When it comes to decking the halls, there are plenty of creative directions to consider. If you’re looking for inspiration to help kickstart your journey, peep the Christmas decoration ideas ahead. We searched high and low and discovered more than 100 concepts that will certainly get your home—from the front porch to the powder room—in the Christmas spirit.
We even asked quite a few renowned interior designers for their own decorative schemes when December rolls around. Though some stick to the traditional motifs and palettes, others take a totally unexpected approach. Intrigued? You’ll have to keep scrolling to see the most out-of-the-box decorating ideas. If you have time, we suggest going big with the decorations and outfitting more than just the living room. Otherwise, take a minimalist route and enlist only a few pieces of decor.
No matter which option speaks to you, we have a scheme for you. What’s more, we even included shopping links to trees, garlands, wreaths, and more so that you can start decorating your rooms as soon as you wish. Now that December is right around the corner, it’s never too early. All 112 of our suggestions are equally elegant and will surely make your home the most cheerful on the block. If you’re in an apartment, rest assured that plenty of our top picks are small-space friendly as well. All of the ideas, below, are pretty easy to master—at least with some patience—so go ahead and start brainstorming.
CITRINE LIVING
Stay Outside
Though Christmas has no strict color scheme, red and green tend to get the job done when it comes to spreading holiday cheer. Whether you use these shades throughout the whole home or just outside, your space is bound to be the most festive on the block. In our personal opinion, the oversized red bows really make this look, so feel free to start there when recreating it.
THE MAKERISTA
Go Overboard
Speaking of bows, how magnificent is this tree that's completely decked out in colorful ribbons? So if you don't have enough baubles to cover your tree, worry not. There are other options. Just don't forget to tack on a few twinkly lights to let them shine.
LILIBOAS//GETTY IMAGES
Set the Table
If you're hosting the Christmas feast this year, don't hold back. After all, there's only one day of the year on which a table decorated with holly, red, and berries works.
ANASTASIIA KRIVENOK//GETTY IMAGES
Play With Metallics
Christmas may be famous—among many reasons—for its red-and-green color scheme, but there's something to be said about going the metallic route. Mixing tones ups the sophistication factor without losing the whimsical and festive feel of the holiday.
HALF BAKED HARVEST
Bake Festive Shapes
Give Santa something to rave about. Skip traditional sugar cookies and opt for something a bit more elevated, like these iced vanilla bean cookies from Half Baked Harvest's Tieghan Gerard. Take a look at the recipe: You'll be shocked by how easy these sweets are to whip up.
KSENIYA OVCHINNIKOVA//GETTY IMAGES
Decorate Your Garland
Garlands are plenty festive on their own, but if you want to take it a step further, attach a few ornaments, lights, and pinecones to the branches and let it shine.
SVETIKD//GETTY IMAGES
Light a Fire
Nothing feels cozier than a crackling fire on Christmas Eve, so if you want to bring the warm and welcoming vibes, stack some firewood before the hearth and keep it burning (almost) all night. Just be sure to put it out in time for Santa to shimmy down the chimney.
TOM MERTON//GETTY IMAGES
Customize the Scent
If you don't plan on baking Santa any cookies this year, we won't hold it against you. Just be sure to fill your home with a sweet scent that's as delicious as it is cheery.
DSZC//GETTY IMAGES
Don't Neglect the Porch
Don't use all of your decorations inside! The front porch is just as essential as the living room, so if you have extra garland or bows, bring them outdoors.
VESNA ARMSTRONG//GETTY IMAGES
Appoint Poinsettias
Though any florals can work for Christmas, poinsettias are in season from Thanksgiving to New Years, so if you want to add a touch of color that feels on-theme, you can't go wrong with these bright red flowers.
MARYNA TERLETSKA//GETTY IMAGES
Let It Snow
You don't have to live in a cold climate to enjoy a white Christmas. Just sprinkle some faux snow wherever you could use some festive spirit.
RACHEL BARRETT
Dress Up the Dessert Station
If you're hosting a big Christmas feast this holiday season, give guests an extra reason to love the dessert station by decorating it! Rachel Barrett wove some branches around her platters and scattered a few ornaments to match the wreath ribbon. We're also loving how she stacked the cake stands to alternate the heights of each and add visual intrigue!
