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.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home November 2012 issue
Designer: Sophie Burke
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.)
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: House & Home November 2014 issue
Designer: Sally Armstrong
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.
Source: House & Home November 2014 issue
Designer: Sophie Burke
Embellish the tree with foliage such as magnolia leaves, dried hydrangea blooms, and sprigs of berries, with a strand of white lights for sparkle.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: House & Home November 2014 issue
Designer: Betty Theodoropoulos
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 .
Photographer: Ashley Capp
Source: House & Home December 2014 issue
Designer: Sarah Hartill
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.
Photographer: Kim Jeffery
Source: House & Home December 2012 issue
Designer: Joel Bray
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.
Photographer: André Rider
Source: House & Home December 2014 issue
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.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
Source: House & Home December 2011 issue
Designer: Barbara Purdy
Use small, inexpensive gestures in unexpected spots. Tie a holly sprig to a doorknob with a wide satin bow to dress up a door.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: House & Home November 2014 issue
Designer: Betty Theodoropoulos
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).
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: House & Home November 2014
Designer: Betty Theodoropoulos