Do you wish your home looked like something out of a magazine or catalog? Then you’ll love these easy Chirstmas decorating ideas that will show you how to focus on the small details to create a breathtaking, memorable, magazine-worthy space.
I should warn you. The onslaught of Christmas decorating ideas and posts is about to begin.
After what seems like an eternity — and a ton of glitter — I’m in the homestretch of holiday decorating. It’s all done but the little details, and I can’t wait to share my full 2015 Christmas home tour with you next week.
But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, lets talk about those finishing touches. The little details.
I think they may be my favorite part of decorating because they make the big picture so breathtaking.
Whether I’m throwing a party, setting a beautiful table or decorating our home for Christmas, I spend a lot of time fussing over the details and going back and adding small touches, even when I think I’m done.
You know what they say…
The devil is in the details.
Grab a copy of your favorite home decor magazine or catalog and make note of the things that catch your eye and draw your attention.
It’s the little details that breathe life into a room and make it memorable.
I’ve learned a trick or two from my years of studying beautiful spaces and decorating my own home, so I want to share four easy ways to incorporate designer details in your holiday decorating.
And there’s a giveaway, too, where you can win some deliciously scented holiday candles from Air Wick.
Put a wreath on it.
And no, I don’t mean the door!
Use ribbon to hang a small wreath or candle ring on your lampshades. It’s a gorgeous, easy festive touch.
I added boxwood wreaths to my living room lamps, and hung them with a ribbon embellished with tiny bells. Detail on top of detail!
This year, I added a sparkly wreath on a lampshade as part of the winter wonderland vignette in our entryway.
I also love hanging wreaths on mirrors…
On sleds…
On lanterns…
On the backs of chairs…
And anywhere else I can hang them.
Tie one on.
Ribbon, that is!
I have a weakness for holiday bows and ribbons.
Adding a touch of ribbon is an easy way to dress up your Christmas decor.
Weave some through a garland, as I’ve done going up our staircase.
I love how this bow makes our lamp look like a streetlight.
A simple satin sash really dresses up this textured vase.
I also love using ribbon to hang things from the backs of chairs.
Like these stockings and ornaments.
I even filled a box with favorite holiday ribbons last year as part of our Christmas mantel decor. It was also handy when I was ready to start wrapping gifts.
Which brings me to my next detail…
Embrace the lived in look.
Have you ever noticed that the rooms in the Pottery Barn catalog always look lived in. The pillows on the sofa aren’t perfectly fluffed; they’re always a little bit messy. And the bed covers are always just a little bit rustled, like someone just awoke from a restful sleep.
Those little imperfect details go a long way to creating a certain mood. I always try to remember that when I’m doing my own decorating.
The bar cart is ready for someone to pour drinks.
Looks like someone left their skates on the porch after a trip to the rink.
These decorations are ready to be hung.
Someone needs to hang these gorgeous ornaments on the tree.
And someone needs to hang that beaded garland on the tree, too.
Appeal to all the senses.
When you’re decorating for the holidays, it’s important to appeal to all the senses.
It’s not enough for a space to look pretty… it also needs to smell and sound and feel like Christmas.
A crackling fire in the fireplace.
A warm throw to cuddle beneath.
A bowl of homemade candies.
The smell of Christmas in the air, like Air Wick Life Scents Spiced Apple Crumble scented wax melts…
or from a flickering Emerald Woodland candle that combines the scent of morning frost, a fresh-cut Christmas tree and sugar cookies.
Before I ever start decorating for Christmas, I change out my seasonal candles and scents. It really does help set the scene and put me in the mood for holiday festivities.
You have a chance to win a little bit of Christmas cheer courtesy of Air Wick just by commenting on this post.
One lucky winner will receive two Emerald Woodland scented candles and two Apple Crumble scented candles. Just comment below with your favorite Christmas scent or your favorite holiday decorating detail. But hurry. The giveaway ends at midnight Dec. 5, 2015.
Laura Powers
The smell of Pine takes me straight back to my childhood Christmases the whole house would smell like fresh pine needles for weeks, one of my fav smells and Cloves! what a fantastic festive aroma
Mrs Major Hoff
Wow Amy! And I haven’t even drug my boxes out of the attic. I have to clean my house first! The Emerald Forest would be my pick–It smells like Christmas to me!
Heidi @ Happiness is Homemade
Wow! Your home is gorgeous, Amy! Great tips and ideas!
Kirby
Everything looks wonderful, Amy!!
kaysiscrafts@gmail.com
This is so amazing!!!! You can come decorate my house if you want 😉
laura@duke manor farm
your tips are perfec…and so is your holiday home. I need a few candles burning around here!
Jillene@inkhappi
That Emerald Woodland Candle sounds FABULOUS! I love the scent of the season combined with my treasured holiday decor. It makes me never want to leave my home. I really want to come and hang out with you in your home. It’s so inviting!
Betsyjoyner
Can’t stop looking at all the beautiful decorations!
Albion
I love the smell of cinnamon and cloves! Your house is absolutely gorgeous. I must have scrolled through the pictures three times already!
Marty Walden
You know I have to have a thrifty tip! After we get our Christmas tree I ask for extra throw away branches to use around the house for natural greenery. Free and pretty! Now I’ve got to go find some berries because the only finished in my house is the village and the tree!
Ali Williams
Loved all of your ribbon ideas! I need to go buy more ribbons. Just beautiful. Merry Christmas!
Dee @CupcakesandCrowbars
Holy WOW Amy! Your house is gorgeous!
Britni
I love the smell of wassail!
Melanie
You did an amazing job decorating your house and it looks beautiful! Great job Amy!
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule
Your home and decor is just beautiful!! I agree, it must smell like Christmas too! Those candles sounds wonderful!
Pamela
Amy everything is looking so beautiful! You truly pulled out all the stops. Come on over and help me now!;)
Amy Orvin
My favorite Christmas scent is the yummy smell of sugar cookies baking. Thanks for the giveaway. Happy Holidays!!
Guerrina
Love the wreaths on everything! My all-time favorite scent for the Christmas/winter is balsam fir.
Yvonne
I’ve always used the Mistletoe scented candles from Yankee Candle around the Holidays. Sometimes the cinnamon, sugar cookie, and other tree-scented candles give me a headache. I’d love to try one of the Air wick candles though because I’m always looking for new scents to try.
keshakeke
My favorite Christmas scent is anything that smells like a fresh cut Christmas tree! I love it! your Christmas ideas are amazing and beautiful!