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How To Plan Christmas Decorations The Easy Way

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A festive display of nutcracker figurines and a red Christmas bauble with white swirls. The image includes text: "How to Plan Christmas Decorations" with a website link "www.theglossynest.com". In the background, blurred lights and a tree are visible.

Trying to figure out how to plan Christmas decorations without feeling overwhelmed? Want to decorate your home for Christmas, but don’t know where to start?

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How to Plan Christmas Decorations

I know I love the look of my space after I’ve decorated for Christmas. But getting out all of the Christmas decorations and figuring out how to display them can be really challenging and time consuming!

How many of us just give up halfway through and don’t get the look we’re going for because we ran out of time, energy or money?

A cozy room features a decorated Christmas tree with colorful lights and ornaments near a wooden rocking chair. Text overlay reads, "How to Prep for Christmas Decorating: www.theglossynest.com".

I’ve learned over the years to take it slow and not rush with Christmas decorations. It’s a creative process that takes some time if you want your Christmas decorations to look just right.

It’s easier to put out your Christmas decorations when you have a plan in place. This post outlines some simple steps you can take to decorate your house for Christmas without the stress or overwhelm.

Step #1 – List The Rooms You Want To Decorate For Christmas

If you aren’t sure where to start with Christmas decorations, take a moment to think about your current space.

A cozy Christmas scene features knitted stockings hanging on a stone fireplace, adorned with pine branches and warm lights. A glowing sign reads, "To Do List for Christmas Decorating" with a website link, www.theglossynest.com.

To get the most enjoyment out of your Christmas decorations, you want to place them in the areas of your home that get the most use.

We tend to spend a lot of time in our living room or family room area relaxing, watching TV and hanging out with our family. So it make sense to decorate this room for Christmas.

This is the perfect place for a Christmas tree. If you have a fireplace in this room, you’ll probably want to decorate the mantel & hearth.

A festive Christmas wreath featuring pine cones, red and gold baubles, and greenery is adorned with a small black card. Overlaid text reads: "Stress Free Christmas Decor Tips" and a website link "www.theglossynest.com.

The kitchen is another room that gets used a lot and could also do with a touch of Christmas decor.

Also, consider if you will be having family or friends over for a Christmas meal. If so, your dining space probably should be decorated as well (assuming it is separate from the kitchen).

A lot of people like to put up outdoor Christmas decorations. So don’t forget to include any outdoor areas on your decorating list.

Traditional Christmas Trees

Hallways and entryways are a nice place to put up Christmas decorations. Swags and garlands look really pretty on the stairs.

Finally, consider if you want to decorate any of your bedrooms or bathrooms for Christmas.

As you think about your house or apartment, jot down the main rooms you want to decorate for Christmas.

Consider:

  • Living room or family room
  • Kitchen
  • Dining room
  • Entryway, foyer
  • Hallway, staircase
  • Front yard
  • Front porch
  • Bedrooms
  • Bathrooms
  • Any additional rooms or spaces

Don’t feel like you have to decorate every room for Christmas. Too many Christmas decorations can make your space feel cluttered or overwhelming. Aim for a few well thought out Christmas decorations in various rooms and leave the rest of the space as is.

Red Christmas Tree Decor

Have an open floor plan? Start decorating the main living room area and branch out from there. By making the living room the focal point, your Christmas decorations will look more intentional and less scattered.

What is the easiest way to decorate for Christmas? Start with decorating your living room for Christmas and maybe put up a few Christmas lights outside. Prioritize decorating other rooms as your schedule and budget allow.

Step #2 – List The Areas In Each Room To Decorate For Christmas

Now that you have an idea of the rooms you want to decorate for Christmas, you’ll want to list out the areas within those rooms which will have Christmas decorations.

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For example, here is a list of Christmas decor areas for the living room:

  • Christmas tree near the window
  • Christmas decor on mantel & hearth
  • Christmas decor on coffee table, side table
  • Christmas decor on a sideboard

Go through each room and write down the space within the room that needs to be decorated. Consider flat surfaces first. You can also list out any Christmas decor ideas you have for the space.

