Want to keep holiday decorating SIMPLE?
Decorating for the holidays can feel overwhelming, especially as Christmas approaches. Many of us say we want to simplify the season, yet we’re tempted to add more decorations to create that cozy, festive feeling. You don’t need every seasonal trinket, but I believe a home should feel a little more magical at Christmas. I enjoy including meaningful pieces that bring a sense of tradition and warmth to the season without overcomplicating things.
There isn’t one correct way to decorate, and the balance between “simple” and “festive” will look different for everyone. Below are seven items I use in my own home to create seasonal charm while keeping decor manageable. Hopefully some of these ideas will spark your own simple, joyful traditions.
Here are seven pieces I use in my own home for Christmas and winter decorating and why I love them!
1. Candles
Candles are a timeless way to bring warmth and a gentle glow to your home. Battery-operated window candles and flameless tapers give the ambiance of real candles without the worry. They work beautifully in windows, lanterns, and on mantels and can stay out through winter or all year round. Choose styles that match your home so they feel like part of your everyday decor while still signaling the season.
2. Lanterns and Candle Wall Sconces
Lanterns and wall sconces add structure and layered light to a room without filling it with extra boxes of decor. Many lanterns are fillable, so you can swap in seasonal elements like faux greenery, berries, or ornaments. Candle sconces let you change candle colors for different holidays. Because these pieces are versatile, they can remain part of your year-round decor and simply be refreshed for the season.
3. Realistic Faux Cedar or Pine Garland, Wreaths and Little Trees
Realistic faux garlands, wreaths, and small trees give you the organic look of fresh greenery without the needles, maintenance, or allergies. They’re easy to install whenever you’re inspired and can stay up longer if you wish. These pieces feel seasonally specific without taking much storage space and can be reused year after year. Draped on a mantel, wrapped around a banister, or framed over a door, faux greenery adds classic, understated festivity.
Twinkle lights woven into garlands or trees enhance the magic and make the spaces feel cozy at night. Because these items are compact to store and flexible in use, they’re a practical way to bring tradition into your home every winter.
4. Quirky Pieces
A few whimsical or unexpected items add personality and delight. Small brass animals with fillable bowls, figurines, or unique ceramics introduce a sense of childlike wonder and work in many rooms year-round. During the holidays you can fill bowls with seasonal accents like faux berries, wrapped candies, or small pine sprigs. Keep these pieces visible all year and swap their contents to reflect each season—this keeps decorating fun without adding clutter.
5. Festive Stars
Hanging stars and star-shaped lights bring instant magic to porches, entryways, and windows. Foldable or collapsible stars are easy to store and make a big visual impact. Whether battery-operated or plug-in, they create a memorable display that neighbors and family will enjoy. Stars are a simple way to add a sense of celebration without filling your home with more small items.
Try using star lights on a timer so they glow each evening with minimal effort. They’re a dramatic, low-maintenance choice that feels festive through the holidays and into winter.
6. Cozy Blankets
Blankets are both functional and decorative. Thinner throws, Turkish towels, or scarves are versatile accents that are easy to swap seasonally and simple to store. Layer them over sofa backs, chairs, bed ends, or even use a patterned throw to dress a table. They refresh tired furniture, add color and texture, and make spaces more inviting. Choose a few neutral and one or two seasonal patterns to rotate through the year.
7. Pillow Covers
Pillow covers are an efficient way to switch seasonal looks without storing bulky pillows. They’re easy to change, fold compactly, and let you create a festive grouping just for winter or Christmas. Keep a set of everyday covers and one set of holiday covers to rotate when you want a fresh look. This approach keeps storage needs small while giving you creative flexibility for every season.
Simple, intentional choices can make your home feel festive without creating more work or clutter. These seven pieces—candles, lanterns, faux greenery, quirky accents, stars, blankets, and pillow covers—offer flexible, reusable ways to celebrate the season and create lasting traditions.
Our annual Christmas Shop is open! We love curating our holiday picks each year and hope you find inspiration for your own home.