Updated: November 2021
2020 was our first Christmas in our San Diego home and we wanted to be very intentional as we purchased our decor.
We had some holiday supplies back in Cape Town, but had to leave them in storage when we moved…thus we started from scratch — both in gathering our holiday arsenal and establishing new traditions.
Are you also decorating for the first time or wanting some beginner tips for holiday decor?
So far, here are my go-to tips:
- Candles, diffusers, and scents can really set the mood and are a fantastic option if you’ve opted for a faux Christmas tree
- Pick a color scheme you like — whether that’s red and green, more creamy neutrals with pops of gold, or pastels. Keeping it in these hues will help everything be more cohesive.
- Find pieces that are meaningful to you and are timeless so you don’t have to buy new things every year
- Bring the outdoors inside with touches of natural elements (like pinecones, birch branches, or long branches of pine)
- Festive lights (and ones on branches) go a long way if you’re stuck and don’t know what’s “missing”
- As you’re building up your treasure trove of holiday decor, don’t feel like you need to buy everything at once (after Christmas sales can have some great deals to get pieces for the following year!)
So, with all that in mind — here are my top picks for holiday decor!
For the Front Porch
Preserved Eucalyptus Wreath
I love a wreath year-round and wanted something made from real plants but that would—so I went with this eucalyptus one! It smells amazing and you could add some ribbon to give it more of a holiday feel. Snag the adjustable (and customizable) door wreath hanger here!
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Fresh Winter White Wreath
Looking for something a bit more festive that incorporates fresh evergreen noble fir? This one is gorgeous!
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Iron Fall Floral Swag
Love the look of a swag over a wreath? No problem! This one is perfect throughout fall and winter, and if you’re playing up more of those pastel meets rustic hues—I can’t imagine a better fit!
Shop NowHere are a few more holiday wreaths I love:
Here are a few other doormats I love:
Want some more holiday inspo for the front porch?
While this post is geared toward cozy fall décor (we’re talking autumnal hues of muted reds and yellows, along with a plethora of pumpkins) you could definitely swap in some poinsettias and mini spruce or pine trees for a festive touch!
Holiday Living Room Decor
For the Tree
Pine Tree with Clear Lights
We got this 7.5-foot faux tree for our home and I love that it already has lights throughout!
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Buffalo Plaid Christmas Tree Skirt
I like how this tree skirt is a classic piece with a little flair.
Shop NowHere’s an assortment of other cute tree skirts and collars:
Passport Ornament
I have a sneaking suspicion that if you read this blog, you like to travel… 😉
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Here are some of my favorite ornaments:
Felt and Pom Garland
For the mantel, the tree, or anywhere in between—I love this pom garland!
Shop NowHere are some of my favorite garlands for the tree:
For the Mantel
Jingle Bell Garland
Hang this string of gilded bells from either the mantel or tree for a bit of glitz!
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Pine Garland with Clear Lights
This is similar to the garland we have along our fireplace mantel!
Shop NowHere are some other garlands I was peepin’ at:
For me, the way to complete the mantel was adding a few sprays of greenery and vases, and a nutcracker or two!
I also love the idea of incorporating pillar candles (flameless is the safer bet!), along with these sweet little homes pieces that look fantastic with some lights inside.
Stockings
All Things Cozy
Festive Scents
As we have a faux tree, we don’t have that fresh pine scent in the house. To combat that, bringing in the fresh scents and the lovely holiday aromas via candles, wax melts, or scents in a diffuser.
Holiday Kitchen Decor + Goodies
Joy To The World
Dish Towel
While the kitchen doesn’t usually get a whole lot of holiday cheer, this dish towel is super cute!
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Holiday Dining Room Decor
Leather Tablecloth
Gathre
I absolutely love this one by Gathre — they’re essentially tablecloths for people that hate the look of usual tablecloths. It’s a total essential for the holidays as they’re made of bonded leather, so they look super chic while being extremely functional. (We prepped our Halloween pumpkins on this and it was a breeze to clean up!)
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Stargazer Northstar Pendant Light
Whether you’re dining inside or outside, this is such a fun light pendant!
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12 Days of Christmas Dessert Plates
Meyer thinks I decorate like a grandma, but I love a little nostalgia—especially when it comes to the holidays! These plates are perfect for serving up a sweet treat, but I personally like them for a “12 Days of Christmas” plate wall. 😉
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Do you have any favorites when it comes to holiday décor or traditions you’d like to share? I’d love to hear all about them in the comments below!
All are so lovely! I love Christmas!
Hi Anita! I do too 🙂 So excited – as you might be able to tell.