vintage glass baubles, alongside handmade decorations and modern vintage-style finds, is a great way to achieve a vintage aesthetic for the modern home.

I’ve noticed that this year, UK stores are wholeheartedly embracing the felt-animal Christmas tree trend – and I couldn’t be more delighted. Everywhere you turn, charming little foxes, owls, rabbits, and hedgehogs are ready to nestle among the branches, transforming an ordinary tree into a whimsical woodland tableau.

When it comes to Christmas decorating, felt animals are a charming way to introduce personality without overpowering the overall look. They pair effortlessly with traditional baubles, twinkling lights, and sprigs of greenery, while their soft, tactile texture adds a subtle layer of warmth and whimsy. For anyone who delights in creating a tree that feels thoughtfully curated, playful, and just a touch magical, these little creatures make the perfect finishing touch.

I have, of course, been hugely tempted by the Emmeline the Mouse Felt Christmas Decoration from Selfridges, as well as the Felt Groovy Grannies decoration, which never fails to make me belly-laugh. If, like me, you’re a Strictly Come Dancing fan, you’ve probably already spotted the adorable Anton-inspired dancing judge Felt Mouse at Heal’s – it’s a perfect ten in my book. My personal favourite, though, has to be the Felt Knitted Sheep at Habitat, which is simply irresistible.

Here are just some of the felt Christmas decorations I’ve been coveting, and with the sales happening now, it’s the perfect time to nab any that tug at your heartstrings.

Christmas doesn’t need to be overly polished or impeccably serious; it can be delightfully whimsical – ridiculous, even – and all the more charming for it. Felt animal ornaments embody this spirit perfectly. Yes, they are novelty pieces, but in the very best sense: beautiful in their simplicity, quietly humorous, and brimming with personality. A tiny fox peeking through fir branches, an owl perched between baubles, or a hedgehog nestled beside a string of lights brings not only life and character to the tree but a gentle sense of narrative, too. To me, this is what Christmas is truly about – playfulness, magic, and those small, enchanting details that make you smile every time you notice them.

What elevates felt animal decorations even further is the cosy, cottagecore charm they lend to your scheme. Their soft textures, handcrafted appeal, and woodland-inspired forms evoke the comfort of a countryside retreat, where every detail feels warm, thoughtful, and a little bit whimsical. When paired with twinkling lights, natural greenery, and classic baubles, these little creatures transform a Christmas tree into a miniature enchanted forest – nostalgic, inviting, and beautifully atmospheric. It’s a decorating approach that embraces simplicity, celebrates nature, and invites a touch of storytelling into the heart of the home.

I asked Oxfordshire-based interior designer Caroline Borgman where she sources her Christmas tree decorations. 'I love giving felt Christmas decorations to family and friends as gifts around Christmas time,' she says. 'I’m drawn to charming, unique pieces rather than masses of shiny glitter or uninspiring glass baubles. For the most tasteful decorations, I always look to Rowen & Wren, Anthropologie, The White Company, and Daylesford when I’m in the mood to splash out. I also really rate Graham and Green for quirky touches to mix in. I try to pick up at least one new decoration every year.'

The Felt Animals You Need on Your Christmas Tree

Felt decorations don’t have to live only on the tree. Threaded through ribbon or natural twine, they make lovely additions to wrapped gifts. A tiny fox perched atop a parcel or a knitted sheep dangling from a bow feels thoughtful and personal, turning every gift into part of the overall festive decor.

Choosing an alternative to a classic Christmas wreath is an elegant way to add impact to your home’s festive décor. Rather than showcasing the usual ring of holly, ivy and spruce on your front door why not opt for a different shape, choice of foliage or selection of unexpected accents and materials.

From a gracefully draped swag, tied bunch of foliage to meticulously woven hearts and stars, the options are endless, and create a brilliant opportunity to experiment with new and unusual natural materials.

As a great believer of having fun with plants and festive décor, I couldn’t resist sharing a few of my favorite discoveries including the latest Christmas door décor ideas and more outdoor Christmas decoration ideas.

5 creative alternatives to a classic festive wreath

Opting for an alternative to a traditional Christmas wreath is a fun and effective way to revitalize your home's festive look.

By making your own door decoration, not only can you tweak the style and colors to suit your home, and your personality, but it's often easier than you may think.

Holly and feather starburst

Give your home's exterior plenty of feelgood festive drama this winter with a stunning feather and foliage combination. Although the base for this design is a traditional wire ring clad in moss and secured with florist wire, the striking outline is a dramatic starburst.

Thanks to the mix of peacock and brown-striped tail feathers placed amongst glossy holly leaves and berries, the surface is fascinating mix of soft and harsh textures, shapes and natural colours. Snipped sprigs of spruce help mesh the look together along with white spotted quail feathers for a sparkly highlight.

Find a selection of natural feathers for crafts at Walmart and be sure to invest in some utility scissors at Amazon to cut holly stems to length.

Bay leaf garland

Celebrate the beauty of bay leaves with a simple, but undeniably stylish, garland. Made solely of bay leaves, they are threaded in small bunches on to short lengths of florist wire – try 22 gauge green floral wire available at Amazon – and then twisted on to a wire ring base. Walmart sell a wide range of shapes and sizes, which you can find here.

Thanks to the foliage's naturally glossy surface and matt russet underside, the result is delightfully ruffled and perfectly finished off with an offset, ornate hot pink bow.

Densely packed together, the ring base and open center are hardly visible, creating the look of a circular mass rather than a classic wreath. You can find beautiful luxury ribbon velvet fuchsia ribbon at Walmart.

