Christmas Decoration Ideas Designers Swear By

non-traditional christmas tree decor — Photo:
Buff Strickland Photography / Bambi A’Lynn Interior Design

‘Tis the season to unbox all your holiday decorations and, perhaps, pick up a few new items to help usher in the seasonal spirit. A glowing Christmas tree in the window or tucked into a corner is an obvious must, but the merry magic doesn’t have to stop there. Think lush garlands draped across the fireplace mantel, wreaths adorning the windows, and festive touches in unexpected places like the bathroom or an entryway.

When it comes to decking the halls, we argue there’s no such thing as too much cheer. For some holiday inspiration, we asked interior designers to share the Christmas decoration ideas they rely on to transform their own homes for the holidays.

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Simple Mantel Garland

fireplace mantel christmas decor — Madeline Harper Photography/ATX Interior Design

Don't underestimate the impact of a simple strand of garland draped across your mantel. Perfect for minimalists, "subtle garland across the mantle paired with the subdued artwork and log holder gives a cozy holiday feel," says Laura Williams of ATX Interior Design. Wood or brass candlesticks lend to the warm ambiance, too.

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Vintage Brass Figurines

vintage brass christmas decor — JL Jordan Photography / Bethany Adams Interiors

Vintage brass oozes sophistication and pairs with every style. "I started collecting vintage brass deer in all different sizes years ago," says interior designer Bethany Adams. "At the holidays, I trot them out and place them all over the house, usually near some greenery and candles, for simple and elegant Christmas décor that I can leave up well past December 25th."

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Bright Stairway Garland

christmas decor ideas — Shauna Glenn Design

Garlands are one of the easiest ways to spruce up your space for the holidays. If you like the idea of a burst of color, take inspiration from this bauble-infused approach. "For an extra oomph to your staircase garland, attach ornaments using floral wire. We like to wire together multiple ornaments in clumps and then attach to the garland. Velvet ribbon adds a finishing touch,” says interior designer Shauna Glenn.

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Neutral Table Décor

minimalist christmas table decor — Madeline Harper Photography/ATX Interior Design

You've got a million options for holiday table settings, but one choice is to keep things simple. "A table setting with organic textures and tasteful seasonal décor is always my favorite," Williams says. "It brings in the holiday cheer without being too bold." Etched glass plates with snowflakes, beige linens, and minimalist napkin rings paint a pretty picture in this tablescape she created.

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Bows Galore

bows and candles christmas decor — JL Jordan Photography / Bethany Adams Interiors

Another way to dress up your holiday garland is to incorporate beautiful bows in whatever color calls to you. "There is nothing as simple or as festive as tying a bunch of big Christmas bows," Adams says. "Your home will be wrapped up like a present, and anyone old enough to know how to tie their shoes can participate in the fun."

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A Series of Window Wreaths

christmas wreaths in the window — Buff Strickland Photography / Bambi A’Lynn Interior Design

You may already have a wreath for your front door, but they can breathe fresh holiday whimsy into your home when hung in windows, too. "In this space, we brought the outside indoors and featured greenery by hanging miniature boxwood wreaths in the windows fastened with pink satin bows," explains interior designer Bambi A’Lynn Bratton.

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Strung Cranberry Garland

For a DIY project, consider stringing up some cranberries and using it as garland. Interior designer Tara Wegdam used hers for a burst of color in the "simple swag" holiday décor scheme she created here. "The trees were added for texture and layering. I chose not to decorate them because I really wanted a simple look, but adding pine cones would also add details and depth. The berries in the bowls coordinated well with the cranberries," she says.

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Colorful Glass Trees

glass christmas trees decor — Shauna Glenn Design

Glenn says she's a huge fan of incorporating colorful glass Christmas trees throughout spaces, including on table centerpieces, hallway consoles, bathroom vanities, and mantels. "They are great in a group of many, or just a few on a tray, and an easy way to bring a festive touch to any room," she says.

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A Christmas Tree Made From Books

Flex your creative muscles by looking around and seeing what everyday items you might be able to transform into holiday décor. "My girls and I had a lot of fun making a Christmas 'tree' out of the evergreen volumes in their dad's library," Adams says. "Rather than having yet another Christmas decoration to store at the end of the season, this greenery went right back on the shelves from whence it came." Some festive candles and a bough trimmed from the tree add more than enough fa la la to the nearby mantle.

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Non-Traditional Tree

Shake things up a bit this season by incorporating a non-green Christmas tree into the mix. You might be surprised at how much cheer it brings into your space. "Who says a Christmas tree has to be traditional green? We celebrated the holidays in this living room with a tall, light pink tree with matching ornaments," Bratton says. "I love this unexpected color that perfectly complements the room design."

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Metallic Tones

ornament garland — Aydin Arjomand / Phillip Thomas Interior Design

For a spin on green garland, use chains of oversized "beads" in metallic tones on the mantel, in entryways, or even on your tree, suggests interior designer Phillip Thomas. Here, it pairs beautifully with gold-accented candles, greenery, and a sparkling star ornament, creating an elegant and sophisticated display. The mix of metallic tones and natural elements adds warmth and seasonal charm, making it ideal for a chic holiday setting.

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Ornament Bowls

A vessel filled with ornaments is a quick and inexpensive way to dress up your space for the season. It's also a great way to make use of extras you've got on hand. "We recently decorated a client's house for Christmas, and she had way more ornaments than would ever fit on her 12-foot tree," Glenn says. "Her vintage bread bowl was sitting on the coffee table, so we emptied out the contents and filled it with her gorgeous blown glass ornaments. It's so pretty, we kept it that way even after the holidays."

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Christmas Wonderland Bathroom Décor

bathroom christmas decor — Anna Spaller / Chasing Paper

Don't forget to spruce up your bathroom for the holidays this season. Though out of sight most of the time, it helps infuse cheer all the same. "Arrange a small cluster of bottle brush trees on the counter or shelf, in varying sizes and colors like green, white, and metallics," suggests Elizabeth Rees, founder of Chasing Paper. "This adds a nostalgic, whimsical touch that brings winter wonderland vibes to the space without taking up much room."

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Nutcracker Figurines

A favorite ballet of the season, The Nutcracker evokes a sense of wonder and nostalgia that captivates audiences young and old alike. "Nothing is sweeter on a holiday windowsill than a collection of Nutcracker figurines, contemporary or antique," Bratton says. "I like to mix them in size and scale to add visual interest and display beside holiday cards, candles, and ornaments."

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Entryway Garland

Garlands on mantels and stairways are great but also consider decking your entryways. "Garland works everywhere and instantly adds a timeless, cozy feel to your holiday décor," Thomas says. "Use it for hallways, doorways, your favorite mirrors, or consoles. I like to mix in ornaments for extra sparkle and incorporate pine for a natural, aromatic touch."

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