Decking the Halls: Christmas Décor for Your Home

Looking for some inspiration for your holiday decor?

Check out these ideas for  Christmas décor that are sure to make everything feel a little more merry and bright.

Set the stage for your house by sprucing up the first thing everyone sees: the front porch.

• A Throwback: One of my favorite accents is the old radio flyer we inherited from my grandparents. With a big festive ribbon, it turns into a very 1960s Christmas, complete with large, multi-colored bulbs around the gutters. Now I just have to convince my parents to stay away from that tinsel. You know the stuff I'm talking about...the stuff with lead? Just kidding. They don't do that anymore. But the 1960s were a wild time, huh?
• Lanterns: I just recently found a big lantern at the thrift store that I'll be filling with pillar candles, battery-operated LEDs, and perhaps some greenery. Lanterns are so versatile, and they really give that homey feel.
• Wreaths: While the options are endless, don't be afraid to try out a new style this year, or even better, make your own! You could also try stacking two wreaths on the front door and connecting them with fishing line.
• Accessories: Add bows, birch logs, ice skates, warm blankets, and other hits of cheer.

• Pillows: Sometimes, stepping up your throw pillow game can make all the difference. While this is definitely not the cheapest option, it can be a worthwhile investment if you pick ones you really love and reuse them every year.
• Mantel/Fireplace: The mantel is one of the best places to decorate the home because it's the first thing Santa sees, of course! If you have darker woods, go for the classic reds, greens, silver, and golds. If you have lighter wood or paint, try going clean-cut and modern, and maybe even toss in some out-of-the-box colors like turquoise or mustard. Choose stockings that match your own personal style. If you're going for a farmhouse look, try using cool, milky tones mixed with traditional plaids. If you're going for sleek and modern, keep things monochrome with silver and gold accents. We also like using bottlebrush trees, and we end up keeping them up all winter long!
• Windows: These paper star lanterns are the star of the show at my house. While we used to buy them from Ikea, recently we've been able to buy them from fair trade organizations. We hang one in each front window, and they brightly shine from all the way down our street. You could also make a one-of-a-kind window hanging with an embroidery hoop and fresh, festive greenery.

• Old Windows, New Uses: Use an old window or picture frame to display your Christmas cards on strings!
• Create a Festive Scene: What is it about miniature villages that remind us of Christmas? I'm not sure. But I'm in. Set up your scene with villager figurines gliding on ice skates, doing their Christmas shopping. You could even include Santa and his reindeer wishing "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"
• Dress Up a Twig Tree: This is another one of my parent's go-to decorations. With some silver, gold, or white spray paint, it's a great way to use those extra ornaments that don't fit on the Christmas tree.

• Pom-Pom Garland: Pom-poms are adorable and can be an understated accent to any empty space.
• DIY Citrus Garland: Citrus and cinnamon...one of my favorite scent combinations. I like to keep a pot of citrus mulling spices on the stove to keep the house smelling extra good all season. But citrus garlands are an inexpensive way to add some pops of color to your decor. You could even add sprigs of greenery to add some more aromatic cheer.
• Mitten Garland: Have a bunch of extra mittens that have lost their partner? Mittens attached to a clothesline or twine can make a fun and easy garland that gives a homegrown touch.
• Gingerbread Garland: Try using cinnamon applesauce dough to make an adorable gingerbread garland, making it look and smell good enough to eat.

• Light the Way: The staircase is often one of the first things you see when you walk into the house, so why not let it shine? With a perfectly curated garland, and some lanterns lining the stairs (maybe skip the lanterns if you have younger kiddos), you can STEP up your stair game. Sorry, that one was too easy.
• Deck the Bannister: Dangle some Christmas ornaments at different lengths from the banister to create some dimension to your décor.
• No Mantel Required: If you don't have a fireplace or a mantel, this is also a great place to hang stockings, especially if your staircase is already decked out!

• Beautiful Bottles: Repurpose old wine bottles by removing the label and wrapping them in festive paper, and topping with taper candles.
• Ornament Bowls: Another way to use those extra ornaments is to nestle them into a fancy bowl. While a uniform look can be great, don't be afraid to play with different colors and textures.
• Mercury Votives: These are one of my favorite ways to get that warm glow of the season. Small, romantic, versatile, and classic.
• Keep It Simple: Instead of worrying about a centerpiece, you could opt for some fresh greenery for a table runner.

What are your favorite ways to spruce up your home decor for the holidays? Share your favorite decor ideas with the ones you love on FamilyApp, and don't forget to share pictures of all your home all decked out!