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Step #3 – Review Your Current Christmas Decor

Now that you have an idea of the spaces in your home that you want to decorate for Christmas, it’s time to start getting out your Christmas decorations.

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Before you buy Christmas decorations, start with what you have. It might have been a while since you’ve seen your Christmas decorations, so start going through your storage space and opening boxes to jog your memory.

Traditional Christmas Tree Decor

Take a look and see what will work well for decorating a certain space. You probably have some Christmas decor items that you use in the same space every year and that’s fine.

Taking a look at your existing Christmas decor will help you brainstorm ways to use it around your house this year.

Step #4 – Decide On A Christmas Decor Theme

If you like to change out your Christmas decor each year, now is a good time to come up with a Christmas decor theme and Christmas decor color scheme.

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Since you’ve taken a peek at your existing decor, what you have on hand should be fresh in your mind. Start brainstorming additional decor items you’ll need to buy to complete your theme for the year.

Common Christmas decor themes include the following:

How do you mix and match Christmas decorations? If you have a wide variety of Christmas decorations, consider combining two themes together for a unique look.

Rainbow Ombre Christmas Tree Decor

Like to put out the same Christmas decorations each year? No problem! Do what works best for you and your family. Don’t feel like your Christmas decor has to follow a certain theme or trend.

Step #5 – Go Shopping For Additional Christmas Decor

You’ll start to see Christmas decorations in the stores around October or even earlier. When should you start shopping for what you need?

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If you like to change up your Christmas decor theme each year, I would start planning and shopping for Christmas decor as early as possible for the best selection.

Additionally, if there are any Christmas decor items you know you want to buy this year, such as a new artificial Christmas tree, start planning ahead. Don’t forget to factor in shipping time frames.

Vintage Christmas Tree Decor

Look for sales throughout October and November, of course keeping an eye out for Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals.

If you’re just looking to add a few new items to your decor, you can shop as you go. I’ve gotten some really nice Christmas decor items on sale in the middle of December. On the other hand, I’ve missed out on some popular Christmas decor items by waiting too long past November.

When in doubt, shop early. If you don’t end up needing or using the Christmas decor items, take them back to the store for a refund.

Rustic Christmas Trees

Step #6 – Take Some Time To Decorate For Christmas

By now you should have a good feel for which rooms in your house you need to decorate for Christmas and what decorations you have to use.

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At this point, I like to start putting up the Christmas decorations and seeing where my creativity takes me.

If you really enjoyed some of your decorating from years past, remember to take pictures of it so that you can repeat the same look.

Flocked & Frosted Christmas Trees

On the other hand, each year is a great time to try out new things with your Christmas decor. Don’t be afraid to change it up!

When should you start decorating your house for Christmas?

The most important thing to keep in mind is that Christmas decorating takes time. It’s a physical and creative process. Unless you have a small space or lots of helpers, it probably won’t get done in a day.

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Be sure to give yourself a few days to get it all done. Personally, I like to start putting up my Christmas decorations the day after Thanksgiving and have everything decorated by early December.

Christmas lights can be put up early in November, and not turned on until after Thanksgiving.

Is it ok to decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving? It’s a matter of personal preference. To me, Thanksgiving is the last gasp for fall decor and I still enjoy seeing my pumpkins until then.

Other people don’t get into fall decorating as much and are happy to put up Christmas decorations in November. It’s up to you – when are you in the mood to decorate for this festive time of year?

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Planning Christmas decorations is simple. It’s the actual decorating that can be the hard part. To summarize, here’s how to plan Christmas decorations:

  • List the rooms you want to decorate (e.g. living room)
  • List the areas in each room to decorate (e.g. fireplace/mantel)
  • Review your current Christmas decor
  • Decide on a Christmas decor theme
  • Go shopping for additional Christmas decor
  • Take a few days to decorate
  • Enjoy your efforts!

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More Christmas Planning Ideas

For more info on how to plan your best Christmas yet, check out these posts:

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A festive display of nutcracker figurines and a red Christmas bauble with white swirls. The image includes text: "How to Plan Christmas Decorations" with a website link "www.theglossynest.com". In the background, blurred lights and a tree are visible.
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