PERNILLE LOOF
Go Small
In this pantry designed by Jim Dove, a seasonal garland animates the doorway and mini wreaths dress up the display cabinets. A small collection of holly brings good cheer to the surface counter.
ELIZABETH PASH
Try on Some Tassels
Elizabeth Pash hung miniature stockings and tassels from the tree. To spread the cheer throughout the house, consider hanging on-theme tassels from doorknobs. Festive tassels adorning your doors, desk, or chest of drawers can be a finishing touch that is also budget-friendly.
RACHEL BARRETT
Have Extra Fun in Kid-Friendly Spaces
If you have a backyard playhouse, don't forget to deck that out for the holiday, too! Since it's where kids go to play, Rachel Barrett leaned into more imaginative decor with rainbow lights and big wreath with a classic red velvet bow.
PETER FRANK EDWARDS
Swap Your Tree Stand for a Planter
"More is more," says Matthew Bees, decorator behind this eclectic room. "The holidays are meant to be extravagant! Instead of a tree skirt, try a vintage fishbowl or planter. It heightens the tree and gives you more room for Santa's surprises," he adds.
LAUREY GLENN
Add Some Sparkle
It's Christmas, so literally anything and everything can get away with having some extra sparkle. In this timeless bathroom designed by Rachel Barrett, a sparkly gold wreath brings some Christmas magic to the bubble bath zone.
LESLEY UNRUH
Incorporate Your Artwork
Decorate your mantle with greenery, then add ribbons and ornaments for a pop of color. Match your garland accessories to wall art and decor throughout the space rather than using the classic Christmas colors for an understated yet festive look.
MIKE GARTEN
Exchange Existing Items for Christmas Ones
Swap out kitchen towels and plating to make your kitchen look festive, too. Candy cane motif decor gets this small kitchen nook in the Christmas spirit without taking up too much space.
HOUSE BEAUTIFUL
Have a Sense of Humor
A minimalist approach can offer elegance with a hint of whimsy if you nail the look. We're also loving the subtly cheeky approach here. A small garland becomes a makeshift boa or scarf for the busy!
ANNIE SCHLECHTER
Put a Sheepskin Under the Tree
Fake a fresh snowfall by placing a sheepskin rug beneath your tree. In this cozy living room designed by Cathy Chapman, a sheepskin under the timeless tree flatters the existing space's neutral colors and rustic elements.
ERIC PIASECKI
...or Drape One Over a Chair
In this modern family mountain cabin, designer Kylee Shintaffer optimized every single room for winter festivities, including the home office. A simple sheepskin draped over the chair does the winter wonderland trick.
BJÖRN WALLANDER
Frame an Archway
Frame a doorway with a simple pine garland to ensure that every single room, including in-between spaces, like hallways and foyers, is decked out for the holiday.
JOSÉ PICAYO
String Up Bells
Banisters can be tricky to decorate. For a light, airy, and cheerful look, try stringing red and white paper bells together with fishing line.
WILLIAM ABRANOWICZ
Bring Out the Plaids
Spoiler alert: plaid is so in for winter. Opt for a grayscale take on the classic print if you want to take a more minimalist and modern approach to Christmas decorations, like on the sofa of this Wyoming home.
ELIZABETH PASH
Splice In Copper Accents
Whether it's in the form of a mug or a glass, copper decor will add a bit of glam to your holiday display. They provide the perfect excuse for making a batch of hot cocoa or Moscow mules, too.
ERIN KUNKEL
Deck Out Your Kitchen
We're dying over these adorable mini wreaths. Add a pink bow for an unexpected, playful touch.
ELIZABETH PASH
Display Firewood
Corral firewood into a red basket or prop them up into an unused fireplace, as Elizabeth Pash did here.
ANNIE SCHLECHTER
Make a Creative Advent Calendar
Turn a kitchen garland into an advent calendar. Attach a ribbon across it and then hang little tin containers labeled with the day of the month and fill them with treats. Now that's our kind of giving tree.
