True confessions. (I feel like I say this every year.) I am writing 8 Christmas Decorating tips for the busy mom (or non-mom) because I can’t be the only one who doesn’t have time to decorate for Christmas. For my easy Fall decor post, one reader complained that what I did was too simple. So I do feel I need to warn you that these are easy simple things to do.
1. Use storage boxes as gift boxes.
I found these at Target. I just wrapped them with pretty bows. Then you don’t have to wrap your boxes and they all look pretty under the tree together. The box can be part of your gift. For my family, I used boxes I already had. Since these gifts are going to my daughter and husband, I’ll be getting them back; they don’t want them. (Works for me.)
2. Choose a color theme for a unified look.
Why do the store displays look so good at holiday time? One reason is because they have been professionally styled. The stylists often choose a color theme and stick with it. Too many colors can feel confusing. I like just using 2 or 3 each year. This year is pink, green, and aqua. You can see the aqua bottle brush trees HERE AND HERE.
3. Use greenery from your yard.
I cut branches from a bush at the farm, but you can trim a bush in your yard and use the cuttings. I used a lot of cuttings from our cedar tree last year.
4. Use Ribbon and for a simple holiday look.
I love Christmas decor, but not the work putting it all together. Rather than spending a lot on new Christmas decorations each year, I simply buy new ribbon. Even though my decor is mostly ribbon every year it looks totally different, because I use different colors and new ribbon each year. Save money and make the bows yourself. I bought 2 types of pink ribbon, 1 green, and 2 silver.
5. Use preserved boxwood wreaths.
I love the look of these wreaths. The best part is that look real, because they are. They will also look great for years. This is the third year I have used mine.
6. Use mercury glass.
Mercury glass is not mercury at all, but glass with a silver lining on the inside. I love the look and it is really shiny. It feels very festive to me, but since it is silver, you can use it year-round.
I put some mercury glass balls in this cabinet. They are a bit more obvious in person.
7. Make lots and lots of bows.
You can use them all over your home. They can be used over and over again each year if you like, and they can be smushed for storage to save space. I put them everywhere.
8. Don’t Sweat it.
Seriously I am so overwhelmed with all I have to do. I didn’t feel like I had a lot of time to decorate. I could have gotten stressed over that since I am on about 5 Christmas tours this year. Rather than scream or run and hide under the bed, I just took a simple approach. Don’t feel like your home has to be perfect, and you have to spend a week redoing your entire home. If you love doing all of that work, then go for it!! If not, then I say don’t worry about it. Don’t do it! Just do what you feel comfortable doing. I know in the land of Pinterest and blogs, we can feel a lot of pressure, especially if you are a blogger. I am not sure what this says about me, but I just don’t feel the pressure to do what everyone else is doing. I know a lot of bloggers who have beautiful homes and stunning Christmas decorations. I love seeing their homes all done up for the holidays. I appreciate all of the work that went into it. They are amazing and a joy to behold. It’s just not ‘me’.
You can see all of my Christmas posts here. CHRISTMAS POSTS.
You can see some of those amazing homes I talked about below!
Hi, I love your elegant simplicity! Where did you find those adorable boxwood wreaths? The only ones I can find are really expensive.
Thank you for saying that. Decorating today… And tomorrow. Simple IS beautiful.
Please tell me how do you store your boxwood wreaths to make them last?
Just in a box during the year. But while they are out, spritz them with water is the advice I’ve heard.
Like your simple style it looks so nice.
This year I have found an appreciation for simple Christmas decor. It can be really pretty without screaming at you. Love the color choices of your ribbon Anita.
These are some wonderful ideas, Anita. And your home is stunning as always! Thanks for sharing it and the ideas and for joining the Home for the Holidays tour!
I love your holiday decor here. It may be simple, but it goes with your overall design sensibility and you’ve chosen a few very impactful things like the pink ribbon and the greenery. It looks lovely and festive. I still can’t get past that someone told you your fall decor was too simple.
Actually the comment wasn’t that polite Lory!
Simple and elegant!
It all looks beautiful as always Anita! I do love the simplicity and all of the pretty bows really brought it all to life. Gorgeous job!
You have the knack to make a room look splendid. I love the idea of using hot pink for the holidays. It’s a color that goes with your neutral palette yet still looks festive. You gift box idea is a good one!
I LOVE this Anita!! You have such a way of making simple look elegant and tasteful.
Thanks so much for sharing on the tour.
xoxo
Your home is beautiful Anita! I’m taking a simpler approach this year also. I was really dreading the idea of having to take down and put away all of my Christmas decor, so I decided to only take out my favorite things. Thank you for sharing your advice with us!
The pink with the green is so pretty and not anything I would have thought of. I’m going to pin it to remember it for next year!
There is beauty in simple elegance. And I love the pink and green! 🙂
Nancy
I love how you make pink work for Christmas! Your home is stunning to begin with, so the addition of a little colored ribbon goes a long way to bring it to life for the Holidays. Love the idea to bring in clippings from the yard! XO
Your home is, in my opinion, ready any season for any time… your simple touches add that extra pop of cheer, fun and beauty! Elegant and executed wonderfully. I love the contrast of the pink and green against your neutral background, it’s perfect! xo
I love the pink and blue with all of your wonderful light and white!
Simple is beautiful! I’m definitely feeling the urge to cut back, and I don’t even do very much to begin with! I love your color scheme too, so fun and fresh! Beautiful home!
I love all of the simple touches…they’re very elegant. The touches of pink are so festive. Beautifully done as always!
So pretty and great tips! Love!
Well I enjoyed reading your simple tips.Nothing needs to be complicated when it comes to decorating for the holidays.And by the way your home is gorgeous.I LOVE getting a chance to take a peek inside 🙂
So pretty, Anita! I love the unexpected touches of pink. Merry Christmas! ~Christy
Your advice really struck a cord with me. I have been working non stop making things for my home, and I love to do it, but it has consumed so much of my time this holiday season. I am going to say enough, and enjoy the beauty this season offers. Your home looks lovely and festive. I am going to try the less is more approach next year. Thank you !
Yay Marijean, I hope you get to enjoy the holidays.
Thank you Anita for your refreshing honesty !! I agree there is a lot of pressure to go overboard. Love your elegant style and your tips 🙂
Wow beautiful but simple! Thank you for sharing
good decorastion