Spruce, pine and conifer branch bouquet

I don't think you can beat this spray of winter branches for simple, festive elegance and it's pretty easy to make too. No floristry skills needed. A beautiful and more natural-looking alternative to a traditional wreath, it shows off the contrasting types of foliage, colors and textures.

Gather long lengths of different evergreens, including conifer, pine, holly and fir – ideally with cones and berries still attached – then with cut ends together, layer them up starting with the longest branches first before progressing to the shorter, slimmer cuttings on top.

If you fancy adding a touch of fragrance, top off your arrangement with one of the best types of scented foliage for Christmas decorations. A bundle of rosemary stems, not only lends an icy touch with its silvery leaves, but it will also release its warm spicy scent whenever you brush past.

A pair of sharp, sturdy secateurs are essential for this front door display. I particularly rate these Fiskars Bypass pruners Amazon. Finish off with a silky ochre ribbon, such as this satin ribbon from Walmart.

Twig and cone star

How about this star shaped hanging for a striking alternative to a holiday wreath. Delightfully pared back and fun to make, it is a stylish, contemporary front door decoration, perfect for a warm festive welcome.

Made from a selection of smooth, twigless branches, start with the longest five lengths and arrange them in a star form.

A small handsaw such as this Felco 602 folding pruning saw from Amazon is the easiest way to cut these branches to size. Secure them in place with a hot glue gun kit, such as this one from Walmart and leave to dry.

Gradually thread in shorter branches to fill in the star, gluing them in place and leaving to dry before adding the next. Whitewash your star using watered down white latex paint, before finishing off with pine cones and sections of spruce.

Need to hang your arrangement easily, try these clear wreath hanger hooks from Amazon.

Try a festive swag of spruce and pine

Ditch the wreath and opt for a graceful foliage swag instead. Paired with a cluster of antique-look decorative bells, it's an elegant arrangement that has timeless appeal.

Most impactful if you stick to two different types of foliage, for a subtle variation in texture and tone, this arrangement can be a little fiddly to create but it is definitely satisfying, and the end result worthwhile.

Start with a 'U' shaped base; long lengths of natural raffia ribbon bound into a 2 inch 'rope' with natural twine is ideal. You can find raffia at Walmart. Snip off lengths of conifer, pine or fir and bind securely on to the raffia base at intervals, using hemp twine available from Walmart.

Start using longer sections of foliage at the ends of the 'U', working back in to the centre using increasingly shorter stems as you go. Once the base – and its sides are covered – wrap a chunky length of natural rope around the mid section, to hide the exposed cut ends.

Perfect for attaching a rear hanging loop and the decorative bells, it gives the finished swag a laidback yet festive flourish.

These decorative cow bells with a jute hanging rope from Amazon have a naturally aged look and complement the cool, icy tones.

Hopefully these alternatives to a traditional wreath have inspired you to rethink your festive decorations this year, and try something new.

For more inspiration take a look at these outdoor Christmas décor ideas and these tips to switch up your Christmas porch décor.

Not all of us align with the most classic of Christmas color schemes. While red, green, and gold feel undeniably festive, they don't always feel at home with certain design styles, and so turning to some of the more unexpected hues for holiday decorating can offer fresh inspiration.

But what are the unexpected Christmas colors that feel design-led and playful, while still managing to bring festive cheer into a home? We turned to the expertise of interior designers who share all below.

From icy shades of blue to soft pinks, you'll find that these five non-traditional shades for the holidays feel in keeping with the latest color trends, ensuring a design-forward home that isn't afraid to break the rules.

Five Non-Traditional Colors to Inspire Your Christmas Decor

1. Mauve

Mauve, the once-outdated color, has been making a comeback in interiors lately, so it's only fitting to bring this soft shade to Christmas color schemes. 'Soft mauve makes a beautiful choice for Christmas,' says the interior designer Lauren Saab. 'It has an intrinsically romantic glow that never gets close to red.'

To style this shade, Lauren recommends using it in place of red, alongside classic Christmas colors such as green. 'Pair it with brass and natural greenery, and you have a holiday look that feels both nostalgic and modern,' she says. 'The trick is to keep the palette tight. If mauve appears in accents such as velvet ribbon, florals, and ornaments, you’ve got a look that feels intentional instead of overly used.'

2. Pink

Another modern twist on red Christmas schemes is pink, which adds softness and warmth. 'I love the use of pink instead of red, paired with green,' says interior designer Alexandra Kaehler. 'It’s a riff on a classic holiday color scheme that feels a bit fresh.'

'Burgundy and blush are a beautiful way to refresh your holiday decor if you want something beyond the traditional red and green,' agrees Suzanne Barrow of Barrow Interiors. 'The deep burgundy adds richness, while the soft pink keeps everything feeling warm and romantic – especially on a fireplace garland.'

'When trying this at home, keep your greenery simple and let the ribbons introduce the color,' says Suzanne. 'Varying the widths and textures, like velvet and silk, adds dimension and makes the whole look feel thoughtful, yet unexpected.'

3. Light Blue

Warm color schemes are so often the go-tos during the holidays, but cool-toned colors can be just as stylish – adding an unexpected and fresh touch that also leans more contemporary. Interior designer Kelly Neely enjoys using light blue and teams it with metallic hues as well as the more traditional green.

'The trick to using non-traditional colors for Christmas is to pair them with a more traditional tone or metallics,' says Kelly. 'This helps to bring the festive holiday look full circle. Think blue and sage green. It’s non-traditional but can be very festive.'

4. Brown

If you prefer decorating with neutrals for the holidays, brown is an on-trend way to go. 'Browns feel cozy, grounding, and full of warmth, which is exactly what I want at Christmas,' says color consultant Charlotte Cropper.

