Simple Tips for Decorating Your Home at Christmas

We’ve all been to a friend or family member’s home at Christmas that simply takes our breath away.  Small decorations in every corner, continually reminding us that it is Christmas time.  Here are a few simple tips to help you create a Christmas wonderland.

Baubles around the house

Place baubles in a vase, or other glass decorative container, and display around the home.  This is such a simple way to add a touch of Christmas at a low price and with great impact.   Use baubles of different sizes and different texture, and consider your colour schemes when choosing what and where you will display.

Another simple use of baubles is hanging them in a window.  If you have a window that doesn’t require moving the window coverings, find a lovely ribbon to attach the bauble and hang in groups in the window.  If you can find bigger baubles (such as 10cm wide) these are even more dramatic.

Hang Lights

Lights don’t have to be confined to the tree.  There are many simple ways to use lights around the house.

I love putting a string or two of lights in the empty (and clean) fire place.  They look fabulous at night, and since we enjoy Christmas in Summer, the fire place isn’t in demand.  As far as the power cord is concerned, simply run the cord neatly along the wall to the power source.

As well as traditional Christmas fairy lights there are now very effective battery operated LED lights which allow you even more flexibility with your display.  Add them to the vase with baubles, put them with tinsel in a bowl, or use them on a wreath hung inside your home (see below).

Inside Wreath

We are used to Christmas wreaths on the front door but they can also be very effectively used inside as a decoration.  Create your own wreath by adding lights, ribbons and baubles to a plain wreath, or buy a simple decorated wreath and hang it in you home.  We are also expecting (mid October) some gorgeous wrought iron wreath stands which means you can display the wreath anywhere.

Ornament Stands

Ornament stands allow you to choose a few of your favourite ornaments and display them prominently for everyone to enjoy.  What a simple answer to an empty corner!

Mini Trees

I love to place a small tree with a few themed decorations (such as a simple colour theme of baubles) on a table or mantle.  Tree options include feather trees, mini artificial trees, or a small real tree in a beautiful pot. 

Hang Christmas stockings

If you have a fire place, hang Christmas stockings.  Attach a small hook (easily removable hooks are available at supermarket or hardware shops everywhere) and add your stock – it’s that simple.  There’s no doubt it’s Christmas time when the stockings are hung.

This list is just the tip of the iceberg.  The point is, your decorations around the home don’t have to be complicated or take hours to create – they can be simple and still be very effective.  If you need more inspiration, look at home magazines in December (both Australian and overseas issues) and many home decorating shows also provide some great ideas. 

If you have tips to share with others, please email us and we will add them to the site for everyone to enjoy (jpeg photos would be beneficial).