ELIZABETH PASH
Gather Pine Cones
Gather up some pinecones from your yard and place them in a bowl on the coffee table or dining room table for a seasonal centerpiece.
BJÖRN WALLANDER
Hang Mistletoe
Set the holiday rom-com mood by hanging mistletoe over a doorway. We love that the ribbon in this mistletoe arrangement by Alfredo Paredes matches the florals on the entry table.
PAUL RAESIDE
Put Your Mugs on Display
If you collect holiday mugs, make sure they're on full display during the festive season.
LAUREY GLENN
Match the Color Scheme
Rachel Barrett incorporated plenty of lush greenery for a festive update to this reading room, but to keep it feeling cohesive, she opted for ribbons that match the existing color scheme instead of sticking with the go-to red and green for Christmas decor.
NASSIMA ROTHACKER
Display Paper Snowflakes
Make a day of crafting paper snowflakes and then put them to use by hanging them from the ceiling to bring further dimension to your Christmas dinner or brunch table setting. You could also turn them into a garland and hang them over the mantel or any other type of wall decor.
MATTHEW BEES
Get Ready for Guests
In another Christmas decor masterpiece by Matthew Bees, vibrant reds dress up moody chocolate browns. One wreath above the bed and a bouquet of roses is all it takes to prep a bedroom for holiday guests.
DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN
Swap in Seasonal Candles
Swap out summery candlesticks with moodier, winter-friendly, or full-on Christmas-y options. In this formal hallway designed by Ann Pyne, green candles animate the wall-mounted candle holders.
ELIZABETH PASH
Be Whimsical
This holiday dining scene by Elizabeth Pash inspires us to embrace our whimsical side. Everything is polished and grown-up, but look closely and you'll notice that each table setting is topped off by a playful butterfly motif.
DAVID A. LAND
Spruce Up a Garland With Plaid Ribbons
A simple harvest garland adorned with plaid ribbons gets this contemporary living room in the home of CB2 President Ryan Turf ready for a stylish holiday season.
NIKKI KLUGH
Honor a Family Tradition
"My family celebrates both Christmas and Kwanzaa," designer Nikki Klugh tells us. "We choose a different theme every year, but you'll always see a thread of blue running throughout—my father always used to hang blue lights on our house because it was my mother's favorite color," she shares.
TESSA NEUSTADT
Collect Figurines
Instead of hanging stockings on the mantel, deck out your fireplace with mini Christmas figurines, like Emily Henderson did here. Keep collecting your miniatures so that one day, you'll eventually have an entire mini Christmas village to display.
ERICA GEORGE DINES
Use Special Wrapping
Coordinate your gift wrapping to complement the color scheme in your living room. Use the same techniques for your ornaments for a cohesive whole.
CHARLOTTE MOSSS
Swap Out Planters
"The planter in our entryway changes with the seasons. In the winter, I incorporate moss, princess pine, and berries—I want my guests to feel like they've been transported elsewhere," Charlotte Moss says of this holiday entryway setup.
ANNIE SCHLECHTER
Classic Always Scores
It doesn't get more timeless than a Fraser fir trimmed with an angel topper, red ribbon, and classic ornaments.
PERNILLE LOOF
Stick With Blue and White
Forever committed to your favorite color palette? This room is proof you don't have to give it up for Christmas.
NGOC MINH NGO
Layer, Layer, Layer
Decorate using objects of different heights. Start by hanging oversized snowflakes, and building up the table with tall candlesticks. For the mantel, hang a garland made with olive branches.
MATTHEW BEES
Add a Surprising Color
Choose an accent color that will modernize the traditional Christmas decor without clashing. We're loving the pops of sky blue in this living room decked out for the holidays by Matthew Bees.
ALISON GOOTEE
Sprinkle In Carnations
Styled by House Beautiful Contributing Editor Sara Rodrigues and former Senior Style Director Robert Rufino, this festive Christmas brunch table is easier to create than it looks. Pair grocery-store carnations with tartan patterns, cinnamon candy, classic holiday motifs, and a pattern-packed tablecloth.
ERIN KUNKEL
Think Large-Scale
Do you have giant windows? Think how amazing they'll look with a garland draped over them.