'If you’re using an unexpected color like brown, the key is to use it through accents and materials with plenty of texture,' Charlotte adds. 'Think warm woods, amber glass, maroon accents, brass details, and natural fibers. These variations in texture and finish add depth and help the color feel intentional rather than dominant.'

'An unconventional color can be just as festive (if not more) than the traditional red and green, because when it’s a shade you genuinely love, it feels personal, and you’ll smile every time you see it,' says Charlotte.

5. Chartreuse

Decorating with green is one of the most festive hues, but rather than the dark tones that reflect evergreen leaves, why not go for a more playful look with bright tones? This is a favorite style for designer Katie Kiser of Katie Kiser & Co., who highlights chartreuse and olive as a festive pairing. 'It is unbelievably chic and fresh,' she says.

'Think Fraser fir, cedar, and olive leaf garlands and wreaths with luxurious chartreuse satin ribbon,' says Katie. 'For an additional pop, tie in smaller olive velvet accent bows with long flowing tails, and crisp Granny Smith apples peppered throughout. I think you can tie this scheme back into your Christmas tree with beautiful chartreuse glass ornaments, and even a table-scape with your Bordallo Pinheiro cabbage plates mixed with your traditional Christmas china paired with a chartreuse linen.'

Each of these unexpected colors brings a fresh touch to Christmas schemes and takes things from traditional to playful. Whether you choose warm shades of pink as a twist on red or go for the more unexpected chartreuse, don't be afraid to experiment and layer colors that bring you joy.

IKEA's latest wall-mounted Christmas decoration is the smart, stylish answer for small-space Christmas cheer. It's the perfect, minimal-footprint alternative to a traditional tree – ideal for compact living or adding a festive flourish to a child’s room.

Crafted from pine with compact living in mind, IKEA's VINTERFINT Wall Decoration transforms any wall into a seasonal centerpiece, allowing you to embrace the magic of Christmas decorating without sacrificing valuable floor space. Its accordion-like design can be extended to the width and shape that best suits your room, offering a flexible and refined approach to holiday decorating.

Inspired by a simple knob rack, the VINTERFINT features 37 hooks, perfect for hanging baubles, fairy lights, sprigs of greenery, or even small gifts. Its versatility makes it ideal for playful decorating, and its modest footprint ensures that even the tiniest of homes – or a children’s room – can embrace the holiday spirit. Once Christmas is over, the wall tree folds neatly away, making storage effortless and convenient – a thoughtful detail for anyone short on space.

‘Decorating for Christmas in small spaces can feel challenging, but the VINTERFINT is a delight,’ says Hebe Hatton, Head of Interior at Homes & Gardens. ‘I love how versatile the design is, especially for creative types or children – it encourages playful, imaginative decorating without ever feeling cluttered.’

Designer Mikael Axelsson explains the inspiration behind the piece: ‘It can be tricky to fit a traditional Christmas tree, especially if you live in a small space. That’s why I decided to create an alternative.’ The result is a design that is at once practical, playful, and elegant, bringing the charm of a festive tree to modern interiors without overwhelming them.

The VINTERFINT wall decoration is part of IKEA's 2025 Christmas collection, which features elements inspired by Scandinavian folk art and woodland motifs. Alongside the tree, the range includes patterned stockings, reusable advent calendars, and ornaments that echo the natural beauty of Swedish winter landscapes.

For anyone navigating a small apartment, a guest room, or a child’s bedroom – or simply seeking a more minimalist Christmas approach to holiday decorating – the VINTERFINT is a solution that marries practicality with festive charm. It proves that even in the smallest spaces, a touch of holiday magic is always possible.

Shop Alternative Christmas Trees

For many of us, Advent marks the beginning of the festive period and having a beautiful Advent calendar to count down the days is a lovely Christmas ritual that helps us get into the festive spirit. DIY Advent calendars are all the rage at the moment and are a wonderful Christmas craft idea to bring a personal touch to your festivities. Unlike standardised off-the-peg Advent calendars, the beauty of DIY designs is that they can be customised around your loved ones' interests and seasonal traditions so that each family member is catered for - from the young to the young-at-heart.

DIY Advent calendars are also a lovely opportunity to get stuck into something mindful amid the frenzy of holiday preparations. For those looking for a sustainable celebration, a handcrafted Advent calendar that can be reused and refilled year after year is an eco-friendly option, plus they make cherished family heirlooms that can be passed down through the generations.

'DIY Advent calendars are having a real moment this year as shoppers look for ways to make the countdown feel more personal and meaningful. On Etsy, searches for Advent calendars are already up +109%*, a sign that shoppers’ are eager to put their own spin on tradition,' says Etsy Trend Expert, Dayna Isom Johnson.

'It’s less about what’s inside and more about building a ritual that truly reflects who you are. This year, try creating an Advent calendar that feels uniquely ‘you’—whether that means mini reads for the book lover or little nods to your own family traditions.'

Our Head of Living, Katrina, spoke to Jo Malone's fragrance expert Céline Roux about her festive traditions recently, and she revealed how a treasure hunt-style Advent calendar, was one of her favorite family activities for the holiday.

I've rounded up an array of creative DIY Advent calendar projects to inspire, including make-from-scratch ideas, to ready-made designs perfect for customising.

