Deck the Halls: A Basic Guide to Easy and Inexpensive Holidays Decor |Keeping it Real

Hello, and welcome! I almost never change our home decor from season to season other than maybe using a few printables here. The only time of the year I really make an effort to decorate for is Christmas.

And even then, although holiday season is a magical time and some people feel that nothing sets the festive mood quite like beautiful decorations, I rarely go all out.

But even without going over the top and wasting a lot of money on stuff that you are going to use only for a few days a year, there are many ways to create an enchanting holiday display that reflects your unique style.

1. Embrace a Theme

Before you start, consider a theme. Do you dream of a rustic farmhouse Christmas with natural elements and warm tones? Or perhaps a whimsical wonderland filled with glitter and pastels? A cohesive theme helps tie your decor together and creates a harmonious atmosphere. But more than embracing the latest trend, pick something that feels right for the space you are decorating and for you and your family.

2. The Heart of the Home: Your Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree is often the focal point of holiday decor. Choose a tree that fits your space, whether it's a grand fir or a charming tabletop variety. At our house we have a table top tree leftover from the early days of our marriage and then a larger tree that we got after the kids were born. We still decorate both every year.

When decorating, start with lights, then add garlands or ribbons, and finally, your ornaments. Don't forget a beautiful tree topper and a festive skirt or collar to complete the look. Even though you may changes themes every year or every couple of years, tree lights and ornaments should be pretty easy to re-use.

3. Beyond the Tree: Spreading Cheer Throughout Your Home

Holiday decor isn't just for the tree! Extend the festive spirit to every corner of your home:

Mantel Magic: Adorn your fireplace mantel with a garland, twinkling lights, candles, and your favorite holiday figurines or stockings. Again, re-using what you already have is the best way to keep this inexpensive. As we don't have a fireplace in our apartment, we usually hang a garland on the wall next to the Christmas tree.

Tabletop Delights: Create centerpieces for your dining table or coffee table using fresh greenery, pinecones, ornaments, and candles. It doesn't have to be complicated or cost a lot of money to make a statement.

Staircase Grandeur: Draping garlands and string lights along your staircase banister (if you have one) is quick and inexpensive way to create a dramatic and welcoming entrance.

Window Wonders: Hang wreaths, string lights, or even delicate paper snowflakes in your windows to share the joy with passersby. Involve your kids - they usually love this part of decorating.

Outdoor Charm: Don't forget your exterior! Light up your porch with lanterns, hang a festive wreath on your door, and consider some outdoor string lights to create a warm glow.

4. Personal Touches and DIY Fun

Inject personality into your decor with handmade elements (my favorite part!). Craft your own ornaments, bake gingerbread cookies to hang (and then eat them), or create personalized stockings. These thoughtful touches make your decor truly unique and memorable.

And if you're not very crafty, don't worry - there are tons of free printables online that can help you spread the cheer around the house.

5. Scent-sational Holidays

Engage all your senses! Simmer a pot of cinnamon, cloves, and orange peels on the stove for a delightful holiday aroma (there are many suggestions and tutorials for this online). Light scented candles or diffuse essential oils like pine or frankincense to evoke the spirit of the season.

No matter your style, holiday decorating is an opportunity to express your creativity and bring joy to your home, and is doesn't need to be complicated or expensive - it just needs to be right for you.