Scoot over “Twelve Days of Christmas,” it’s time for the Twelve Days of Decorating! Why tire yourself out and complete all of your holiday decorating in one day when you can space it out while listening to the class carol? Follow these style and decorating tips—inspired by Decorating Den’s talented Erika Lee—to create a holiday space that will make you say, “There really is no place like home for the holidays.”
Day One, String Outdoor Lights
One of the best ways to spread holiday cheer is by trimming your house in lights for all to see. Choose soft white lights for a simple and timeless look, or command attention by hanging colorful, oversized vintage bulbs. Whichever you choose, you are sure to make the neighborhood merrier and certainly more bright.
Day Two, Hang Wreaths
Give your front door more personality with a holiday wreath. Keep it natural with sprigs of green, pinecones, and red holly berries, or make more of a statement by topping it with a bow. If you have kids in the house, make it a craft day and create your own using balls of yarn or Christmas tree ball ornaments.
Day Three, Drape Garland
Add life to your indoor decor with greenery. Run garland with dreamy fairy lights over doorways, around railings, and across mantels. You might even interlace sheer, shimmering ribbons that tie off in big bows.
Day Four, Roll Out an Area Rug
Not only does laying down an area rug create a warmer, more welcoming space, but it also has the potential to add more design intrigue. Keep the color neutral by choosing soft white or beige, but be daring with the rug’s texture by going with a thick knit, tribal pattern, or tassel trim. You’ll feel the benefits of this one even when the holidays are over.
Day Five, Decorate the Mantel
Mantels are holiday scene stealers. In addition to garlands wrapped in soft lights, set a charming scene with bottlebrush trees and a small, pre-lit village in white. For a more rustic feel, decorate with carved woodland creatures, pinecones, and lantern lighting. Finish both looks by hanging your stockings with care.
Day Six, Change Throw Pillows and Blankets
We’re all looking for little ways to make our homes feel new and different. You can achieve that sentiment with pillows personalized with well wishes or your favorite holiday lyrics during the holidays. Then, drape extra throw blankets around the house for anyone who might need warming up because baby, it’s cold outside. Consider fabrics like faux fur, fleece, and wool.
Day Seven, Try New Bedding
Swap out your sheets, pillowcases, and comforters for something new. Tie into the holidays with bedding in the season’s traditional reds and greens or using different patterns like flannel or fair isle quilt. You’ll look forward to curling up in bed every night with your latest book.
Day Eight, Hang Different Wall Art
Replace some of your ordinary wall art with hand-lettered messages that remind you why it’s the most wonderful time of the year. You can also incorporate painting or signs of seasonal sayings or landscapes on your walls. If you don’t want to do a complete art overhaul, put some of your favorite holiday photos on display in metallic frames.
Day Nine, Make a Tablescape
Make a tablescape you and your family will want to gather around. Start with a solid table runner. Then, add sprigs of green, an assortment of pine cones, and staggered white candles. Such a simple design allows you to be bold with your place settings so you can mix and match the shapes, colors, and patterns of your dishware all season long.
Day Ten, Customize Your Bar Cart
In addition to adding more holiday flavors to your bar cart, make room for small, decorative trees, white string lights, or holiday phrase garland. You’ll feel festive and cheerful every time you go to make yourself a drink or two.
Day Eleven, Create Mood Lighting
From string lights to lanterns to pine-scented candles, explore all different light sources to create a space that is just right for you. Don’t just try it out in your living area; you can create mood lighting in your bedroom and even the bathroom.
Day Twelve, Trim the Tree
Finally, pull out your favorite garlands, ornaments, and tree toppers to start a new holiday tradition of decorating the tree on Christmas Eve. Play your favorite holiday music and drink hot chocolate while you trim your tree.
Even though we can’t have large gatherings this year, we can still create a warm, intimate setting for those we live with—and have fun doing it. We know the Twelve Days of Decorating can be a lot to handle on your own. Contact Decorating Den at (513)-304-9105 for all the holiday help you need, and decorate BEAUTIFULLY for the holidays with Erika Lee!
