Home Decorating for Christmas in a Week

Christmas decorating can feel both fun and overwhelming, particularly if you’re trying to deck the halls in just one week. Thankfully, there are plenty of creative ways to make a big impact quickly. This season, a mix of old and new will add just the right amount of cheer. Snag some of your favorite ornaments to repurpose as tree toppers, use pretty vases for centerpieces, and fill bowls with baubles to create a festive tablescape.

If you’re going all-out, a few well-placed wreaths, garlands, and scented candles can help create a warm and inviting holiday ambience. Designers like Lauren DeBello, founder of Lauren DeBello Interiors, recommends keeping a neutral palette and accenting the look with greenery for an elegant yet cozy feel. To add an extra touch of brightness, she suggests incorporating some shiny elements like mirrors and metallic ornaments.

A cozy fireplace and comfy throws are the best way to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, but adding a few decorative touches will make your home look more Christmassy. For example, draping garland with lights around the mantel can add a nice touch of drama and a subtle sense of merriment. And if you’re feeling extra crafty, consider creating paper snowflakes, which are a simple and fun way to elevate your decor scheme.

Don’t forget to dress your bed with a cozy holiday duvet and a coordinating set of sheets. This is a great opportunity to incorporate your holiday color scheme into your bedding, as you can choose reds, golds, and blues that will coordinate with your other decorations. Alternatively, you can go with a neutral look and layer in a few pops of holiday colors, as illustrated in this cozy bedroom by Courtney St. John Studio.

If you don’t have the space for a large tree, opt for a tabletop version instead. You can decorate a table with a few oversized vases or use a large piece of furniture like a console or buffet to showcase your tree.

A gorgeous sled, wooden wagon, or vintage box can serve as a festive display in your foyer, especially if it’s topped with a large faux cardinal. Designers like Liz Marie Blog love to create a dramatic entrance with a generous display of garland, such as by draping mixed greens on the staircase or displaying a sled loaded with a bundle of greens.

You can also use your backyard as a treasure trove for festive decorations. Pick up a bag of eucalyptus branches or holly to use as a base for wreaths, tie bows onto existing decorations, and even stuff oranges with cloves to display on your mantel or bannister.

Want to have an Advent calendar without the fuss of a traditional version? Snag a fragrant jar candle, and you can use the label as an Advent calendar by marking off days with a Sharpie. Or, if you want to keep your decor a little more low-key, simply turn your tree into an Advent calendar by painting its ornaments to signify the number of days until Christmas.