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Holiday Decorating Guide: Festive Hacks for Your Home

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published November 14, 2024

Last-minute decorating during the festive season can be tough. But you won’t have to worry when you have a holiday decoration list prepared. That’s where we come in. Whether it’s lighting or yard decorations, this holiday decorating guide covers everything you need for a perfect holiday.

Holiday Decoration List For the Perfect Festive Season

Having a decoration strategy in place can save you a lot of time, energy and stress in the holiday season. Having a list of holiday essentials can help you create the perfect atmosphere for festivities. Here are a few holiday decorating ideas to get started.

Brighten Up Your Space

Lighting can help you set the right mood for the holidays. Bright lights create the warm and inviting atmosphere your guests would long for in the winters. Before you buy the lights you need, take a count of how many you require. Measure the distance from your electric outlet to make sure you have the right amount. If you have lights stored from the last holiday season, test them to check if they’re working.

Adorn the Interiors of Your Home

The first thing on your holiday decoration list for interior décor should be lights. Table lamps set at appropriate locations can create a welcoming ambiance. Decorative table lamps with festive hues or designs can add to the holiday atmosphere. Hanging Christmas icicle lights across your doorways and windows is also a great way to decorate your space. Arranging Christmas net lights around your mantelpiece is a good idea too.

Floating candles on tables, shelves and windowsills can contribute to the festive cheer. Scented candles with holiday themes like pine, cinnamon or vanilla can be good options. You can also hang rope lights around mirrors and curtains in your room for a unique touch. Add fairy lights in glass jars and set it near the entryway to welcome guests.

Caution
Avoid overcrowding your power outlets to prevent safety hazards.

Illuminate the Exteriors of Your Home

Create a festive glow by adding flood lights throughout your yard. This can also highlight other decorations in your outdoor space. Consider lighting up the path to your home with Christmas pathway lights to guide your guests through your yard. Another unique idea is using projection lights to create a display show. You can use laser light projectors to light up the outside of your home in various colors. Project holiday scenes or messages onto your home’s exteriors to stand out. String lights can be used outdoors as well to add a festive feel to your home. Consider draping them over trees, fences or porches to brighten your space.

Make sure the products you buy are outdoor-rated with labels like Ul-certified or Ul-listed. This ensures that the light is waterproof and won’t spark when used outside. LED lights are preferable since they consume less energy, don’t heat up and last longer.

Caution
Make sure your inflatables and other outdoor decorations are secured so they don’t fall and cause damage.

Experiment with Ornaments

Your holiday decoration list is incomplete without ornaments that add to the holiday cheer. Look for designs and colors that reflect the theme of the holidays and your personal style. Using glass balls to decorate your home is a good idea. These traditional and class glass balls are available in different colors, finishes and sizes to suit various occasions. Tinsels and garlands are a given when it comes to holiday decorations. These ornaments add a sparkle and shimmer to your space. You can create Christmas garlands from beads and cranberries for a unique variation. Drape these on trees, mantles and doorways for a festive look. Christmas stockings, stocking holders and tree toppers are essential if you’re decorating for this festival.

Enhance your holiday decorations with personalized ornaments that feature names, dates and special messages. If you wish to DIY it, use materials like clay, wood or fabric to create a unique ornament.

Include Natural Accessories

Natural elements can create a refreshing and inviting ambiance for your holiday season. Natural holiday decorating ideas can include pinecones, branches, greenery and other natural materials. Create centerpieces, Christmas garlands and wreaths using pinecones and paint or glitter them to make them stand out. Consider hanging holly, ivy or evergreen branches from the ceiling or place them in vases for a rustic effect. Place cinnamon sticks, dried oranges or acorns at desired locations or include them in arrangements.

Gather Holiday Accents

Adding festive decorations all over your home can make every room feel like a holiday haven. These small touches in every corner can help create the festive cheer you desire. Add ribbons and bows throughout your home, along with holiday themed bedding and couch pillows. Snow globes, holiday outdoor mats, tableware and table runners can take your holiday décor to the next level. Create centerpieces for your dining table or coffee table using candles, flowers and natural accents.

You can also decorate your outdoors with window decals and hanging plant baskets. Inflatables, yard signs and porch decor like snowmen or pumpkins can enhance the holiday feel.

Caution
Don’t leave any lit candles unattended and practice safety when using real candles.

Don’t Forget the Utility Items

Now that you have your holiday decoration list ready, it is time to gather some essential utility items. These will help you hang ornaments and create a dazzling display. You also need storage containers to store your decorations for next year. The following utility items might be useful.

  • Light timers, mounting clips and extension cords are useful items for safety and convenience.
  • Power strips, light pools and hooks might come in handy for your lighting and other accents.
  • For outdoor decorations, having an extension pole, yard stakes, glue gun and wires might make decorating much easier.
  • A mounting adhesive can help you mount items on walls and high surfaces.
  • Once the holiday season is over, storage bins, boxes and bags can be helpful to organize and store your decorations.

Decorate Your Yard

Decorating your outdoor space allows you to elevate your home’s curb appeal and display your passion for the festival season. Place Christmas inflatables around your yard based on the theme of your holidays. Consider which characters, shapes and sizes you would prefer based on your yard size and preference. Christmas wreaths are a classic holiday decoration idea that you can hang on windows, doors and fences. Add pine needles, berries and ribbons to make your wreaths look more festive.

Animatronic decorations add an exciting and unique feel to your yard. Life-like figures of Santa Claus, reindeer and other holiday characters can make your yard stand out. They move and make sounds that bring your decorations to life.

Tips for Successful Holiday Decorating Ideas

Now that you have your holiday decoration list, read through these tips to take your holiday decorations to the next level.

Personal Touches

Use vintage ornaments or antique decorations to add a personal touch to your holiday decorations. Use the ornaments that have been used in the family for years, like that special tree topper or nostalgic pair of stockings. Whether it’s that unique Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas breakfast, traditions that have been in the family make the holiday more special. Display holiday-themed items from your travels or gifts you’ve received as meaningful aspects of holiday decorations.

Seasonal Elements

Holiday colors like red, green, white and gold add festive spirit to your space. While the holiday color palette is limited, you can still experiment with different textures and patterns. Textures like burlap, velvet and faux fur can create some unique decorations.

Scents and Music

Holiday aromas like scented candles, potpourris and essential oils can create a wholesome festive experience. Scents of pine, cinnamon and peppermint can make anyone feel like the holiday season has arrived. Set the mood with festive holiday music that makes your guests feel welcome.

Safety Measures

It’s important to avoid overcrowding the power sources to prevent fire hazards. Never leave any candles unattended and extinguish them if you leave the room. Before reusing last years’ decorations, inspect for any damage to prevent any accidents. Outdoor decorations can topple over and cause damage. Make sure they’re secured safely to the ground so they don’t get blown away.

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