What a strange couple of years it’s been. This holiday season feels like a chance to revive favorite traditions and remember the simple pleasures of hosting, giving, and gathering loved ones. Walmart has become my go-to for affordable, on-trend decor and thoughtful gifts that help make a home feel cozy and festive. In this post I share a few of the pieces I’m using in our new house and a few gift ideas to inspire your holiday shopping.
Thank you to Walmart for sponsoring this post.
If you’re new here: my husband and I are newly empty nesters and recently moved to a small beach house near the San Juan Islands. We love it here. This will be our first holiday season in this new home, and though everything isn’t finished, I’m enjoying making little corners feel warm and welcoming.
This room is my new office and I adore it. It’s my quiet place to think, create and work — perfect for an introvert who needs a peaceful spot. I also envisioned it as a cozy guest space, so I created a small festive nook for daydreaming, reading, writing, and for guests to relax when they visit.
I found the coziest winter scene flannel sheets that are perfect for guests — and they brought back memories of the flannel sheets we used to buy for our kids every winter. The reversible plaid pillow covers are soft and versatile; they flip to a solid color for a different look. These pieces are practical, budget-friendly, and instantly create that tucked-in winter feel.
I’m smitten with a set of neutral wood bead garlands that feel both beachy and timeless. I avoid buying a lot of holiday-only items because storage is limited, so pieces I can use year-round are ideal. These beads work with casual coastal decor or add texture to a holiday table, and they’re much more affordable than similar boutique finds.
Another favorite is a soft lamb’s ear garland. Its muted color and delicate texture make it a lovely accent for a mantel, window, or table centerpiece. It’s subtle enough for year-round styling and pretty enough to use for special events beyond Christmas.
A simple, effective decorating trick is placing faux or fresh greenery in baskets. I picked up dipped white seagrass baskets this fall and have used them throughout the house. They’re practical, multi-purpose, and give a polished, natural look with minimal effort.
A tabletop pine tree that comes in a basket is perfect for small spaces. I decorated mine with battery-operated copper fairy lights that I sprinkle around bookcases and nooks to add a warm glow. The lights have multiple settings and a timer, which makes them easy to use everywhere.
Chunky woven tree pillows on the window seat add texture and a playful seasonal motif. They come with a flatter insert, but I like to swap in a fluffier pillow to make them fuller. They look high-end and help the room feel layered and cozy without costing a fortune.
I often find myself buying something pretty for the house and realizing I’m the person who will love it most. Cozy slippers, a soft throw, and a pretty mug are the kinds of small luxuries that make winter mornings feel special. They also make thoughtful, affordable gifts for friends and family.
We’re enjoying settling into our new home and celebrating the season here. Being here for our first holidays makes it feel even more special. Thank you for following along as we make this house feel like home.
Sources (click the links below for details):
Copper Fairy Lights (battery operated, set of 2) ///// Holiday Lamb’s Ear Garland – 6 ft ///// Tabletop Pine Tree in Basket // Artificial Pine Wreath with Pine Cones /////// Seagrass Dipped Basket (set of 2, two sizes) /////// Ivory Woven Tree Pillow ////// Neutral Wood Bead Garland – 2 pack ///// Plaid Pillow Covers – reversible, 2 pack ///// Flannel Holiday Printed Sheets ///// Oversized Sherpa / Waffle Throw Blanket
Are you doing holiday shopping this week? Walmart is a convenient spot for decor, table settings, and affordable gift ideas. Their gift finder tools can help narrow down ideas for everyone on your list. I’ll share more finds and styling ideas soon.
More gift ideas mentioned:
Magnolia Table ///// Mini Spatula Set ///// Hot Water Kettle ///// Floral Lay Flat Travel Backpack ///// Blue Thermal Snowflake Gloves ///// Gap Home Mug Set ///// Marled Cozy Mule Slippers ///// Mug ///// Tassel Throw Blanket ///// Three Piece Luggage Set (multiple colors)