There’s something magical about the weekend after Thanksgiving when you can finally pull the holiday decor bins out of storage, turn on a Christmas playlist, and it’s officially Christmastime. One thing is for sure: Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I always wish it was socially acceptable to keep our Christmas decor up for all of November and January, not just December. That’s why, when I can finally decorate for Christmas, I want to make every room feel festive, cozy, and full of holiday charm. For our annual holiday party, I want our guests to be immersed in the Christmas spirit the moment they walk in the door. Here are some of our go-to decorating and entertaining tips that will infuse any space with that nostalgic Christmas magic.

Creative Ways to Refresh Your Existing Holiday Decor

When it comes to holiday decor, most of us have a mix of sentimental pieces, family hand-me-downs, and a few random finds we’ve accumulated over the years. That collected look is part of what makes holiday decorating feel personal. But if your Christmas decor is feeling a little stale, here are some simple ways to refresh your existing pieces without a complete overhaul.

Adding a little extra holiday spirit can be as easy as buying a spool of burgundy velvet ribbon. Christmas is basically an excuse to tie a cute bow onto any surface of your home! Try tying them onto candlestick holders, light fixtures, garlands, wreaths, wine glasses when you’re entertaining, or even the tops of mirrors or framed artwork. Velvet bows instantly add a little touch of holiday spirit anywhere you put them.

A simple refresh for your existing decor can be adding a few new throw pillow covers onto the pillows you already own. Keep the inserts and swap the covers for burgundy, forest green, plaid, or a seasonal pattern.

Wreaths, garlands, and greenery don’t have to be confined to your front door, fireplace mantle, and Christmas tree. Try hanging a wreath over a mirror or art piece, or draping a garland on a bar cart, staircase railing, or open shelving. You can place sprigs of pine, cranberries, pinecones, or mini tabletop Christmas trees into the vases you already have. A little seasonal greenery in unexpected places goes a long way in making your space feel lush and festive.

A festive tablescape is always a good place to start. You don’t need fine china to create something beautiful. In fact, mismatched vintage dishes and glassware often make the table feel even more nostalgic, like the Christmas dinners many of us grew up with.

 • Start with a red, green, cream, or plaid tablecloth or table runner
 • Lay a garland down the center (you can even tuck cranberries or pinecones into the garland)
 • Arrange taper candles in brass candlestick holders
 • Tie velvet bows around your glassware or napkins

Above all, don’t worry about everything matching perfectly or trying to make your home look straight out of a catalog. Christmas decor is meant to feel collected, sentimental, and inviting!

And of course, signature drinks always make a gathering feel more thoughtful, fun, and festive. Here are two of my favorite holiday cocktails:

How to Host Over the Holidays Like a Pro

Similarly, you can replace the artwork in your existing frames with a seasonal print from an artist on Etsy. Both swaps are inexpensive, easy, and make your home feel freshly decorated without buying large new decor pieces.

Surfaces like shelves, kitchen counters, and entryway tables can be some of the hardest spaces to decorate. You don’t need to replace all the decor you already have — just tuck in a few holiday touches like ceramic Christmas villages, trees, gingerbread houses, brass bells, a red candle, a mini Nutcracker figurine, or a book of Christmas stories. These tiny additions help infuse every space of your home with holiday magic.

Entertaining doesn’t need to be stressful or complicated. A few thoughtful elements can make your home feel warm and inviting for any holiday gathering you host, whether it’s a Secret Santa gift exchange, a holiday cocktail party, or Christmas dinner.

Lighting makes a huge difference in the overall ambience. Instead of relying on bright overhead lights, create a warm glow with candles (even flameless works), twinkling string lights woven into garlands, and candle warmer lamps. And nothing says Christmas like a crackling fire in the fireplace. Soft, layered lighting instantly creates a cozy holiday atmosphere.

Scent also plays a huge role in how your home feels. Balsam fir, gingerbread, or vanilla candles are great throughout the house to build a subtle seasonal scent. Or, if you don’t like candles, try a holiday simmer pot! Fill a pot of water with oranges, apples, cranberries, cinnamon, cloves, and even rosemary or vanilla extract, and simmer it on the stove for a couple hours before your guests arrive. Trust me, it will be the best your home has ever smelled. You can even throw some cookie dough in the oven for that unbeatable fresh-baked-cookie smell that candles can’t quite replicate.

If you want something non-alcoholic, set up a hot cocoa bar with marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes, and chocolate shavings, or a coffee bar with caramel and seasonal flavors. It’s comforting, simple, and always a hit.

All in all, getting ready for the holidays doesn’t require perfectly curated, brand-new decor. With a few bows, some refreshed pillows, warm lighting, and meaningful hosting touches, your space can feel just as cozy and nostalgic as your best Christmas memories growing up.