Clark Griswol Decorating For Christmas A Week Before

How to Decorate for Christmas

Wondering how to decorate for Christmas? We're here to help you deck the halls—while staying true to your budget and style.

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Stick Reindeer Country Woman

Go for a rustic look

Natural details—like wood, pine boughs and holly sprigs—are perfect for holiday decor. We love this cute little deer family made with twigs and wood scraps. And, since they're not overly seasonal, they can stay up all winter long! Speaking of winter, these are the top seasonal recipes from every state.

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Beautiful Christmas table setting; Africa Studio/Shutterstock

Overload on ornaments

Ornaments don't just belong on the tree. Pile them in bowls, vases and other vessels for an oh-so-easy centerpiece. Pick up shatterproof ornaments for this task, though—because no one wants to pry tiny shards of glass out of their carpeting. Check out these fun foodie ornaments, too!

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Luxury living room interior with sofa decorated chic Christmas tree, gifts, plaid and pillows Sergey Mikheev/Shutterstock

Get pretty in pink

Sure, red and green are the classic Christmas colors. But feel free to branch out and design your decor around another hue. We're obsessed with this soft pink theme, but blue, maroon or purple can be equally stunning. Get 45 pretty pink recipes here.

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Christmas or new year decoration on modern wooden coffee table. Nina Buday/Shutterstock

Keep it cozy

Even if the weather outside isn't frightful, we still encourage you to make your home a chic, cozy space. After all, what's more relaxing than cuddling up next to the tree with a steamy mug of cocoa? Stock your space with festive throw blankets, twinkle lights, candles and anything else that can help set a hygge mood.

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Interior light grey kitchen and red christmas decor Fusionstudio/Shutterstock

Dress up your kitchen

Between baking cookies and whipping up a ham dinner, we know you're going to spend a lot of time in the kitchen this holiday season. Cheer up your space with Christmas linens, mugs, dinnerware and even a strand of garland!

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christmas decor kitchen table. Ulza/Shutterstock

Bring the outdoors in

Even if you don't have a real tree, you can still enjoy the heavenly scent of fresh pine boughs. Add in some pinecones, cranberry branches and other rustic elements and you've got yourself some super-simple (and super-cheap!) decor. If you suffer from allergies, recreate this look with foliage items from your local craft store. Michael's has a great selection.

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New year winter home interior decor. Nesolenaya Alexandra/Shutterstock

Consider minimal touches

Don't feel like your holiday decorations have to be over-the-top. Minimal touches—like a strand of lights, a simple greenery wreath ($15)and typography wall art—get the job done just as well.

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child's hands holding a gift from advent calendar. phBodrova/Shutterstock

Build an awesome advent calendar

A decoration and a kid-friendly activity? We're listening. Nix the chocolate advent calendars and create a homemade one with paper bags, rope and a long stick. Hang it on your wall to double as decor. Pick up an advent calendar for the adults in your home, too!

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Place setting for Christmas in white with white Christmas tree Ingrid Balabanova/Shutterstock

Create a winter wonderland

If matching colors isn't your strong suit, pick a theme you can't mess up: winter whites! This wonderland-inspired color scheme uses the same hue (plus a few mixed metals) to create a stunning, snow-kissed tablescape. Speaking of snow, here are 20 ways to build a snowman treat.

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winter still life with Christmas decorations toy deer, star and gift boxes Roman Kosolapov/Shutterstock

Get glam

See ya later, singing Santas. Today's Christmas decor is downright chic. Look for bright, shiny and glittery accents.

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Christmas flower poinsettia with gift boxes Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock

Add some pretty poinsettias

If you have a room that's lacking Christmas cheer, add a poinsettia or two! These pretty plants come in many sizes and colors, and can be picked up for less than $5! (Allergies? Opt for faux!)

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Christmas tree with blue and white toys in the interior Tatsiana Tsyhanova/Shutterstock

Have a blue Christmas

Channel your inner Elvis with this theme. Replace the traditional warm hues with cool blues and silver. Try it with the ornaments on your tree, garland and even colored lights.

Originally Published: September 23, 2019

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