Decorating for the holidays is one of my favorite ways to express creativity and create a cozy, thoughtfully curated space for the family to enjoy.
This holiday season, I’m thrilled to share how I’m decorating and the holiday decor essentials I’ve found to make our home warm and festive. If you’re like me, sourcing holiday home decor is more than just a seasonal investment, it’s a way to build lasting memories and traditions.
From seasonal greenery and twinkling holiday lights to cozy throws and unique festive accents, every detail can transform your home. If you’re still trying to define your holiday style or find the right pieces to bring your vision together, I’ve put together a full guide with my favorite seasonal stores and decor finds to inspire your holiday styling.
Set the Foundation
When decorating for the holiday season, starting with a strong foundation is key. Typically, your foundation can be built around the natural or organic elements like Christmas trees, lush garlands to drape across the fireplace mantel, front door wreaths, seasonal stems, and winter berries. These foundational pieces set the tone and mood for your space.
For sourcing greenery, I highly recommend Terrain for high-quality faux options and Gracious Garlands for fresh, real greenery. Our living room tree is from Terrain, and it’s one of my favorite holiday decor investments. It’s timeless and unique without feeling stuffy, it’s pre-lit (a must for me), and it blends beautifully with our overall aesthetic.
This year, I incorporated fresh garlands into our mantle and stairwell decor for the first time, and I can’t recommend it enough. Not only do they add a stunning, natural touch, but they also bring the unmistakable scent of the season into your home. For a cohesive look, I used a Magnolia and Leyland Cypress wreath on our front door, Magnolia and Leyland Cypress garland on the dining table, and this mix of Leyland Cypress and Cedar garland on the stairwell and mantle.
Make It You
Consistency is key to creating a personalized, cohesive holiday look for your home. That doesn’t mean don’t mix things up, but if you do, make sure to balance the elements so everything feels cohesive rather than chaotic. While it’s tempting to experiment with every new trend, keeping your decor aligned with your home’s overall aesthetic will ensure the space feels harmonious this holiday season rather than overwhelming.
Start by establishing a color palette then go with complementing layers and textures. To help you avoid purchasing items that will never be used again, stick to tones and patterns that align with your home’s personality. Start referencing your style as you are shopping for items, and try to stick to a consistent aesthetic. Thoughtful selections will not only save money but also create a timeless holiday look.
Gift Ideas
Since I was a little girl, I have always loved giving gifts. It’s one of my love languages, and it’s no surprise that gift-giving is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. Whether it was homemade crafts and cards for my grandparents or souvenirs I brought home that I knew someone had to have, this passion has stayed with me into adulthood. Personalizing and picking out individual gifts has always felt like an intentional way to let people know I’m thinking of them.
Wrapping Inspiration
Beautiful wrapping can elevate any gift. I love sourcing unique wrapping paper from Etsy, they have super affordable and fun options. My current favorites include Partridge Pattern, Dark Green Christmas Tree, Vintage Stripe, and Brown Plaid wrapping paper designs. You want your gift to feel wrapped with love, to tie it all together, velvet ribbon is my go-to choice. This Velvet Amazon Ribbon is a luxurious finishing touch that makes every holiday gift feel extra special.
Thoughtful Gift-Giving Tips
Now, let’s talk about gift ideas. First and foremost, I’ll share my biggest tip for gift giving: the best gifts are the ones that show you’ve truly listened and paid attention to the recipient’s likes and needs. Throughout the year, make a mental note of things they mention wanting or loving. Giving someone something that you know they’ll like is a sure-fire way to be deemed a great holiday gift giver.
For team members and clients, I focus on gifts that make their space feel special. A few of my favorites include:
Pottery Barn Black Easel: A great gift to pair with a photo or art print that can be displayed easily on any vignette.
Candles: The Heirloom Tomato Candle from McGee and Co. is a unique choice that adds warmth to any home.
Artwork or Decor: Online shops like Magnolia and Shoppe Amber Interiors are constantly updating their collections, offering plenty of options for personalized, high-quality gifts.
For my friends and neighbors, I love finding unique, personal items that reflect their personality. This might include jewelry, a favorite perfume, or a vintage treasure I’ve discovered during the year and brought home to tuck away until Christmas gifting time.
Tips for Family Holiday Gifts
Gift-giving for family is where my creativity truly shines. Given how much time we spend together, it’s easy for me to pick-up on their cues throughout the year. Whether it’s a thoughtful, handcrafted item or something I’ve purchased after months of planning, my goal is always to make each family member feel loved and appreciated.
I typically collect gifts immediately once I notice something they want or need. I also keep an eye on new inventory from Pottery Barn Kids and William Sonoma, which tend to carry quality items that can be staple gifts.
Click here to shop holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list!
Where to Shop For Holiday Decor Pieces:
Lulu & Georgia: I love the timeless collections at Lulu & Georgia. Their high-quality materials have never let me down, and I’ve purchased many stapes from them over the years. From one-of-a-kind styling pieces like their metallic candlesticks to velvet tree skirts and moody throw blankets, you can’t go wrong.
Shoppe Amber Interiors: My go-to for any and all decor, no matter the season. Shoppe Amber Interiors offers a wide range of neutral, timeless elements that aren’t limited to the holidays. Shoppe Amber Interiors holiday picks
Pottery Barn: Known for their high-quality, upscale pieces, Pottery Barn products blend classic and contemporary in a way that makes them perfectly sophisticated. Pottery Barn holiday picks
West Elm: Give me all the unique, delicate decor. West Elm is a great place to shop for your gorgeous dinnerware and charming holiday staples. West Elm holiday picks
Final Thoughts
Decorating for the holidays and choosing meaningful gifts is about more than aesthetics - it’s about creating memories and making your home a warm, inviting space.
By starting with a strong foundation, adding personal touches, and giving thoughtful gifts, you’ll set the stage for a joyful and memorable season.
I hope this guide inspires you to create a festive home and enjoy the process of decorating and gift-giving as much as I do. Wishing you a very happy holiday season… and happy decorating, too!
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