*Based on searches on Etsy in the last month (compared to the month before)

1. Style an Envelope Advent Calendar

For a super quick Advent calendar that has a big impact, this envelope wall calendar is a great option. Simply gather together an assortment of envelopes in different sizes and attach to the wall in a festive arrangement - a tree works particularly well, or a wreath could work too. For best results, use assorted colours, but stick to a limited palette, as shown here with silver and icy blue tones. These self-seal colorful envelopes from Amazon come in a whole spectrum of tones

To prevent damage to paintwork, use adhesive strips that won't chip the paint, such as Gorilla Putty (available from Walmart). Alternatively, mount the envelopes on a board like this large felt bulletin board (Amazon) – that way you can move it around the house, too.

2. Make a Mini Pouch Garland Calendar

This simple and sustainable garland calendar couldn't be easier to create, all you need is a length of string, 24 small canvas pouches, such as these Mini jute bags from Amazon, 24 mini wooden clothes pins (Walmart), and 24 small brown tags (Amazon).

Simply fill each canvas pouch with treats and gifts, peg the pouches at regular intervals along the string, and attach numbered labels to each pouch. For fillings, try 'sweet treats, tea lights, lip balm, crystals, lavender or herb bundles,' says Angela Maynard, author of The Art of Gifting Naturally.

'Peg the filled pouches to the string, either from left to right following the numbers 1-24 or mixing up the numbers so that recipients have to search for that day’s pouch.' This makes it a little more fun and exciting for little ones.

3. Hanging Toy Drum Advent calendar

Søstrene Grene's Drum Advent calendar makes a fun, festive idea for little ones in the family. Individually wrapped gifts are strung from a DIY cardboard drum trimmed with tinsel and suspended from the ceiling to create an interactive mobile. It's such a simple idea, which can be recreated with a strip of card formed into a cylinder shape and attached at the ends, then decorated with pretty paper. Make it super sustainable by using scraps of Christmas wrapping paper that are too small for gifts.

Why not get creative with different concepts? You could make a cluster of papier-mache covered balloons, decorated in a festive way. But you will need to make sure you choose small gifts such as chocolate coins, candies or stationery items so it doesn't put too much weight on the main creation.

4. Go for a Mantelpiece Village Advent Calendar

Take inspiration from Scandinavian village scenes and vintage Putz house villages with an Advent calendar of mini cardboard house gift boxes. The Advent Calendar Christmas Village House kit from Etsy features premade cardboard houses in three different sizes that can be easily folded together and finished with pegs and gold paper numbers. For a simple, rustic look, keep them plain, alternatively, you could customise them with paint and glitter to resemble a true Putz village.

The boxes can be arranged along a mantelpiece to double as a Christmas mantel decor idea. Alternatively, you could string them up along a foraged branch or a piece of festive ribbon to create a hanging mobile.

'One of my favorite ways to elevate an Advent calendar — especially a mini-box style like this one — is to give it a little stage presence. Try arranging the boxes at different heights using stacked books or small risers, then warm up the look by layering in cozy textures like greenery, ribbon, or soft linens underneath,' advises Etsy trend expert, Dayna Isom Johnson. 'The mix of dimension and natural materials gives the display that warm, handmade feel shoppers are craving this season.'

5. Create a Cardboard Tube Advent Calendar

This ingenious Advent calendar idea from Swedish brand Søstrene Grene is proof that you don't have to spend a fortune to create something fun and unique. To create it, fill 24 cardboard toilet paper tubes with gifts and festive treats before wrapping them individually in beautiful paper.

Number the ends of each roll with a metallic pen, like these multi-colored ones from Amazon, and then, using a glue gun (available from Walmart), glue the rolls together in a tree formation. Finally, glue green felt (Walmart) over the top to finish. The gift is retrieved by simply punching through the paper to reveal, which kids will love.

6. Use Reclaimed Materials for Your Advent Calendar

If you love styling thrifted pieces then you'll love this simple and elegant DIY Advent calendar. Set against a beautiful vintage French screen, the frame is a repurposed antique child's bow and arrow - hung with simple white paper bags.

This makes a fun talking point, plus it's a great way to decorate sustainably at Christmas time. When you're next at a yard sale or thrift store, think a little outside the box - there are lots of items which could be repurposed for hanging Advent gift bags, like these from Amazon such as vintage wooden rulers or old wooden coat hangers.

'The easiest DIY Advent calendars often become statement wall decor pieces when designed with texture, color, and unexpected materials. In my experience, simple envelopes pinned on reclaimed wood, tiny glass jars hung from twine, or small linen pouches clipped to a minimalist rod transform ordinary walls into seasonal art,' says Erwin Gutenkust, CEO of Neolithic Materials.

7. Design a Pegboard Advent Calendar

For those looking to curb consumption at Christmas, why not try a simple Advent calendar featuring pretty pictures or Christmas messages? Harking back to the simple Advent calendars of the past, there's something lovely about a humble paper version that conjures the simple pleasures of Christmases past.

Choose an assortment of pretty Christmas postcards (you could even repurpose last year's Christmas cards) and write happy Christmas memories on them.

To make this, buy a simple memo board, like this one from IKEA, and place pins in a simple festive shape, such as a star or Christmas tree, then wrap some ribbon around the shape to create a Christmas-themed backdrop. You could even cover the board in Christmas wrap first to give it a more decorative look. Then use the pins to attach your meaninful memos.

8. Try a Wall Organizer Advent Calendar

If you're handy with the sewing machine, then this canvas wall organizer makes a great customizable Advent calendar that can be brought out year after year. Not only is it easy to store and fold away, it can be styled up and filled for different occasions throughout the year such as Halloween or Easter - simply fill with seasonal gifts.

This DIY wall organizer sewing pattern, available on Etsy, can be made using simple canvas, as pictured, for a classic look. Alternatively, why not mix in some festive prints or classic gingham or plaid for a traditional festive feel?