JOE SCHMELZER
Play With Color
Opt for non-traditional colors. Instead of the typical red-and-green palette, mix metals with retro elements, like the pair of little gold votive lamps.
DANIELLE OCCHIOGROSSO
Use a Ladder
Instead of opening a flimsy cardboard box, hang up a DIY Advent calendar on a ladder or the tree. Decorated muslin craft bags conceal treats, toys, and messages from Santa—and you can fill them again next year, too.
ANNIE SCHLECHTER
Get a New Tablecloth
Drape a plaid blanket over a white table to add color and creativity with basically zero work involved.
SARA LIGORRIA TRAMP
Don't Forget the Nursery
Baby's first Christmas? Deck out their room without breaking away from the current color palette with a metallic Christmas garland. Emily Henderson hung one right above the crib here.
SARA LIGORRIA TRAMP
Decorate the Bar
If you're entertaining this holiday season, don't forget to the prep bar. Aside from stocking it with the necessary beverage ingredients, take note from Emily Henderson's styling here by adding some greenery and a festive candlestick holder.
NGOC MINH NGO
Stock the Bar
Bar carts are the one design element that still need to be functional, so make sure you have all of the merry-making essentials ready to go. Accessorize with greenery and glassware.
JAMES MERRELL
Greens on Greens
Layer pine, spruce, and juniper for a fuller garland. Birch twigs, winterberry, and silvery pinecones add sparkle.
PAUL RAESIDE
Keep It Neutral
You don't have to go bold to make a statement. This classic dining room with a simple garland on the mantle is insanely chic.
CHRISTOPHER BAKER
Decorate With Candles
Candles give a Christmas old-fashioned charm—but to avoid a serious fire hazard, use candle lights instead of the real deal.
MIKE GARTEN
Put Up a Playful Mailbox
Put up a "letters to Santa" mailbox so your kids can drop them directly in there to be sent to the North Pole. Consider swapping out your welcome mat, too.
ERIN KUNKEL
Try Purple
Deep purple flowers still feel festive, but provide an alternative to red when you're just over it. Put them in a silver julep cup for extra glam.
PABLO ENRIQUEZ
Incorporate Yellow
Dreaming of summer while it's freezing cold outside? Add all the sunny feels to your table with yellow accents and fresh citrus.
PERNILLE LOOF
Choose Colorful Gift Wrap
What's under your tree counts just as much as what's on it. For a classic American theme, choose red, white, and blue paper and plenty of bows.
JOSÉ PICAYO
Get Lit
Instead of a garland, dress up a mantel with a mix of candlesticks—tall, small, mercury glass, crystal. Instead of ivory candles, opt for red, cranberry, and shades of green.
MIKE GARTEN
Fake Your Fireplace
Instead of putting candles in your lanterns, fill them with string lights. It's a great idea to make a non-working fireplace feel cozy.
And you can set this scene in five minutes flat.
MIKE GARTEN
Channel Your Inner Artist
Draw a fake fireplace with chalk on canvas, hang it from the wall, add stockings, and then surround it with floor cushions and blankets. Then place a tiny tree in a small planter to create a cozy nook. This will be a total lifesaver if you live in a small apartment but still want to go big on the Christmas decor.
COURTESY OF SUGAR AND CHARM
Add In Holly
Attach holly leaves to napkin rings. Add a garland as a runner and you've got a super easy, but totally festive table. See more at Sugar and Charm.
JOSÉ PICAYO
Play With Pattern
You don't have to limit yourself to matching the ribbon to the paper. Put polka dots and checks on a flowery filigree, like this one.
STACEY BRANDFORD
Double Up
Two wreaths are better than one. Stacked on a front door, your entryway will look twice as merry. Peep more at Good Housekeeping.
COURTESY OF SUGAR AND CHARM
Use Citrus
Dress up your garland by crafting a wreath out of three gold rings. Add in fresh citrus, like lemons or oranges, for extra color. Get the full tutorial on Sugar and Charm.
COURTESY OF LARK & LINEN
Put a Bow on It
Tying a ribbon on your mirror is the easy decorating hack you never knew you needed. Lark and Linen shows us how it's done.
