​Get your home in the holiday spirit with our Christmas decoration ideas

Johannes van Graan Johannes van Graan
Art de la table Christmas, studioReskos studioReskos
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‘Tis the season to be merry, and nothing screams “Christmas” like an abundance of decorations. After all, this is the one time of the year when we can go really big with colourful ribbons, dazzling ornaments and a wide array of twinkling lights, both inside and outside our homes.

The other great thing about this magical time of year is that it’s also the perfect opportunity to flex those DIY muscles and get creative with handmade decorations – for both young and old!

So, while December is still around the corner, let’s start planning what needs to get done before Father Christmas rocks up!

1. First of all: Purge and clean

Before you open so much as a box named “Xmas decorations”, make sure you have adequate space for those streamers, dancing reindeer, and whatever else makes up your Christmas décor. 

Take a few hours and purge everything you need to get rid of – that includes old toys no longer being used by the kiddies (seeing as you also need to make room for the new forthcoming ones). Donate these to charity to ensure the less fortunate also have a merry Christmas.

Then, tackle your home (especially the living- and dining rooms) and ensure there’s legroom for the tree, no dust on the fireplace mantle, etc. And if you’re expecting overnight guests this holiday, better double-check that your guest bedroom and bathroom are up to scratch.

2. Christmas decoration ideas: The all-important tree

A bushy 180cm tree (or however large yours is) takes up quite a lot of room. Move those side tables and sofas closer together or temporarily store some pieces elsewhere. 

Most living rooms are laid out so that every seat has a good view of the TV; however, consider letting your beautiful Christmas tree become the main focal point. And if a gigantic tree won’t fit, you could always go with two miniature potted trees placed on either side of the fireplace. 

Just be sure that your tree stays fresh and healthy by moving it away from heating vents. 

homify hint: Keep your colour scheme calm. Too many colours can visually crowd a room; thus, we recommend a neutral palette for the living room, with only one or two bright colours bursting here and there to blend in with your tree.

3. Christmas decoration ideas: Themed décor

The Christmas tree might be the main element of your décor, but it’s definitely not the only piece. Spread the festive cheer around your house with Christmas novelties like nutcrackers, snow globes, reindeer dolls, etc. If you’re an avid collector of these themed elements, now is the time to take them out, dust them off and display them with pride. 

Furthermore, hang some stockings and garlands from the mantle, place a glass jar of candy canes on the coffee table, and sprinkle some fake snow on the windowpanes. After all, Christmas only comes around once a year!

4. Christmas decoration ideas: Do it yourself

Of course we are not suggesting that only store-bought décor are acceptable. By all means, create your own decorations – it’s a great way to save costs and fill up time for the kids. 

For instance, you can make your own Christmas wreath from sprigs of pine. You can craft your own paper snowflakes to hang around the house and your windows. Plus you can cut your own unique ornaments out of paper, decorate them with some paint and glitter, and add them to the tree. Your décor, your rules!

5. Christmas decoration ideas: The outside of your home

Don’t overlook your house’s outside areas! Although those paper DIY decorations might not be suited for your porch and lawn, there’s a wealth of other exciting elements perfect for outdoor weather. 

Hang wreaths from your front door; display mini evergreens on your terrace or front doorstep; hang string lights and garlands from your trees and shrubbery; enhance your front walkway with bright pops of red in the form of large ribbons and lanterns; etc.

6. Christmas decoration ideas: The presents

Hopefully you’ve already started with your Christmas shopping by now (or at least your shopping list). And here’s also where you can cut a few costs with wrapping paper. If glittering store-bought paper is not for you, opt to wrap your gifts with ordinary brown paper or newspaper (especially the comics pages) – a colourful and glittering ribbon (or raffia, or fabric scraps) can ensure a touch of festivity.

7. Christmas decoration ideas: A crackling fire

There’s nothing like a crackling fire to really enhance the Christmas season. But if you don’t have one, you can still ensure a cosy holiday vibe with cinnamon- or pine-scented candles.

Just be sure to keep a watchful eye on that fire or those candles!

8. Christmas decoration ideas: Setting the table (and mood)

Speaking of candles, how about using some of them as a beautiful centrepiece for your dining table? Now that’s a Christmas dinner that’s worth celebrating! Other décor pieces can include a holiday table runner, festive placemats, decorative name cards for each guest / family member, plus special plates and glasses. 

Complement your home’s holiday mood even more by playing some Christmas music and/or baking cookies. After all, you’re going to be needing a few to lure Father Christmas indoors, so you may as well bake for the entire family. Cookies can also be used as ornaments for your Christmas tree and decorating them with icing and sprinkles can be another fun DIY activity. 

You don’t have to break your back getting your home spotless for Christmas – not if you follow these 7 habits to keep your home clean.

What other Christmas decoration ideas can you add to our list?

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