For an easier and quicker take, a simple ready-made hanging organizer, like this one from Wayfair which already features 24 pockets and comes in a range of colors to suit your decor, will work perfectly.

Once hung, try styling up your organizer with LED fairy lights, fresh seasonal foliage, then fill the pockets with sweet treats, mini toys, candles or beauty products.

9. A Wall-Hung Tree Advent Calendar

If you're looking for a super quick and easy DIY Advent calendar, then take inspiration from this wall-hung VINTERFINT wooden tree from IKEA, which is perfect for hanging countdown gift bags.

These colourful mini treat bags from Target would work well, or drawstring gift bags. Alternatively, if you are crafty, handmade knitted stockings or mittens are a lovely way to lean into the festive mood.

DIY Advent Calendar Essentials

Looking for more DIY Christmas craft ideas? We've compiled a guide packed with inspiration for a hands-on festive season, from wreaths to hand-made gift wrap.

This holiday season, the well-loved Christmas bow decor trend is back and better than ever. Of course, we'll continue to see these delicate details adorn Christmas trees, wreaths, and other indoor holiday displays, but Shea McGee has inspired a new wave of bow styling – this time, outside on the front porch.

The designer recently took to Instagram to share her Christmas porch decor idea that includes a stylish arrangement of bows. Around her front door hangs a bushy strand of evergreen garland, and within that strand are several draping red ribbon bows that add a level of classic Christmas charm to the display. Not only that, but on either side of the door are two miniature trees with matching bows tied on top of them – the perfect complementary detail to Shea's outdoor holiday decor setup.

One of the best things about Shea's outdoor Christmas display is that it's not overly complex in its design. The designer worked with Christmas decor staples – garland, a wreath, and miniature evergreen trees – and simply added some bows to enhance the overall look.

Even with the inclusion of a popular holiday decor trend, this Christmas porch doesn't feel overly trendy. That's because Shea stuck to the classic Christmas color palette of red and green. It's a simple styling moment that makes a substantial impact on the look of the home.

But the best part? This holiday arrangement is extremely easy to recreate. With a long strand of Christmas garland (like this 6' Cedar Pre-Lit Faux Garland) and a spool of red ribbon (this Faux Silk Ribbon from Etsy can get you the same look), you can create your very own rendition of Shea's classically elegant Christmas porch.

Shop The Look

Year after year, you can guarantee McGee & Co.'s holiday collection will sell out really quickly, and stocks are especially low right now as there is a huge 50% off the collection in the McGee & Co. Black Friday sales.

However, I have done some digging to find the pieces that are left in stock, plus a few more buys that will help you recreate her timeless, chic aesthetic in your own porch.

Shea porch takes a classic look that we've so far been seeing all over the most stylish trees of 2025 and takes it outdoors, combining plenty of evergreen and pops of deep red to create a scene that's timeless yet playful. And it's such a simple look to recreate with a handful of ribbon and plenty of greenery.

Hanging a Christmas wreath on the front door is like putting the icing on a cake – it is the perfect finishing touch for the festive season.

If you are renting, however, or don't want a giant hook on your door year-round, it can be a little tricky to get it installed. Luckily, for just $10, this simple adjustable wreath hook from Walmart lets you hang yours safely, securely, and without a single dent or chip to your door.

It’s chic enough to complement any Christmas porch decor and reusable year after year. So you can go big on holiday style without worrying about the clean up or your deposit.

The Quick $10 Walmart Fix For Hanging Wreaths Without Damage

One of the most serious mistakes to avoid when hanging Christmas decorations is opting for permanent hanging solutions that you will have to live with year-round. Damage-free, semi-permanent solutions are always the best option.

However, when it comes to hanging wreaths to elevate your Christmas door decor ideas, you want some added security so that it is not blown off by the wind or knocked off by delivery drivers and guests. The solution is sturdy hooks, says Sarah Klingman, CEO and founder of Mostest.

She shares, 'As an event designer, we're challenged in decorating for events at venues with strict no-damage policies. 'Use damage-free hooks and hanging strips designed to hold varying weights. These are ideal for hanging wreaths, stockings, and lightweight ornaments. If using adhesive options, ensure the wall surface is clean and dry before applying.'

The over-the-door hook from Walmart is a great option for external doors that face the elements, as it can withstand the elements without relying on adhesive that may fail in wet weather. What's more, you don't have to worry as much about weight restrictions.

It is the adjustable feature that reviewers love the most about this handy renter-friendly hack. Verified shopper Yiayia gave the hook five stars, commenting, 'This is an easy and effective way to hang a wreath from any height on your door. I have a long door, and it fits perfectly!! It is so easy to adjust.'

Fellow shopper Michelle agreed, adding that the impressive weight capacity was perfect for her luxury wreath; 'It does the job well and easily held my new, heavy Christmas wreath that I was given as a gift. [...] I was unsure if this would be adequate, but I am pleased to say that it was perfect. For the price, you can't go wrong. Also, it fits the top of the door perfectly and doesn't interfere with it closing. Again, I am very pleased.'

If you want some added security to prevent your wreath from falling from the hook or being stolen, Emily Piepenbrink, Christmas enthusiast and owner of Christmas blog Merrie, suggests adding zip ties to your essential Christmas first-aid kit along with the door hook.

She urges, 'If you need to hang anything anywhere at Christmastime, use a zip tie! Garlands on a railing, large ornaments or tree toppers to the tree, wreaths on the back of chairs, and a zip tie is your best friend. They're easier and faster to use than floral wire, and removing them just takes a quick snip.' These clear zip ties from Walmart are ideal for blending into your decor.

