The holiday season is getting closer each day. It’s amazing how quickly the year goes by and now it’s time to think about decorating for Christmas.
Many of us set up our festive decor the same way each year, giving us a sense of tradition and comfort. I had a client who decorated her home exactly the same way for 25 Christmases!
She was getting tired of doing the same thing each year but had no idea what else to do. With my help, we used all her original, well-loved decorations and created different and unique vignettes for her home. She loved it!
If you are looking for festive inspiration, keep reading!
I have been involved with dozens of Christmas home tours over the years, decorating homes and even opening my own home a few times. One thing I can say is that Christmas tours can provide so much inspiration it can make your head spin.
Ever walk away from a Christmas tour inspired but overwhelmed? I’ll use the Vankleek Hill Christmas Home Tour from 2024 to show you how creative you can be with simple ideas that used the homeowners’ decorations and added their festive touches.
The porch
Let’s begin with the porch area. It’s the first thing visitors see when they come to your home. Why not make it a warm and inviting welcome for them?
Bring out small tables, chairs, interesting pieces, urns — anything you think would work together. Even some shelves can make an appearance and offer a great place to display Christmas decor.
Add some festive cushions, throws, a welcome mat and, of course, greens of all types. How about old toboggans or skates? They are the perfect touch.
Ever thought of having a larger Christmas tree on your porch? For the last few years, I have had a five- or six-foot live Christmas tree on my front porch and I love it. I add twinkle lights, wooden dollar store ornaments and birch bark for a beautiful natural theme.
The rest of your yard
Don’t forget about your other outdoor spaces! Why not add a bit of Christmas to your balcony, back deck or patio. Why should the front of your home be the only outdoor space to look festive?
Here are three great examples of bringing Christmas to the backyard.
Back patio area: A couple of Muskoka chairs, a freestanding fire pit, some cushions, throws and greenery make this area an inviting place to spend time in. Add patio lights and a Christmas tree and you have a great outdoor space for the holidays. You only have to bring the hot chocolate!
Add a rocking chair and throw to your space and you have a nice welcome.
Have a bench outside, maybe near a tree or your garage? Why not add some greenery, a festive sign and a lantern on a bird bath.
Have some fun creating your special outdoor spaces for Christmas.
Moving inside
As your guests enter, one of the first things they see is your entrance or foyer and often the staircase. Do you decorate your staircase for the holidays? It’s easier than you think! Here are some great examples to inspire you.
Want something simple near your staircase area? Here is the perfect idea — a simple, yet festive, vignette gathered from the homeowners’ Christmas items and displayed on their grandmother’s vintage sewing machine:
The tree
We all know that the mighty Christmas tree is the belle of the season. Whether it is live or faux, tall or short, fat or thin, each one is lovingly decorated by homeowners and their families — special keepsakes, lights, ribbon and a beautiful topper.
Here are some fantastic Christmas trees to provide you with inspiration for your own family’s tree:
I was getting the homeowners home ready for last year’s home tour and we realized we had a few leftover Christmas trees of all sizes. We didn’t know what to do with them until inspiration struck — making a Christmas tree forest in their family room. They loved it, and so did all the home tour guests.
The dining room
The last area I would like to share some inspiration with you is the dining table, the space that everyone gathers around to share a meal and celebrate the season. It’s a lot of pressure to have a beautiful table. Let’s remove some of that pressure and show you some simple, festive and beautiful tables that you could recreate. Don’t forget to note the table centrepieces!
I’ve given you lots of inspiration, but no need to feel overwhelmed. Just take any of the ideas you like and make them yours.
Have fun. Be creative. And enjoy getting your home ready for the holidays.
