Decorating for Christmas: Tips for a Festive Home

November 29, 2024

By Diana Elizabeth Steffen

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and I’d love to welcome you into my home this Christmas season to share my decorating tips! Our home was even featured on Homeworthy—you can watch the video tour here for a closer look as I guide you through our festive spaces.

In this blog post, I’ll show you how I’ve decorated this year and share practical tips for decorating now or preparing for next season. I’ll even include ideas on making the takedown process easier to save time next year. Fun fact: I decorated all of this within a week, just in time for the Homeworthy crew to arrive to film.

Decorating Outdoors

Living in Phoenix means mild winters, so I love decorating outdoors! I have the Paddy O’ Rancho Collection with Bliss Spa Cushions as the foundation.

The ribbon was a $5 Target find, while the garland and pinecones came from a thrift store. Topiaries with pre-made bows (a set of 6 from Williams-Sonoma) add festive charm.

Tip: Adding red elements, or any bold holiday color, is the easiest way to create a cohesive festive look both indoors and outdoors.

Hanging Garland

Our garden room is the heart of our holiday entertaining and the perfect spot for my annual ornament party! Hanging garland can be tricky, but I’ve perfected a technique that not only makes the process easier but also leaves no unsightly nails or hooks visible afterward.

Tip: Use cable wire clips (available in various sizes on Amazon) to hang garland. Simply hammer them onto the top of your trim, attach a clear zip tie to the hook, and secure the garland. The white clips blend seamlessly into white trim or walls.

If you have an abundance of ornaments and you’re running out of Christmas tree space, consider decorating garland with ornaments. This is a great option for kids' rooms, smaller spaces, or for anyone who doesn’t want multiple trees in their home.

Storing Your Christmas Tree

Setting up the Christmas tree can be time-consuming, but using a rolling storage bag has been a game-changer for me. This year, I used what I call a "Christmas tree straightjacket." It zips up and rolls away to our storage shed, saving setup time next year.

Tip: Invest in a rolling tree storage bag, like this one for up to 7.5' here or up to 9' here. Remove delicate ornaments and ribbon, but you can leave lights and sturdy ornaments attached.

Reusing and Storing Garland

Last year, I installed hooks for the garland to make hanging a breeze. When taking down outdoor garland, keep it tied together to save time next year. I label each side "north" and "south" to make re-hanging a breeze. I was able to hang the garland in 20 minutes this year!

Tip: Avoid cutting zip ties or fully disassembling garland unless necessary. Store pre-tied garlands in large plastic bags for easy setup next season. There is no need to fully take everything apart unless you need room when you store it. If you can keep things tied together, it saves you time every year.

Table or Kitchen Island Garland

I love using an over-the-table rod as a centerpiece for parties. I like to decorate it a little bit differently every year. This year, I decorated it with modified flocked garland from Walmart, cutting off any pieces I didn’t like with wire cutters. It makes for a great centerpiece in our entertaining spaces.

Tip: Affordable garlands can be customized to fit your style. Look for budget-friendly options and remove any unwanted elements to create a high-end look.This garland was from Walmart and I achieved the look I wanted by cutting off the faux candy and plastic items I didn’t like.

Swap Out Chandelier Shades

Simple changes, like swapping chandelier shades, can set the holiday mood. I use black shades with gold lining to create warm, festive lighting.

This year, I thrifted sterling vintage bells and polished them to use as the focal point of my tablescape. They pair beautifully with double-sided ribbon for a touch of elegance.

Tip: Choose darker shades or ones with metallic linings to create a cozy, ambient glow that complements your holiday decor. For an extra festive touch, add small ornaments or ribbon to the chandelier itself, tying the look together with your overall theme.

Boxing by Room

One change I’m trying this year is boxing decorations by room for easier setup and takedown. This way, everything will go back to its original place without guesswork!

Tip: Pack decorations by room to save time next year. Unloading becomes seamless when each box is labeled and placed in the corresponding space.

I hope these tips inspire your holiday decorating and save you time. Wishing you a merry and festive Christmas season! For more photos and product links, visit my blog post.

Diana Elizabeth Steffen is a Phoenix-based lifestyle blogger at dianaelizabethblog.com, where she shares her home and garden projects with her camera in hand! You can follow her on Instagram @dianaelizabeth_