Meet the Experts

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Next, if your driveway is covered in snow or frost, did you know sand is a quick, easy and reusable item you can use for instant traction? No more costly and one-use salt.

Christmas is the perfect opportunity to go bold and be as creative as you like when it comes to dressing your house. And with the main event being based around the table, with your loved ones coming together over a wonderful meal, your Christmas table decor ideas may be top of your list when it comes to creating a sense of occasion. There are so many wonderful Christmas decor ideas to try, whether you prefer a fun, kitsch look, a traditional and nostalgic feel, or a modern, minimal vibe.

'Tablescaping is all about the fun, you can show off a little and put your stamp on something temporary in a way that you may not when designing a room,' says says interior designer, Natalia Miyar. 'I love finding reference points for the event or time or season, it lifts everyone's spirits to see a well-dressed table and establish a sense of occasion.'

Here are the expert-approved Christmas table decor ideas that will help you to create the most magical tablescape for your holiday gatherings, with plenty of tips and buys.

Start by Creating a Canvas

Whether you favor bold festive tablecloths and statement runners or textural neutral-hued linens, a stylish tablecloth can act as a beautiful foundation on which to build your other elements. Whether you keep things seasonal and traditional and pick a tablecloth that embodies traditional colors of Christmas in a modern way, such as this bold striped Monique Lhuillier Harper Organic Cotton Tablecloth from Pottery Barn, or something with more of a rich, heritage feel, like this Morris & Co. x Williams Sonoma Blackthorn Tablecloth is down to your own personal preference. Either way, laying a beautiful tablecloth with an inviting texture, color, or eye-catching pattern or print is one of the easiest ways you can spruce up your dining table for the festive season.

1. Make a Feature of Patterned Table Linens

If you're struggling to know where to start with your tablescape then a beautiful tablecloth can be a great source of inspiration and it can really set the tone for a Christmas table, bringing a sense of occasion.

Opt for something with a rich or embellished pattern for a lavish look, or choose something that has a design running through the center or a striking runner (like this Holly Berry Linen Table Runner from Pottery Barn). This is a clever design trick that will give the impression of a table garland with minimal effort. A few taper candles dotted along the length, and some fresh sprigs of greenery will be sufficient to finish the look if you want to opt out of an elaborate centerpiece.

'Tartan is also a strong contender for holiday linens,' says Joanna Buchanan, Founder of the eponymous home and lifestyle store. 'You can use a tartan tablecloth and napkins for that Ralph Lauren-inspired Christmas trend. It's traditional, but add a whimsical napkin ring, and you have a whole new take on tartan.'

2. Keep it Elegant and Understated with a Neutral Base

Anyone who has hosted Christmas or a large dinner party knows how stressful it can be, so it's important that tablescapes are easy to put together. Luckily, you don't have to go to great lengths to create a beautiful setup. For elegant Christmas table decor you can't go wrong with a neutral scheme with natural textures and greenery. Choose a white or off-white linen tablecloth (like this European linen tablecloth in Flax from Quince) with a beautiful texture, and add sprigs of festive greenery (try some Faux Baby Blue Eucalyptus Branch from Pottery Barn). In place of a centerpiece, opt for some simple pillar candles in elegant glass hurricane lanterns (we like these Gavin Hurricane lanterns from Pottery Barn, which have a luxe gold base).

3. Complement Your Existing Decor for a Fresh Festive Spin

Tablescapes work best if they complement their surroundings, so during the festive season, be inspired by your existing colors, materials, and china. Birdie Fortescue, Owner of eponymous interiors brand, says: 'The best tables you see in magazines and on social media are usually designed to sit in complete harmony with their surroundings.'

She continues, 'Colors in the table linens might reflect the paint color on the walls, floral arrangements might tie in with the palette of a key painting, and decorations added to the space most probably all link together.'

In the image above, everything in the space is in complete balance and every tone used is picked up or highlighted elsewhere. From the colored glassware (this Lenox stackable glass set from Macy's comes in a range of muted hues) and peach-hued candles (for similar, try Pottery Barn's taper candles in Rosewood), which bring a subtle pop of color, to the tablecloth, which brings out the putty color of the walls; the whole look is cohesive. Swapping a traditional Christmas color palette for one that echoes your existing home decor can also create a more contemporary and fresh festive feel.

4. Go for a 'More is More' Approach for a Lavish Look

'More is more,' says Interior Designer, Penny Morrison. 'I love a maximalist approach, so I always suggest using lots of accessories and layering different table linens to add different dimensions to the tablescape.'

That might mean going big and bold with clashing colors, creating abundant centerpieces that spill over bowls and vases, or adding plenty of layers to your tablescape with textured placemats, metallic chargers, mix and match dinnerware, and embroidered linens

'This is the one time of the year when family traditions and decorations reminiscent of past holidays are paramount,' says enteraining expert and founder of the eponymous tableware store, Kim Seybert. 'For the table, I always start with a tablecloth emblematic of Christmas, be it in red-and-green tartan or embroidered with garlands.'

If you can't go big at Christmas, when can you? So if you like this style, make it the canvas for your Christmas table decor ideas, starting with embellished linens like this Celine embroidered table throw from Pottery Barn, and build up the look picking out the colors and textures in the base.

Choose a Festive Theme to Center Your Decor Around

‘Whether the setting is casual or formal, minimal or maximalist, monochromatic or colorful – it's the smallest of details, the tablecloths and napkins, crockery and glassware as well as the candles and flowers that have the ability to make the day truly wonderful and memorable for guests,' says Tricia Guild, founder and creative director of Designers Guild. These are some of the easiest and most effective Christmas decor themes to try.

