It’s officially December and that means it’s time to decorate, if you haven’t already leapt into the spirit. If you’re like me, interior design isn’t a natural skill, so you’re always looking for ideas and inspiration. Here are some of the more unique decorations out there that can make this season beautiful and stress-free:
Put lights in empty wine bottles
This idea is especially good for those who love recycling. Keep a couple of wine bottles around (green and clear, ideally) and prep them for decorating, which means getting the sticker off and washing them well. You can either carefully stuff battery-operated lights into the neck, with a little bit sticking out so you can get them out again, or go through a more labor-intensive process of cutting a hole in the back at the bottom, and then poking the lights through with the end out of plain sight. The results? Glowing, jewel-like bottles filled with sparkles.
Frame cards
With string lights and picture frames, you can make a really cool holiday card collage that’s personal and reminds you of what’s really important this time of year. The best thing is you can use the cards you get and save them year after year, adding to the collection if you so choose. It might be the most affordable Christmas decoration ever.
Focus on the table
Not sure how to decorate your dining room? Focus on the table. A good centerpiece will draw the eye, so you don’t have to worry about sparkling up every morning with a bunch of little things. Centerpieces are versatile: think a candle arrangement, greenery, silvery branches, ornament-filled glasses, and so on.
Experiment with burlap
This rustic, woodsy fabric is extremely versatile and affordable. At Joann’s, burlap goes for between $2-$4 per yard, and there’s a wide range of colors, too. What can you do with this fabric? Just about anything. On the Sewlicious Home Decor blog, you can find fifty ideas for decorations, from affordable Santa bags to pillow cases to wreaths to tree skirts. The great thing about burlap is that in brown, it’s a neutral, so it goes with everything, while other colors like red and green can be more of the showcase, but still very subtle.
Use one big piece of decor every year
If you don’t love the process of decorating and worrying about your house looking good, commit to just one large decoration that you can use every year. That could mean a gorgeous throw blanket for the sofa or a rug for the floor that draws all the attention. They don’t even have to be overtly “Christmasy,” just wintery, in colors like red, green, gold, silver, and so on. Just keep a couple of candles around, and your home will feel festive with very little effort. Since it’s just one article, it’s best if it’s high-quality and will last a long time.
Dress up the door
The first thing guests see when they come to your house is your front door. It’s worth spending some time decorating it, but it doesn’t have to be elaborate to be effective. Greenery is a great choice, especially the kind that’s local to the area. Nurseries will sell these in the winter season, as well as wreaths. These can be pricey, though, and they only last a few months, so it’s okay to get something artificial that you can reuse again and again.
Light up your walkway
If you’re lucky enough to have a walkway, you can turn it into a bright wonderland with some glass votive candles. For extra festivity, add ornaments or sprigs of berries. If you live in an area where it doesn’t snow, embrace alternative decorations like shells, colorful pebbles, and more.
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Emmaline Soken-Huberty is a freelance writer specializing in topics such as healthy living and cookbooks. She lives in Oregon with her husband. When not working, she enjoys reading, baking, and exploring nature.
