Ways to make holiday decorating fun and easy!
I want to decorate for ALL the holidays.
Really I do.
But it overwhelms me sometimes. It gets expensive. It feels like a lot of work. Then life just happens. Do you ever feel that way?
I decided to make a list of a few things that help me get in the decorating mood, no matter the holiday at hand. It’s just a few ideas to take the sting out of a task that is meant to be fun and joyful.
- Start Small:
No need to go all Griswald. If you are looking to branch out and decorate for holidays you don’t already it’s easy to get defeated before you even start. Kick it off small by picking 1 to 3 spots to highlight in your home. This way you get a nice little touch without breaking the bank and adding stress to something intended to lift your spirits.
I have started using this tactic and it really works. I recommend starting with the following spots:
1. Mantle
2. Door area/wreath
3. One focal point/vignette – maybe a coffee or dining table
2. Shop Year Round:
As you know I like to thrift and garage sale. When I spot a burnt orange dish or basket in the heat of summer you can bet I grab it up. It’s always a nice surprise to have something “new” already in my possession once the season hits.
3. Buy Generic:
Not just a tip for your prescriptions. Add good generic layering items to your collection. A red platter can be great for Christmas, Valentine’s, 4th of July…if it doesn’t have a reindeer across the middle of it. You likely have a color tone or palette that threads through all your décor. Use that to your advantage by buying versatile non-holiday specific items. Then mix in a few pops of your favorite holiday swag.
4. Add Free Printables:
A fun and inexpensive way to change things up a bit is by making a place to display free printable art. Pinterest is crawling with adorable free artwork you can print out at home.
Print, display, throw away, repeat.
You will always have something fresh and trendy at hand. Follow me on Pinterest. I have a Free Printable board I am adding to all the time!
5. Shop Your House:
Clean out closets, cupboards and attics – pull out those tired baskets, paper bags, boxes, picture frames, sweaters, neck ties, sheets or whatever else you’ve been holding onto for to long and make it new! Sweater pillows, spray painted baskets, frames for your free printable display, necktie art. Scour Pinterest for new ideas to reinvent some home made holiday décor.
6. Set the Mood:
Create holiday playlists in I-Tunes so you can always be in the mood at a moments notice! Once you set up a few holiday playlists it’s no problem to add a song here and there. Buy holiday music on clearance post holiday and add it asap! My family knows Black Friday is Christmas music kickoff day at our house.
7. Sheets and Pillowcases:
I don’t decorate outside of the main living areas of house much. BUT – one of our favorite things are holiday pillow cases. My mom has made some fun, personalized ones over the years. It can be a great craft to make together. My kids love having a touch of holiday in their room. I shop clearance for cute sheet sets too.
8. Organize Your Storage:
I know…this is not a fun tip. It really pays off in the long run though. The secret is to do it when there isn’t a holiday on the horizon, or at least on the front end of the season. I’ve said a million times I’d rearrange the attic when I put Christmas back up, but it never happens. I’m over it by then.
Having a system in place makes getting to your goods easy and therefore decorating more fun. I keep pillowcases in the linen closet year round so a change out is easy. My generic tableware is all stored together so I can easily lay eyes on it and pull out what I need. Be on the lookout for a spillover decorating closet makeover on the blog. I need help in this department too!!!
9. Candle Stash:
Bring in all the senses. You’ve got eye candy and music going, now add to the holiday ambiance with the perfect scent. Candles and oils are great to buy post holiday and all through the year to round out your decorating arsenal.
10. Use Nature:
Nature is the biggest contributor to most of my seasonal decorating. I just step outside and use what is fresh and available. It is always “in season” for whatever holiday is upon you. Plus it’s free, and I love that. I think it makes everything look better!
11. Make Time:
It may sound overkill or silly, but plan your decorating time. Schedule a décor day on your calendar and stick to it. Don’t spend all year pinning away on Pinterest only to never put your ideas into effect. Take time to go through your holiday boards. Spend an intentional afternoon alone, or with your family preparing for whatever season is approaching. Making your home a safe haven that is joyful, fun and full of all the seasons have to offer is such an amazing blessing! Make the most of it!
melaniealexander says
Great post Kim! Thank you for all of the practical ideas.
Kim at Hunt and Host says
Thanks Melanie!
SarahEFrazer says
Thanks for sharing! And thanks for leaving a comment on my Tuesday Talk post (http://www.sarahefrazer.com/2015/09/a-tale-of-two-sisters-tuesday-talk/) – I loved your suggestions! I especially loved the tips about shopping year around and using free printables! Glad to have found your space!
Kim at Hunt and Host says
Thanks Sarah! so glad you came over!
Jaelan @ Making Mrs. M says
This is such an amazing post. I want to start decorating for holidays (other than Christmas… I’ve always decorated for Christmas), but it’s SO hard for me to “get”. This helps.
Kim at Hunt and Host says
I get so overwhelmed I just don’t want to do anything! UI hope some bite size tips help you branch out 🙂 It really is fun when you move in small doses!
Rina I Thee Cook says
Thanks so much for joining in the fun at Thursdays Favorite Things Blog Hop.
Kim at Hunt and Host says
Thanks for having me 😉
Rachel @ Architecture of a Mom says
Great ideas Kim~I love using nature during all seasons, too…it’s typically much cheaper than any other way!
Kim at Hunt and Host says
I agree!! You can’t beat FREE!!
Richella Parham says
Great ideas for making decorating practical and fun! Thanks for sharing these at Grace at Home. I’m featuring you this week!
Kim at Hunt and Host says
Yay! I really believe holidays should lift your spirits, not drag them down! So glad this was helpful to you and you are sharing. I appreciate it so much!!!