Hi Striped Barn Friends!
Let’s be real: holiday decorating is supposed to bring joy, but sometimes it feels more like an Olympic sport. You know, you start with a few simple wreaths and twinkling lights, and suddenly you’re elbow-deep in a box of tangled garland, cursing under your breath as you try to make your living room look like Pinterest, only to realize it looks like you bought out the neighborhood garage sale. Think simple, simple, simple. (Feature photo from home stories a to z.)
But don’t worry! Decorating for the holidays doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive (unless you’re one of those people who spends $500 on a blow-up—no judgment, though). Whether it’s Christmas, Halloween, or just a Tuesday that you decide to call “National Flower Day,” I’ve got the foolproof guide to make your home holiday-ready and keep your sanity intact.
Keep It Simple
It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that your home needs to look like a Hallmark movie set or an Instagram influencer’s dream home. But guess what? You don’t need an entire fleet of inflatable Santa’s to make an impact. Try the keep it simple method.
A few strategically placed items—think a couple of candles, some cozy throws, and maybe a few flowers will make your space feel festive without looking like you’ve been in a decorating frenzy since for months untangling twinkle lights.
Wreaths: Because Everyone Loves a Door That’s Too Fancy to Open
Wreaths are like the unspoken invitation to a holiday party—they say, “Come in, but only if you promise not to judge my lack of cooking skills.” So why not make one yourself? This is actually one of my favorite things to make!
And don’t worry if your wreath looks like a 5-year-old’s craft project; it’s the thought that counts. Plus, it will be the most festive thing your neighbors see and they will think “gee I need ti up my game!”
String Lights: Because Nothing Says “Celebration” Like those magical tiny twinkling lights
You’ve got your string lights—and now, it’s a matter of finding the best way to make them look like you have your life together and not “I just through a clump of lights here”.
Sure, they’re mostly there to make your space feel cozy and festive, but let’s be real—they are the finishing touch to the decor that you just spent days putting together and what turns you into a decorating legend!
Holiday Treats
As you know from a lot my posts, I love baking so I could go on and on about this subject. Somehow incorporating festive treats just makes your decorating experience so much more fun and adds that extra layer of the DIY, homemade decor feel. I love the decorating part of baking…cakes, cupcakes anything that’s creative.
Holiday Centerpieces: The Secret to Making Your Dining Room Look Like a Magazine Cover
Your dining table is probably the place where things like half-eaten cereal bowls and laptops live, but for one glorious moment or in between meals, it can look like the backdrop for a gourmet holiday feast.
Here’s some of the simplest ideas that make a great impact: Start with a vase, a wood box, dough bowl anything… (don’t overthink it keep it simple) and fill it with something seasonal. For fall, pumpkin spice everything. For Christmas, evergreen branches, pinecones, for 4th of July flowers and flags…keep it simple. For birthdays and occasions colorful flowers or plants, get creative! My go to is mini bud vases with flowers so I can change them for any holiday or occasion. USE YOUR IMAGINATION.
Holiday-Themed Throw Pillows
Throw pillows are the unsung heroes of holiday decorating. You can transform a plain couch into a festive theme just by tossing on a few themed pillows. I have summer and winter pillows I switch out and then a few for: Christmas, Fall, Halloween, 4th of July and Easter or just change them up because.
Holiday Cards
This isn’t really holiday decor but I just wanted to mention if you make your own cards its personal, fun and inexpensive. I do them every year and its fun to think of different themes for each year. Not only will you feel extra crafty, but you can add your personal touch which means so much to family and friends.
Final Thoughts: Celebrate the Chaos
Decorating doesn’t have to be a perfectly styled creation, it’s about having fun, embracing the chaos, and creating a space that feels cozy, festive, and is uniquely yours. So don’t stress if the lights are a little crooked, or the pumpkins are more glitter than pumpkin.
Simple DIY decorating is about enjoying the process (and the inevitable mess) while creating something that makes you smile. Trust me…decorating is contagious creativity, not only will you have fun challenging yourself, but others will enjoy it as much as you do!
Happy decorating!
Carrie
XOXO