5. Create a Magical Woodland Tablescape

Bring the outdoors in with a magical forest-themed table. Start with a verdant Christmas wreath for the center by packing a metal wreath frame (like this Floracraft wire wreath from Walmart) with damp moss and securing it with floristry wire. Gather together foliage such as pine, eucalyptus, ivy, and fern, and layer the largest stems around the moss base, working in the same direction, from large to small, until your wreath is verdant and full.

Add pillar candles in the middle of the wreath, lay foraged mossy branches and ivy along the center, and dot about woodland animal decorations (like these forest animal figures from Amazon), pine cones, and some eclectic mercury glass candle holders like these from Pottery Barn, to bring the look to life. To continue the green, natural theme, use green leafy crockery such as Bordallo Pinheiro cabbage plates (Bloomingdale's).

6. Opt For a Playful Look with Unexpected Colors and Patterns

For a quirky Christmas table full of personality, trade in classic red and gold for patterns and brights and layer with crockery and textiles, mixing and matching colors and patterns across linens and centerpieces. 'Be unexpected. You might think that a certain tablecloth might not look good paired with table mats in another design, but you never know,' advises Penny Morrison. 'Sometimes the most unexpected pairings are the best, so don’t be afraid to get a bit playful and creative.' We love this Peter Dunham + Hudson Grace Green Fig Leaf Printed Tablecloth with its bold, botanical print.

Up the ante by including shining baubles along the table, in an array of rainbow brights that pick up key shades you've used elsewhere. These mini colored baubles from Wayfair could be tied around napkins on a pretty ribbon. And taper candles in pastel hues like these from Target, will help to tie the look together. Overall, you really only want to highlight two or three colors to stop the scheme from being chaotic. These color threads will help tie the mixing of patterns together.

7. Create a Modern Vibe With a Subtle Take on Monochrome

Color is, of course, wonderful, but it's not for everyone or for every occasion. Monochrome tablescaping can be incredibly chic and contemporary if done carefully. One of the key things is to remember that monochrome can absolutely include neutrals, too. By widening your perception of what can this look entails, you'll find it becomes a lot fresher.

For example, natural materials can provide a warm and neutral base for any monochromatic accessories such as linens or glassware, while candlelight can soften the look.

8. Go All-Out Traditional With a Contemporary Twist

'I like my holiday table to feel infinitely abundant and joyful. I start with vases of seasonal florals, sprigs of greenery, and my favorite gold-accented festive dishware,' says interior designer Kathy Kuo.

Here, a traditional red and green scheme has been elegantly created with layers of mix and match tableware (this painterly patterned Sicily stoneware dinnerset from Wayfair would pair well with plain white or green plates), and stylish metallic accessories (these botanical brass napkin rings from McGee & Co would complete the look perfectly). Placemats with an interesting border, like these Magnolia scalloped reversible placemats add another layer, while vibrant berries and colored glassware (we love the red and green Henri glasses from Hudson Grace) bring a contemporary twist to a traditional scheme.

9. Pick a Pared-Back Scandi-Inspired Scheme

Scandinavian design is distinctive for several reasons: pared-back, unfussy – and a winning combination of form and function which lends a light and airy break from the usually busy and bright Christmas decor ideas.

'To create a full and inviting atmosphere in the dining room, you want to include as much as you can on your table without creating a cluttered and busy space,' says Ailie Williams, stylist at Neptune.

'It’s important to allow room for food and placemats when everyone is gathered to eat, so layering table cloths, runners and napkins, with a clustered 'garland' row of spruce and candles down the center of the table, will create a dressed and festive ambience, yet still allow for comfortably serving and eating.'

The key ingredients for this more minimalist decor idea are luxe, slub linens in natural, neutral shades, organic off-white tableware (like the textured Radlee dinner plates by McGee & Co), wooden serving boards, and traditional candlesticks (like these antique brass taper candle holders from Crate & Barrel) with tall beeswax taper candles, finished off with small festive accents such as mini trees (like these mini artificial Christmas tree decorations at Amazon), foliage, and simple paper decorations.

Set Out the Serving Foundations

10. Choose Serveware That Elevates the Food

Carine Krawiec, entertaining expert and founder of the luxury tabletop rentals and registry brand, Maison de Carine, says, 'A fun way to bring personality to your table is through statement dinnerware and serveware. Choose pieces that make your dishes really pop, like our Sacred Bird and Butterfly Platter or Cabbage Tureen.'

The holiday is the chance to dig out your seasonal serveware, in all those wonderful festive shades and patterns. We love this green marble Christmas tree platter from Crate & Barrel for cheeses and charcuterie, and this tartan stoneware platter from Anthropologie for your showstopping ham.

'Because each course comes and goes, you can play with patterns, colors, and shapes: it’s the perfect place to get creative, knowing the table resets every time,' adds Carine.

11. Layer Dinnerware for an Intentionally Eclectic Look

'Start with a strong, grounding base that anchors each place setting,' says Carine. 'Chargers help contain the place setting so the rest of the table feels intentional rather than cluttered.' We like these Aerin x Williams Sonoma charger plates for a subtly festive look, or go for a hint of luxe with these scalloped gold edge chargers from Target.

'Layer plates with purposeful pattern play,' says Carine. 'When layering dinnerware, balance is key,' Carine adds. Something bold and dramatic (like this Bordallo holly dinner plate from Bloomingdale's), paired with something more subtle (like these green luna plates from Magnolia), is the ideal formula. 'This contrast adds depth without overwhelming the eye and ensures each element has room to shine'.

