6 Styling Tips to Ease Into Holiday Decorating

This article originally appeared on Schoolhouse, a Portland-based company in the Food52 family of brands.

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‘Tis (almost) the season for tree trimming, homemade hot cocoa, and fun-filled traditions with family and friends. The good news is you don't have to cover every inch of your house in holiday spirit to set the mood. Simple tweaks like a well-placed wreath, sprigs of pine, and an evergreen garland can create an abundance of cheer. Whether you go all out with your holiday decor or make a few strategic swaps for the season, we're here to help. Below, we share our favorite holiday decorating tips (whenever you're ready to start).

1. Bring the Outdoors In

Holiday decorating doesn't have to be limited to Christmas trees. There are many creative ways to incorporate greenery into your home while making it festive and fun—decorate your door with a welcoming winter wreath, display fresh-cut firewood near your mantel, or spruce up a stair railing with an evergreen garland. Not only does bringing the outdoors in add merriment, but it also brings the fresh, crisp scent of the holidays home.

Styling Tip: Try making a mini wreath and hanging it on a wall sconce or entryway hook for a festive touch.

2. Embrace Holiday Hues

Exploring different variations of red and green can bring a unique and personal touch to your holiday decor. Try incorporating festive hues that go beyond the traditional color palette. For example, a Juniper-toned table lamp, bright poppy area rug, or persimmon step stool can add a pop of color in a way that still goes with the room's decor long after the season is over.

Styling Tip: Swap out your throw pillow covers for a quick living room refresh + pop of color.

3. Plan out Stocking Placement

While hanging stockings over the fireplace is a traditional and popular choice, there are plenty of other convenient places to hang them for a festive display. Drape stockings along the banister of your staircase, use decorative hooks to hang them on a bookshelf, or get creative by hanging them on a furniture handle (like a dresser, sideboard, or armoire).

Styling Tip: If you don't have a mantel, utilize decorative stocking hooks on a shelf or ledge in your home.

4. Style a Simple Centerpiece

Creating a festive centerpiece is a great way to add holiday cheer to your living room or dining table. Keep the styling simple by working with two to three objects (for example, a candle, decorative tray, and vase with greenery). We've also found that the key to achieving visual balance is to select items with varying heights—use candleholders, stacked books, or magazines to add variety and depth to the arrangement.

Styling Tip: These Everyday Trays are a stylish + functional way to spruce up your space for the holidays—perfect as an entryway catch-all, coffee table accent, or bathroom organizer.

5. Make Homemade Decorations

No matter how hectic the holidays get, finding moments of play throughout the day is our number one way to enjoy this special time with family and friends. We know it can be easy to slip into the "to-do's" surrounding the season, so consider this your friendly reminder to focus on fun this year (and always). Our best styling advice is to get creative and let your holiday activities guide your home decor decisions. Whether it's getting messy with an impromptu kid's craft (then hanging it up to decorate), going on a walk (and gathering greenery to make a centerpiece), or making time to decorate the tree together—prioritizing play will always serve you well.

Styling Tip: Decorate an empty wall with holiday-themed kid art or strung up homemade holiday cards.

6. Prep a Seasonal Table

Setting a holiday table is a wonderful way to create a festive mood for your gatherings. Prep for the dinner parties ahead by taking inventory of your table linens, dinnerware, and serveware. Well-designed serving dishes and bowls can help elevate the visual appeal of your food and create a more inviting and welcoming interior atmosphere.

Styling Tip: Instead of having to transfer your food to another dish to serve, invest in beautiful serveware for easy kitchen to table presentation.

Remember that the goal is to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that brings joy to your home during the holidays. So, let your creativity shine and enjoy the process of decorating your space for the season ahead.