Holiday Decorating Tips for 2022

I have no shame in admitting that I’m one of those people who decorates for Christmas on November 1st. There’s something about cheery holiday decor that makes the home feel cozy and warm just as things are starting to get dark and gloomy outside. Decking the halls can be stressful, though, especially if you don’t have an eye for design. To help, we spoke to two design experts to gather a few holiday decorating tips and pulled together some interior and exterior decorations for some festive inspiration.

Pro Tips for Holiday Decorating

Plan, Plan, Plan

Sarah Bowen, interior designer and co-founder of Spruce Up and Amy Peltier, interior designer and founder of Pillow Addict, both recommend having a plan before beginning your holiday decorating.

“Choose a calming color palette and develop an idea of what holiday decor you want to buy before you scour the stores,” says Bowen.

Start Soon

If you’re worried about how to decorate for the holidays amid the seasonal rush, “start the planning early,” Peltier said. “You won’t be rushed and your holiday décor will be put together, instead of thrown together.”

To help make at least one aspect of the holiday season a bit simpler, we put together some indoor and outdoor decoration ideas. 

Indoor Holiday Decorations

Christmas Napkin Ring Holders

If you’re having company over for dinner, spruce up the table with these reindeer napkin holders. They’re simple and classy, and they show you put some thought into your table decor. Buy them here.

7-Foot Prince Flock Artificial Christmas Tree

Flocked trees can get a bit messy (you’ll need to vacuum after setting it up), but they’re so beautiful. This seven-foot King of Christmas Artificial Flocked Christmas Tree is the ideal size for the average living room. Because it’s flocked, you can either leave it as-is or add lights and ornaments. Buy it here.

Kunyida Christmas Stockings

These stylish Christmas stockings come in a set of six, and you can choose from a variety of colors to meet your theme: blue, burgundy, ivory, gray, green and khaki. Try hanging them above the fireplace or on the stair railing. Buy them here.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Wood Frame Sign

This farmhouse-inspired sign could hang in your entryway, or you could prop it on a shelf. Replacing one of your all-season pictures or signs with something holiday-themed can help your home feel more cohesive. Buy it here.

National Tree Company Pre-Lit Artificial Mini Tree

Tabletop Christmas trees look great on end tables or flanking a door. Simple decorations like this are ideal for styling in pairs or duplicates. “Buy decorations in pairs and reuse the same display in different rooms. This will make your life easier and bring balance to your home,” Bowen suggests.  Buy it here.

Christmas Tree Ball Ornaments

This pack of shatter-proof ornaments is a versatile option for decorating. Hang them on the tree or mix them with pinecones as a vase filler. They’re available in black and gold, blue and silver, blue and white, red and gold, red and green, red and white, rose and gold, rose gold and white or white and silver. Buy them here.

Yankee Candle Mistletoe Scented, Classic 22oz Large Jar

This Yankee Candle Mistoe Scented Jar, featuring a sweet pine scent, is one of my favorite Christmas candles. Peltier recommends using a wreath laid down as a centerpiece with a large candle in the middle. A pine-scented candle is also a great idea if you use an artificial tree because it makes it smell like your tree is real. Buy it here.

National Tree Company Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Wreath

Wreaths can bring some extra cheer to your home inside or outside, and Bowen recommends this one specifically. Wreaths tap into “tradition, nostalgia and memories, which are important, especially these days,” Peltier said. Buy it here. While you’re at it, grab a lovely garland to match. 

Outdoor Holiday Decorations

AmazonBasics Outdoor Christmas String Lights

Lights are a classic outdoor Christmas decoration. These commercial-grade LED lights have rounded tips, and you can connect up to three strings together. Don’t forget an extension cord rated for outdoor use, too. Buy them here.

Lulu Home Christmas Lighted Boxes

These light-up boxes will look fantastic on your front porch or even under the tree if you want to move them inside. This is another great pick to buy in pairs so you can keep a cohesive feel throughout your home. Buy them here.

Giant Outdoor String Lights

With the days getting shorter, it’s helpful to add extra lighting to the exterior of your home during the holidays. Line your driveway or sidewalk with these giant outdoor LED string lights to bring a festive feel to your home. Buy them here.

Calloway Mills Rudolph Doormat

This simple Calloway Mills Rudolph Doormat will set a festive tone right from your front door. “Styling your entryway can make guests feel the festivities right as they walk through the front door,” Peltier said. Buy it here.

Inflatable Christmas Yard Decorations

If inflatable yard decorations are your style, these are a great value. Choose from Santa, a snowman, a snowman with a candy cane or even a polar bear fishing in a boat. They stand six feet tall and are sure to bring joy to the kids in your neighborhood. Buy one here.

Amazon also offers a wide array of awesome Hanukkah decorations.

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Do you have any holiday decorating tips to add? Share them in the comments below.