12. Make Your Flatware Part of the Look

'Flatware is a timeless staple, but the holidays are the perfect moment to try something new,' says Carine. Go bold with something definitively festive, such as this Merry Tree holiday flatware from Bed, Bath & Beyond. or lean into the nostalgic heritage look that is so popular right now with a vintage flatware set like this from Magnolia.

Alternatively, a sleek metallic gold or black set can create a more minimalist look, but the key is to not let flatware be an afterthought. 'The right flatware can really be transformative for your table,' adds Carine.

13. Keep Statement Glassware at the Bar

While novelty festive glassware can be wonderfully fun as part of a home bar setup, when it comes to the Christmas dinner table, it's better to keep things simple.

With so much on the table, the last thing you want is for the glassware to clash or dominate over the food and other carefully planned details that you've executed. 'A classic silhouette provides elegance without drawing attention away from the food or décor,' says Carine.

Look for simple fluted designs with a luxe touch, like these Monique Lhuillier Tatum wine stem glasses from Pottery Barn, or lean into the vintage colored glassware, picking out one or two shades from your tablescape so it doesn't overwhelm.

Design a Practical and Beautiful Centerpiece

It might be that you design your table centerpiece to echo the patterns in your china or the color of your napkins, but it will be the focal feature of your tablescape, so you do want it to stand out.

'There's a decision to be made with a centerpiece,' says Homes & Gardens' Content Director, Lucy Searle. 'And that's to do with its size. If you want to add impact, it might be larger than the table can cope with when it's laden with food, so you may want to make space to move it onto a console table once you start serving dinner. Left on the table, it should never be so big that guests opposite each other can't see past it.' So remember to keep things low if you want conversation to flow – one of Joanna Gaines' holiday table centerpiece hacks.

14. Add a Living Runner for a Botanical Feel

One tablescaping trend with foliage is creating a living runner. A simple, unstructured Christmas garland made up of cuttings from the garden can be so festive, and make for a more modern, relaxed look. To create your own, forage long, loose sprigs and branches of eucalyptus and ivy to trail all across the table.

Or you can get the same effect from placing lots of small rustic pots (like these earth fired clay mini pots from Anthropologie) filled with living greenery and flowers, if you know how to grow indoor cyclamen and Christmas roses, topped with moss for extra texture, along the center of the table

To continue this ode to nature, select recycled green drinking glasses like these from Pottery Barn, natural linens or cotton napkins, and pretty, individual foliage-focused place settings, with mini rosemary wreaths or

Don’t be afraid to mix up real and faux leaves, berries (like these red berry stems from Target) and branches, and finish off the natural look with flickering tealights or even some string lights woven through the center of your runner. These rustic leaf string lights from Pottery Barn are so pretty and tie in with the botanical theme.

15. Work in Fresh Flowers for Natural Vibrance

If you haven't had chance to grow your own festive floral centerpiece, don't panic as you can easily create an impactful look with blooms from a florist or even faux one. There's no need to stick to traditional red roses, poinsettias, or amaryllis, although these do make wonderful traditional displays.

Shown here are vibrant pompom and ball dahlias, and rich chocolate cosmos for a bold display. Teamed with olive green taper candles (like these from Pottery Barn) and interspersed with foliage and pomegranates creates a more natural and festive look.

And there's no need to go for one main central display when it comes to how to arrange flowers for your festive table. Smaller displays dotted along the center like this modern way to style bud vases from Gardens Editor, Rachel Bull, works beautifully. Scattering floral arrangements down the table and layering with tall taper candles creates a lovely ambiance and adds vibrancy to the table decor.

16. Hang a Space Saving Overhead Garland

A Christmas dining table is often filled to the brim with delicious food, nibbles, glassware, cutlery and crackers, with many of us having little room for beautiful Christmas garland ideas and decorative accessories.

To free up space, consider suspending a foliage garland or decorated branch from the ceiling, creating a dramatic centerpiece above your dining table that will be sure to enchant your guests and create an unforgettable look.

You can do this simply by weaving natural cuttings of pine or eucalyptus amongst an existing chandelier that hangs over the table, or by using a large metal floral hoop like this one from Amazon and wrapping real or faux foliage around it, attached with floristry wire. Create a floating effect by attaching clear fishing line (available at Amazon) in three or four positions around the hoop and gathering together at the top to suspend it from a hook in the ceiling over the center of the table. Leave a few stray bits of foliage dangling down for a lovely naturalistic effect.

17. Make it Moveable

A centerpiece that doesn't involve a lot of effort to move is the ideal solution for when you want something that looks lovely on the table throughout the holidays, but can be easily set aside when the food comes out. ‘Arrange your centerpiece on a tray or low-sided basket that can be easily lifted off the table when you need space for serving dishes,' says Homes & Gardens' Content Director, Lucy Searle.

‘Christmas table centerpieces don’t have to be foliage and flowers,’ she adds. ‘Try candles in different colors and finishes (like these green glass candle holders from Target), and in a variety of shapes and heights. Add baubles, pine cone Christmas craft ideas, and a few sprigs of festive holly here and there.'

18. Create an Abundant Look with Seasonal and Decorative Fruit

Christmas is a time when you can go a little over the top, especially when it comes to table decorations. As well as flowers and foliage, you can incorporate beautiful seasonal fruits into your table decor. 'For a truly special Christmas table, embrace the beauty of seasonal accents like fresh greenery, rich fruits, and the gentle glow of candlelight to set an inviting and organic scene,' suggests interior designer Marie Flanigan.

Pile up a high bowl like this neo marble footed bowl from Anthropologie with deep red pomegranates, purple plums, plump oranges studded with cloves, and add extra adornments, such as beaded or glass fruit, for a luxe and almost theatrical look.