5 Tips for Decorating For Christmas That will Make Your Spirit Bright.

Now that Thanksgiving is over, people everywhere are getting into the holiday spirit–which often includes decorating their home for the Christmas season. For some, the decorating process revolves around tradition, where cherished trinkets are used year after year. For others, it’s all about creating a new look. Either way, it never hurts to have fresh decorating ideas on hand. From the extravagant to the minimal, the traditional to the whimsical, we’ve got you covered. Here are five decorating ideas that just might inspire you this year.

1) Deck out your door

The front door is typically the first thing you and your guests see upon arrival, which is why it’s important to think about the type of message you want it to deliver. Is it warm and welcoming or cold and uninviting? What do you want it to say? In all honesty, it doesn’t take much to create that friendly, festive vibe. Garland wrapped in twinkle lights or a wreath accented with colorful ribbon may seem simple, but that’s all you really need to announce that you’re ready for all the holiday season brings. Looking for something less traditional? Instead of evergreen, consider a wreath featuring citrus fruits, wood slices, pinecones, or even ornaments!

2) Personalize with fabric

This time of year, it is so easy to walk into a store to buy holiday decor, but it’d be much more special coming from your own hands (or the hands of others)–at least when it comes to decor made of fabric. Fabric is a key ingredient to a pulled together room, so if you’re looking to have a unique holiday look in your home, it’s unlikely you’ll find what you need from the department store. Instead of buying mass-produced items off the shelf, consider making your own decor or having them custom made by someone else. Often times, decorative items such as placemats, table runners, accent pillows, tree skirts and even Christmas stockings, can be made quickly and easily. Even if you can’t use a needle to save your life (guilty), there are plenty of no-sew projects that can be found online.

3) Top off your table

Let’s not beat around the bush: holidays mean food–and lots of it. So, it’s only natural that we talk about table decorations. As you congregate around the table, make sure there’s a centerpiece fit for the season. A centerpiece is a great way to add some eye-catching flair to an area of your home where many people gather. Candle holders or holiday-colored vases make wonderful beginnings for centerpieces. Accent the bases of either with garland, incorporate some flowers or berries and you’ve got yourself something unique and lovely for your dining room table. Another idea would be to place vintage ornaments on top of a cake stand, nesting leaves here and there to add a touch of nature’s beauty.

Personalized place settings are another great way to add interest to your dining table. For holiday dinners served buffet style, wrap each dish in a sheet of parchment paper and then tie it up with twine or ribbon before stacking them. Not only will it reward your guests with a pretty presentation, it’ll be something unique and fun they’ll remember for years to come. 

4) Garnish with greenery

Each season offers unique natural elements that are perfect for decorating. For those celebrating Christmas, this usually means lots and lots of greenery, specifically, garland. Garland creates an inviting atmosphere and provides your home with that woodsy aroma associated with this time of year. While the fireplace mantle is a traditional location for this particular decoration, it doesn’t have to be your only option. Garland can adorn pretty much anything, so don’t feel limited. Staircase banisters, dining room chairs, doorways, and windows are just a handful of places that can benefit from the beautiful garland. To make it extra nice, wrap some twinkling lights through it. Have your fill of green? Consider a garland made of pinecones. Tack it up over a doorway and top it off with a big bow in the middle.

5) Change your color scheme

From the color of our shirt to the color of our couch, the hues that surround us influence our moods and actions more than we realize. In the home, changing up the color scheme is one of the simplest and inexpensive ways you can alter the mood in your space. For some, thinking about changing the color in their abode gives them a headache, but it doesn’t have to be that way. For a seasonal change, it’s not necessary to repaint everything. Far from it, in fact. Instead, swap out smaller decorative items like accent pillows and throws, rugs, window treatments and bedding. Little changes such as this can still make it feel like a completely different season than before. How much you’re willing to spend, and how well you want those items to blend into the rest of your decor, will determine if you go custom or not. Custom made items will cost more, so it’s understandable if you opt for something mass-produced. However, something smaller like custom pillow covers, are well worth the investment, especially if you plan on using them for several years.

When you are looking for a fabric store near you in Arlington, stop by our Cutting Corners location in Fort Worth, TX on South Hulen Street for great deals on discount designer fabrics. You will find something for every home interior project from gorgeous drapery fabrics to lightweight cottons and luxurious Dupioni Silks.