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It's here: Our ultimate guide to the best Christmas decorating ideas! Deck the halls (and every single room in your house) with our best Christmas decorations. From tree decorations to outdoor Christmas decorations and even front door decorations, our tips and tricks will have you spreading cheer all the way through the holidays. Holiday home décor doesn't have to be expensive or time-intensive to make a big impact—in fact, it shouldn't. Instead, each of the ideas here makes use of small, affordable props, decorations, and furniture shifts so that you can build the winter wonderland you've always dreamed of without having to empty your wallet. And when it comes to color schemes, don't be afraid to stray past red and green!
Whether it's blue Christmas decor or something more regal like rose gold, there are Christmas decorations for every palette. And when it comes to props, an antique toy train set that's been sitting in your attic all year can work beautifully as an under-the-tree decoration, while a simple vintage Christmas candy box looks lovely sitting beneath a mini tree. Dollar store finds like Santa figurines can work wonders when they're placed together on a Christmas mantel, and dried citrus and gingerbread DIY ornaments look positively luxurious hanging from your family's tree. There's no limit to what you can do with a bit of elbow grease, some crafty finds, and a healthy dose of Christmas spirit. So what are you waiting for? Let's get decorating!
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1
Red & White Christmas
David Meredith
A tight palette of red and white (with a hint of green from the tree) set a relaxing, Scandinavian vibe in this Utah home.
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2
Brown Paper Advent
David Meredith
Country down the days until Santa's arrival with a sweet and neutral toned advent calendar made form brown craft paper.
Hang these "bells," made from mini Bundt pans and molds on the front door or over the mantel.
To make: Stack mini molds and Bundt pans to form bell shapes; affix together using epoxy. Hot-glue small ornaments to the bottom to create the clappers. Glue ribbon loops and a bow to the top for hanging. Add a swag of greenery, if desired.
Add instant and easy flair to curtains by simply threading ribbons through the loops of a few Shiny Brites and tying them around your curtain tiebacks.
An oversized garland draped across a headboard adds some Christmas cheer without going overboard. Swap out accent pillows for plaid ones to up the ante.
To string your own strand, all you need are dried navel and blood oranges, jute or natural twine, a skewer, and decorative hooks.
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10
Blue, Gold, and Green Color Scheme
Kassandra Arbour
Peg rail-lined shelves are the ideal spot to hang evergreen branches, while a simple garland adds contrast to the window. The sprawling central island is perfectly sized for baking pursuits, including a gingerbread barn.
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11
A Very Nautical Fireplace
David A. Land
A pair of sconces flanks this brick veneer fireplace to give it a warm holiday glow. The homeowner added a splash of nautical flair with an antique life preserver adorned with a festive bow.
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12
Bits of Flair
Brian Woodcock
You want to add some Christmas cheer to your kitchen, but you also don't want it to get in your way. A small wreath hanging from the window does the trick—and will remind you of the holiday season while you're washing dishes!
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13
Use Mini Trees
Brian Woodcock
Have a side table that needs some sprucing up? A sparse alpine balsam fir placed in an antique copper pot adds a vintage touch to a living room or entryway. Use bird and pine cone ornaments and dried-orange garland to hit an organic note.
There's a reason these antique toys are often used as under-the-tree decorations—they're adorable and classic. But the reason we're so into this particular 1950s No. 2065 locomotive is that it features real steam and a two-tone whistle. Now that's a fun way to ring in Christmas!
Who says you have to stick to red and green at Christmastime? This homeowner opted for lighter hues—even pinks, blues, and soft yellows—and managed to keep things looking festive.
Striped tape dispensers, Christmas-inspired flashcards, and other vintage school supplies look positively merry on this desk. The rulers in the shape of a star have to be our favorite part though.
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Prioritize the Palette
MELANIE BUTCHER
Non-seasonal items in red and green colors can be used to spiff up any area of your home—and they don't have to be intended to be used at Christmastime! Here, camp lanterns, decoware tins, coolers, and more are used to liven up a simple set of shelves.
You don't need to have a traditional wreath—anything circular will do! Take, for instance, this metal tree skirt, which looks lovely tacked up on an empty wall. Old tires, cookie tins, mirror frames, and wagon wheels would also fit the bill here.
Don't throw out your empty boxes and bins! Stacked in height order, these vintage bulb boxes make for a glorious and oh-so-festive nightstand display—in fact, one on top of the other, they almost look like a tapered tree.