Decorating & Design
November 22, 2016
10 Easy Christmas Decorating Ideas For A Stress-Free Season
Feeling overwhelmed by seasonal prep? Frenzied shopping, baking and hosting can have the opposite effect on good cheer. Here are some easy Christmas decorating ideas that take holiday decor down a notch, yet still feel festive.
There’s a lot of pressure to make mantels into a big statement, but an effective use of color and humble materials are cheery. A simple string of felted animals and ornaments are easy to hang, while still offering a healthy dose of color and whimsy.
Advent calendars are fun for kids, but they don’t have to be elaborate affairs. H&H senior design editor Sally Armstrong crafted this DIY version using simple branches and ready-made linen bags. (To modify it for Hanukkah, use two branches and eight bags dyed blue.)
Use natural materials that can be gathered on a woodland walk for a Scandinavian-inspired look. Designer Sophie Burke fashions candleholders from mason jars wrapped with steamed birch bark, and pine cones tied with twine.
Embellish the tree with foliage such as magnolia leaves, dried hydrangea blooms, and sprigs of berries, with a strand of white lights for sparkle.
Paper garlands pop to life in seconds and give a lush look (without the pine needles to vacuum), then easily fold up until next year. Learn how to make this festive paper garland here.
Double the impact of a wreath by placing it in front of a mirror. Don’t feel compelled to embellish it with anything more dramatic than a lush but simple satin bow.
Skip the hassle of dedicated holiday wrapping papers and ribbon and choose a signature wrap (that doesn’t have to be slathered with holly). This photocopied map wrap is eye catching, and distinctive. Finish with a grosgrain ribbon for festive flair.
Outdoor arrangements often come premade, so there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Pick up a couple and place inside to flank a doorway. These balsam, cedar and dogwood arrangements bring the outdoors in with a fresh scent and add a hit of rich color.
Use small, inexpensive gestures in unexpected spots. Tie a holly sprig to a doorknob with a wide satin bow to dress up a door.
Bathrooms become instantly party ready with the simple addition of a fragrant pine wreath (activate the scent and unwind at the same time with a steamy soak in the tub).