Christmas Decorating Ideas and Tips

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! The holidays are just around the corner and we've got some ideas and tips for Christmas decorations to create memorable family moments.

Between cooking and cleaning, setting the stage for celebrations can be an overwhelming task. These easy Christmas decorating ideas and tips will help you provide a festive environment for a winter holiday you will always remember.

Set a Holiday Atmosphere

Trigger your family's senses with visual and aromatic pleasures. Holiday decorations and scents are key to setting the mood for a festive Christmas get-together.

Weave some garland or check out your local craft and hobby store for some wicker baskets and make your own colorful centerpiece. Add some silk poinsettia plants, ribbon and greenery to complete the basket. Make some extras to give away as gifts on Christmas Eve.

Find at least one decoration that will stand the test of time. It will have to be durable (perhaps store bought) and be stored properly. On the bottom, write the date it was first used. Your family will get used to this particular decoration and as the years go by, it will become a conversation piece that will bring back many Christmas memories.

Decorate a Christmas Tree

Every family has a routine for trimming their tree. Whether it's adorned with treasured ornaments that have been in the family for years, or a trendy flocked tree, it's where the presents are parked. If you want to keep your traditional Christmas tree, but enjoy the new fiber optic designs, consider getting a smaller, tabletop version. This way you'll have the best of both worlds.

Poinsettia Plants

Poinsettias provide beautiful flowers and are a popular tradition in American homes around the holidays. With the many varieties available today, you will definitely find one to compliment your Christmas decor. To learn more about these plants, go to our Christmas Poinsettia Plant Care page.

Nativity Scene

There are many nativity displays available, from hand-carved to porcelain. With a barn setting, these includes Joseph, Mary, baby Jesus, the Three wise men, and often, some animals. By setting up a nativity, indoors or outdoors, we're remembering the reason for the holiday.

Decorating Your Christmas Table

Your table decor will look inviting with a cloth or linen tablecloth. They are readily available in Christmas season patterns with bright, holiday colors. Often you can find matching napkins to complete the look. Unless your Christmas dinner is completely casual, avoid vinyl tablecloths. They are more appropriate on a smaller table for children to reduce stains.

The most popular centerpiece choice is a fresh fruit basket -- with good reason. This will serve two purposes. The brilliance of the basket itself brings natural beauty and color to your table, and the fruit makes a nutritional snack that will compliment any meal. That is why they make such a popular gift. Keep in mind, if you have new guests this year, they may bring one as a gift. If you have leftover fruit, send some home with the kids for an evening snack.

If a fruit basket isn't your choice, display a bouquet or basket of fresh flowers on your table to compliment your tablecloth and add color. Silk flowers and poinsettias are gorgeous and can be used year after year.

Homemade Placemats

Take all of your favorite old Christmas cards, cut them up and organize them into a collage. Secure them together with glue. After this is done, cut them into an oval shape and laminate them to make some unique, beautiful placemats. My children did this with their grandma a few years ago and they turned out fantastic. We still get them out every year. Some cards are just too beautiful to throw away!

Holiday Aromas

The cooking scents alone will provide an aroma pleasing to any guest. If you want to start early, consider some dry or liquid potpourri in a small crock pot to slowly fill the air with holiday fragrance.

Candles supply beauty, a delicate scent, and an overall "homey" feeling. There are some seasonal candles available specifically for Winter and Christmas holidays. Choose adorned candleholders and jars or decorate your own with beads and acrylic paint.

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