How to decorate your home for the holidays

The holiday season brings with it twinkly lights, festive vibes, and a whole host of warm and fuzzy feelings — and decorations play a huge role in ushering in that joy and excitement. According to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, dressing up our homes for the holidays actually creates a more joyful and social environment, enhancing our sense of belonging and overall happiness.

No matter how you celebrate, it’s safe to say some kind of flourish will be brought forth to fancy up your space this season, be it glitter or garlands, trees or tinsel. Whether you’re decking out entire rooms or just sprucing up a wall, if you don’t know where to start in the art of holiday-ing your home, read on for our tips for decorating your space for the holidays.

Any successful creative project starts with an excited spirit, so it’s important to hold a vision for your space. Immerse yourself in the world of Pinterest, Instagram and your favourite design magazines to gather ideas and pinpoint what excites you the most. Once you have a plethora of pics, look for commonalities and identify repeating colours or décor items to help set a theme and create a starting point for your decorations. Maybe your collection of inspiration is riddled with white and gold, lots of foliage or earth tones and natural elements. Getting clear on your theme ensures consistency throughout your home, creating a cohesive environment.

Before you rush out to purchase new decorations, take a moment to assess your space and envision what types of adornments could go on the surfaces and structures that already exist. Consider garlands when you see ledges, mantles, or handrails, festive wreaths when looking at your doors and blank walls, and decorative trinkets, scented candles and tabletop trees when scanning your surfaces. Consider the size and layout of your space, and inventory any existing décor. Store away any items that clash with your holiday theme, making space for your festive decorations. Don’t forget to also dig out any decorations you already own, evaluating what fits with your vision and identifying any gaps that need filling. As you explore, this can act as your shopping list for décor.

Especially if you don’t know where to start or have a small space, selecting a focal point to adorn creates an instant sense of excitement and celebration in your home. Traditionally, the almighty Christmas tree has taken center stage, but there’s plenty of room for creativity. You might choose to focus your décor around a fireplace, a large window, or even a unique sculpture or decorative item. But if you are going with a tree, choose one that fits your space and your vision, physically and metaphorically. With so many options these days — from pre-lit to snow-frosted, bushy or slim, made of ornaments or even upside-down — there’s an artificial tree out there for everyone. For a classic look, we fancy this NOMA Pre-Lit Snow Dusted Alpine Christmas Tree made to look like it has just experienced a fresh dusting. 

Once you’ve dedicated focus to your area of choice, go to town applying your design vision to the space. Consider string lights, pom-poms, and tinsel in colours that complement your theme. For those seeking a unique touch, look to Etsy for handmade ornaments and Indigo for other fun options like this DIY paw print ornament keepsake.

Both around your focal point, and throughout the home, lighting can play a crucial role in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Explore bringing in a variety of lighting options, from delicate fairy lights and romantic candles and tabletop lanterns to find the perfect glow for your space. Mixing different types of lighting adds depth and interest to your décor, ensuring a cozy and inviting ambiance. Maybe you have a great surface for a candelabra, a stairwell screaming for curtain lights, or flameless candles on side tables.

For those on a budget or looking for eco-friendly options, incorporating natural elements like pinecones, branches, and berries can add a rustic and earthy touch to your décor. Fresh foliage is always a festive choice, and the best part is that you can find many of these items right in your own backyard. If you prefer a tidier option or are worried about pine needles, there are fantastic faux alternatives available at Michaels that capture the beauty of nature without the mess.

To get that effortless Christmas-catalogue look, attention to detail is crucial and balance is key. Offset heavier or larger elements with clusters or vignettes of smaller decorations to create a big impact without overwhelming the room. In addition to items that are strictly décor, don’t forget to bring in some festive functional items into the mix like a throw pillow, a nutcracker, or a tree-print table runner.

Once the holiday season comes to an end, proper storage of your decorations is essential to keeping them in pristine condition for years to come. Take the time to check lights and other electrical decorations for damage before packing them away, ensuring they’ll be ready to shine bright again next year. We love these storage boxes because of their zipper top and label front so you always know what ornaments are inside. Storing a tree? Consider this rolling storage bag. For those with limited storage, these clear bags are great for stuffing under a bed or couch.

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