DESIGN LOVE FEST
Wrap Up Your Tree
If you're skeptical about replacing your traditional lights and ornaments, try this gorgeous floral wrap on a smaller second tree. Just cut down silk flower stems and stick them in—the more the merrier.
THE MERRYTHOUGHT
Go Minimalist
You don't have to go all out for your festive display to look amaze. This year, try a pared down, minimalist vibe.
HOMEY OH MY
Make a Garland Out of Pine
All you need is wire, floral string, and pine to create this minimal holiday arrangement.
COURTESY OF THE HOUSE THAT LARS BUILT
Make a Two-in-One Garland
Not only is this super colorful strand of string lights gorgeous wall (or tree!) decor, but it's also an adorable advent calendar. Need some pointers? Watch The House That Lars Built create it first!
FINDING HOME FARMS
Bring Planters Indoors
Stuff galvanized flower buckets with fresh pine, draw on a festive message, and light it all up with twinkly lights!
COURTESY OF TELL LOVE AND PARTY
Combine Pink and Red
We're not just trying to make fetch happen here—pink can look totally festive. This DIY advent calendar is made out of red and pink paper bags attached to a bulletin board. Get the tutorial at Tell Love and Party.
FAMILY SPONGE
Stack Your Books
Pine is so 2017, anyway. Stack your books in the shape of a Christmas tree, then string some lights on them. It's not easy to build, so see how it's done at Family Sponge.
COURTESY OF TESSA NEUSTADT FOR EMILY HENDERSON DESIGNS
Keep It Clean
You don't have to stick to red and green for a festive mantel display. Keep your palette all white, then add in metallic accents. Gold feels celebratory, but still cool enough to not cramp your normal decor style.
COURTESY OF HELLO DIY
Add in Cozy Patterns
Hello, sheepskin and buffalo check. Break out your coziest textiles and your display will feel even more festive. See more at Hello DIY.
HOUSE AND HOME
Choose a Wintry Color Palette
Who invited you, red and green? We're loving this icy winter color palette. Get the tutorial at House and Home.
THE MERRYTHOUGHT
DIY Candles
Place cut sprigs of pine in skinny-necked, water-filled bottles and top with tapered candles for a stunning and simple arrangement, á la The Merrythought.
COURTESY OF TELL LOVE AND PARTY
Use Bold Gift Wrap
You may not typically think of presents as decor, but they totally are. Use bright and colorful paper and bows to make your tree stand out even more.
NOT YOUR STANDARD
Upgrade Your Flowers
Get creative with the base filler of your winter floral arrangements—try filling a square vase with fake cranberries before inserting cream-colored roses.
COURTESY OF THE LOVELY DRAWER
Use Real Branches
This adorable "tree" will look chic on any surface around your home, and it's easy to make. Just find a sturdy tree branch, apply spray paint, set it in a small glass bottle or vase, and decorate!
COURTESY OF JAYME BURROWS FOR EMILY HENDERSON DESIGNS
Hang Garlands Everywhere
Want something unexpected, but over-the-top festive and fun? String garland from your chandelier! See more at Emily Henderson.
COURTESY OF DREAMY WHITES
Go Farmhouse
A mini tree in a pitcher = the farmhouse Christmas of our dreams. Keep a minimalist aesthetic and it'll feel even lighter and airier. See more at Dreamy Whites.
COURTESY OF BIRD'S PARTY
Origami Paper Trees
The chicest origami has ever looked. Choose black, gold, and white paper for a display that can last through New Year's. Watch the experts at Bird's Party make them before delving in.
COURTESY OF LIA GRIFFITH
Make a Village
Turn your advent calendar into a village. Bonus: It can double as mantel decor.
COURTESY OF SUGAR & CLOTH
Grab Your Toy Soliders
Keep it simple and flank your mantel with two tiny toy soldiers or nutcrackers. Anchor it with a statement wreath in the middle.
ATTA GIRL SAYS
Fake Out
Mix faux garland with real greenery, weaving in pine cones and a matching thick ribbon. See more at Atta Girl Says.
