Welcome to this special holiday edition of My Five Favorites! I’m thrilled to be hosting alongside the fabulous talents of Kris from Driven By Decor, Pam from Simple Details, Jennifer from Dimples & Tangles, and our delightful guest, Rene from Cottage & Vine!
Today, we’re sharing a few of our favorite tips to infuse your home with holiday cheer. These ideas are simple, fun, and perfect for creating a festive atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed.
1 || Tuck Fresh Evergreens Everywhere
Nothing brings the holiday spirit into your home quite like the scent and look of fresh evergreens. Whether paired with flowers or used alone, they instantly add a festive touch. When we bring home a fresh Christmas tree, I save all the trimmings. I also like to forage around my yard and my mom’s for an assortment of evergreens to use throughout the house.
I place these trimmings on the mantle, in a jar by the bathroom sink, and even at the kitchen sink. Sometimes, I’ll tuck sprigs into my bookshelves for a touch of nature amid the decor. If you don’t have access to evergreens in your yard, no problem! Most grocery stores or big-box hardware stores sell bunches of fresh greens, making it easy to add this touch of holiday magic.
2 || Put Out Little Treats
Sometimes, it’s the smallest things that bring the most joy. A bowl filled with Christmas Hershey’s Kisses, candy canes, or mini marshmallows instantly adds a whimsical and inviting holiday vibe.
These treats aren’t just for guests—they make the season feel extra special for the whole family. In our house, these sweet additions never seem to last long!
And don’t forget classics like puppy chow—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fun snack to keep on hand for visitors or cozy evenings at home.
3 || Group Ornaments Here and There
Ornaments aren’t just for the tree! I love repurposing them around the house to add a bit of sparkle. Fill a decorative bowl with ornaments and place it on the coffee table, or scatter a few across your bookshelves. For a playful twist, dangle ornaments from your regular houseplants—this unexpected touch is sure to bring smiles.
This is a simple and creative way to use extra ornaments you may have on hand while spreading holiday cheer throughout your home.
4 || Write a Holiday Word or Message on a Throw Pillow
This is one of my favorite quick and easy projects to elevate your holiday decor! Take a solid-colored throw pillow and turn it into a festive statement piece.
For example, I transformed a lumbar pillow with a watercolor floral pattern on one side into a Christmas pillow by writing the word PEACE on the plain side. To do this, I typed the word in Microsoft Word, placed the pillow next to my computer as a guide, and lightly wrote the letters in pencil. Then, I went over them with a silver metallic Sharpie and filled them in.
The result? A completely customized holiday pillow—free and so easy to make!
5 || Add Faux Fur for a Cozy Touch
Over the years, many of us accumulate Christmas decorations that, while nostalgic, may start to feel a bit tired. Instead of tossing them, try breathing new life into these items with some inexpensive faux fur fabric.
For instance, I’ve loved the stockings we’ve used since my kids were little, but I wanted to update them without losing their sentimental value. Last year, I used a few dots of glue to attach strips of furry fabric to the stockings, giving them a fresh, cozy look (check out the quick tutorial here). To personalize them further, I added letter ornaments from Target’s dollar aisle to identify each family member’s stocking.
Take a fresh look at your Christmas decor and see if a little faux fur or a creative tweak can make it feel new and exciting again!
Share Your Holiday Decorating Ideas!
Do you have a quick and easy holiday decorating idea you’d love to share? Snap a photo and post it on Instagram with the hashtag #myfivefavorites! Your idea might be featured by all of the hosts this Friday.
For even more inspiration, be sure to visit my co-hosts:
- Kris at Driven By Decor
- Pam at Simple Details
- Jennifer at Dimples & Tangles
- Rene at Cottage & Vine
A special thank you to Rene for joining us this month—we’re so lucky to have her!
One Last Thing
The holiday tours kick off today at Evolution of Style and Dixie Delights! These tours are sure to be filled with breathtaking ideas to inspire your own decorating. Don’t miss them!
Wishing you a wonderful and joyful holiday season, friends. Let’s make this time of year magical and memorable for everyone we hold dear. Happy decorating!
