If the idea of decorating your house between the months of October and December feels daunting because it’s not only fall and winter but also Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas in that time—you’re not alone.
A lot of people skip seasonal decor and instead hold out for the grand finale —a Christmas tree for some—because they don’t want to constantly swap specific decor out, which can be time-consuming, costly, and requires storage space that many of us don’t have.
So, to make the most of the entire holiday season this year, give one of these easy, affordable, and DIY holiday decorating hacks a try.
6 DIY Holiday Decorating Hacks
- Get creative with florals
Hit up a few of your favorite local budget stores and pick up a few vases as well as dried florals in neutral and fall colors. Look for silhouettes that feel organic, feathery, and even twiggy. Once styled, place them on your entryway table, fireplace mantel, coffee table, powder room, bookshelf, and on your kitchen counter or island.
Or you can also head out on a nature walk and collect birch tree limbs, twigs with fall leaves attached, driftwood branches, pampas, pussy willows, and more. In some cases, a hairspray application will be needed to prevent shedding, but it’ll be well worth the effort.
- Create a tablescape
With the right selections, you can create a tablescape that’s festive and appropriate from fall to the New Year. Often, the secret to longevity is in the color palette you choose. Collect faux pumpkins, gourds, pinecones, wicker balls, and dried faux florals in neutral colors, browns, and shades of burnt orange. Then come December, if you’re feeling more snazzy, spray paint some of them in winter white, bright red, and sparkly metallics. You can even upholster your gourds and pumpkins in festive fabric like velvet or plaids.
If you’re worried about designing the perfect tablescape only to have to move it endlessly, make it semi-permanent with double sided wall-mount tape and a cardboard or plywood base. Affix your accessories to the base for easy transportation knowing you can easily tug them off later if you want to redesign it.
Alternatively, fill decorative bowls with a variety of festive accessories for a centerpiece. It’s easy to add or take away from the pile and introduce a little more sparkle as you approach the holiday season.
- Make custom, seasonal art
Pick up October, November, and December calendars and frame an image of the month in a matching-size frame. Whether it’s on your mantel, bar cart, powder room, or bookshelf, you can inexpensively rotate the featured artwork for a truly one-of-a-kind and timely piece of art all fall and winter long.
- Use candles and lamps to create a sophisticated and festive ambiance
Here’s another winter decorating staple that’s timeless and sophisticated. When the sun starts to set earlier, trade harsh overhead lights for a layered effect of floor and table lamps, as well as candles.
Fall-scented candles with notes of cinnamon, pine, pumpkin, vanilla, cookies, and pies are always a treat. If that’s not your thing, battery-powered candles are a great and ultra-safe option with the added perk of being able to set them on timers so they automatically flick on at dusk for an effortless and cozy vibe. If you’re still craving that festive je ne sais quoi, shop for pumpkin-shaped candles, lanterns, and lamps.
- Layer cozy, comforting textures
Pile on the throw pillows and layer chunky-knit and fluffy blankets on couches, chairs, and beds for warmth and added texture. Keep extra blankets in baskets too—they look good and will come in handy for guests.
Consider recovering old pillows in new seasonal shams, too. There are some great budget buys that are super stylish for under ten dollars each, which means you can swap out your pillow fashions several times over the course of the season.
Another way to add warmth and texture to your home is with a new fluffy or shag rug. Or by draping faux sheepskin over dining chairs, benches, and ottomans for a truly Scandinavian feel.
You can also place a basket of slippers at the front door for an instant hit of cozy and something to offer your guests to make them feel right at home upon entering.
- Get holiday specific (on the cheap but keep it chic)
For specific holiday greetings—such as “Give Thanks,” “Happy Hanukkah,” or “Happy Halloween” try window clings, but not on your windows!
A popular hack with YouTube DIYers, window clings can be used on hand soap dispensers, mugs, candles and candle holders, kitchen utensil holders, carafes, wine decanters, and so much more. Window clings are cheap and cheerful and add the perfect touch of holiday specificity you’re looking for without the permanence. They can easily be peeled off and replaced when the next holiday rolls around. Genius!
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