COURTESY OF JUNKAHOLIQUE
Grab a Sled
Instead of a traditional tree stand, set your tree up on a sled. Add a sheepskin rug underneath and turn your living room into a winter wonderland.
THE WHITE BUFFALO STYLING CO.
Go Gingham
The classic white-and-black checkered pattern looks totally rustic when paired with wooden chargers. See more at The White Buffalo Styling Co..
COURTESY OF LIA GRIFFITH
Put Out Some Lanterns
Can you even believe these gorgeous lanterns are made out of paper? This takes origami to the next level.
COURTESY OF ALMOST MAKES PERFECT
Decorate Your Walls
If it just isn't Christmas without fresh greenery for you, try this DIY. Just glue greenery to wooden dowels, then stack on your wall in the shape of a tree. Get the tutorial at Almost Makes Perfect.
CLEAN AND SCENTSIBLE
Head to Your Backyard
Bleach pinecones first before stringing them alongside real cranberries. For their golden effect, submerge pinecones from your backyard in bleach for two days. It's easier than it looks, so be sure to follow the leaders at Clean and Scentsible.
HOMEY OH MY!
Keep It Elegant
Stripes will never go out of style—especially when they're black, and paired with gold and white.
STYLE ME PRETTY
Get Drawing
This small, hand drawn tree becomes 3D by hanging ornaments on appropriately-placed nails.
ONE PROJECT CLOSER
Grab Some Plastic Spoons
This plastic spoon project is dominating Pinterest right now—and we can 100 percent see why.
COURTESY OF SUGAR AND CHARM
The Bigger, the Better
You could buy a standard paper advent calendar, but this giant wooden DIY is so much more fun. Get the tutorial at Sugar and Charm.
COURTESY OF SUGAR AND CHARM
Make a Festive Coffee Bar
Complete with cinnamon sticks, candy canes, and chocolate-dipped peppermints. See more at Sugar and Charm.
33 SHADES OF GREEN
Float On
These festive vases take mere minutes. Simply fill various jars with water—stop just a few inches below the brim—and add American and Michigan holly. Purchase floating candles for an added glow. Get the tutorial at 33 Shades of Green.
CEDRIC ANGELES
Spread the Word
Put season's greetings on full display. A rustic ladder can also hold cozy throws and blankets for chilly nights. Country Living shows us how it's done.
MICHEL ARNAUD
Go Color Crazy
Skip traditional crimson to put a fresh spin on a Christmas wreath. Branch out with pink and green baubles, and add in a few silvery accents.
MICHAEL PARTENIO
Hang Up Your Candy Canes
Keep treats on display (and out of kids' and pets' reach) by hanging them along the top of a window. Hooked on matching ribbon, the peppermints look extra sweet. See more at Good Housekeeping.
KATE MATHIS
Lighten Up
This easy-to-make candle wreath is classic for the holidays.
MIKKEL VANG
Up Your Wreath Game
Use birch bark sheets to craft a handful of leaves that can be turned into a frosted, seasonal wreath.
THE LOVELY DRAWER
Think Beyond Your Tree
Place a few branches of holly inside of a vase and then add a pop of color with bright ornaments.
JULIE BLANNER
There's Nothing String Lights Can't Do
Turn a common winter scene—firewood, evergreen branches, and pinecones—into a dazzling display with some string lights. See more from Julie Blanner.
JULIE BLANNER
Stick With Tried & True Classics
Poinsettias, cinnamon, and candy canes will literally never go out of style. This decoration is another Julie Blanner find.
DRIVEN BY DECOR
All the Holiday Scents Please
Recreate this sweet smelling wreath with star anise. All you need is a ribbon and some glue!
JULIE BLANNER
DIY Your Runner
Bright red pomegranates make a festive addition to a table runner. We highly suggest going with faux fruit so that you don't attract any unwelcome visitors.
LOVELY LITTLE KITCHEN
Turn On Your Oven
Cinnamon applesauce dough comes together quickly to make this cute strand of cookies. See more at Lovely Little Kitchen.
DOMESTICALLY SPEAKING
Make It Mini
Go all out for a holiday table centerpiece, and place a miniature evergreen—topped with a ribbon—in the middle of your spread. See more at Domestically Speaking.