Decorating your home inside and out is one of the best ways to get in the holiday spirit. It’s a way to connect with loved ones, practice mindfulness, and create a beautiful home for the most wonderful time of the year. We’ve listed our top holiday decor tips and fun family projects for a happy merry home!

More is More

Christmas is the time to throw caution to the wind and indulge any and all your maximalism tendencies. There’s no such thing as too much of a good thing when it comes to holiday decor. It’s 2020, so embrace these little joys wherever you can and adorn your abode with all the festive things. We know some families that switched their decor from Halloween to Christmas on November 1. The point is, do what you want, when you want!

Pick Your Palette

Choosing your color scheme is the important first step, because all accompanying and embellishments work from this starting point. Consider how you want to feel in your home and how your desired palette will work with your existing decor. There’s a palette for every mood and motif, whether you’re drawn to the beautifully classic reds and green, prefer playful vibes from bold hues, or opt for the upscale sophistication of a monochromatic look. The rule is there are no rules, so go with what you love and what makes you happy. Don't forget to snap tons of cute pics to spread your holiday cheer! 

Photo by @mr.charlierbelt (Instagram)

Garland is All Good

Garland goes with Christmas like donuts to coffee. It’s a match made in festive heaven, and don’t think twice about festooning your interior and exterior with the natural or faux variety. Some areas of the home to consider are the mantle, front door, staircase, and even interior doorways. 

Textile Touch-up

The easiest way to spruce up a space is swapping out existing textiles for seasonal variations, and livening up your living areas for Christmas is no different. Change out your throw blankets, pillow covers, tablecloths and mats, and kitchen and powder room towels with holiday designs in your desired color palette. 

Go Green

Yes, you’ve got your garland, but what about wreaths, flowers, branches, or poinsettias? Bring more of the lovely outdoors in this winter and incorporate greenery and living things in the home. DIY by walking through your neighborhood or local parks to forage for small branches, or snip a few inconspicuous boughs from your own Christmas tree. 

Set the Mood with Hygge Design

Make your home a welcoming retreat by creating cozy vibes that appeal to all the senses. A cornerstone of Danish culture and everyday life, hygge resides at the intersection of purpose, design, and style, evocative of all things charming, warm, and lovely. A crackling fireplace, candlelight, soft blankets, plush pillows, and a great playlist all work together to create an environment encouraging the enjoyment of life’s moments with our favorite people. We love how one of our Authentic homeowners turned her living room into a cozy holiday retreat! (And we can't help but love her Pinterest perfect tree! )

Photo by @amateurinterior (Instagram)

Get Crafty

Whip up a batch of your family’s favorite holiday treat and ask Alexa to call up some festive tunes for an afternoon of Christmas DIYs. A quick Google or Pinterest search can provide lots of ideas, but if that’s too overwhelming we’ve curated our top projects below. Make one or all and create a new family tradition! 

5 Favorite Christmas Crafts and DIYs 

DIY Holiday Greenery

Photo by HGTV

Get that fresh-tree scent throughout your home with this easy greenery garland. Use the same simple method for your front-door wreath or table centerpiece. 

Plastic Spoon Christmas Trees

Photo by One Project Closer

With only a handful of materials, you can create these lovely little trees for a mantle, entryway table, or centerpiece. Check out the tutorial at One Project Closer. 

Salt Dough Ornaments

Photo by Wholefully

If you don’t add another salt dough ornament to your collection can you even call it Christmas?

These classic, old-time ornaments are a nod to days gone by, a right of passage for every youngster, and a walk down memory lane for parents. Get inspiration for your new fave at Wholefully. 

Christmas Village

Photo by The Nester

Create your own very mini winter wonderland! You and the kids can take turns telling festive stories about the people who live there. Get the materials list and instructions at The Nester.

Don’t forget to show us your holiday best! Tag us on Instagram at @Authentic_Custom_Homes and share your seasonal decorations!