Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I put the Christmas tree?
The centerpiece of holiday home decor is usually the tree, so placement is key. Samantha Stathis Lynch, designer and home style expert with Marshalls and TJ Maxx, says, “Christmas trees are often the focal point of holiday decor for those celebrating Christmas, so it’s important to have the tree in a room that is accessible and spacious. The living room or family room is often the most utilized; however, any room in your home can accentuate the tree—it’s all about preference.” Placing your tree in front of a window makes for elegant Christmas decor for your home’s exterior as well. (Is there anything more homey than seeing glowing Christmas lights in a window?) Or place your tree in the living room’s entryway so it can be enjoyed from adjoining rooms and add to your dining room’s ambiance or Christmas kitchen decor.
How can I make my house look cozy?
A cozy Christmas living room is all about texture, Thomas says. “Whether that’s velvet drapes, bouclé throw pillow covers, or a high-pile rug, textiles are the perfect way to add diverse textures to a room without making it feel overwhelming.”
Adding to that, Lynch recommends including subtle lighting, candles, and additional seating around your Christmas tree. “Ottomans or poufs can make any space the perfect area to gather around your tree and celebrate the season,” she says. Temporary seating near a Christmas fireplace is another option. Add throw blankets and trays with hot cocoa mugs to mimic ski chalet vibes. It’ll transform your living room into a cozy spot within a winter wonderland.
How to decorate living room windows for Christmas?
Windows are even more real estate for your Christmas theme. “Symmetry across window panes is a largely popular seasonal trend that can be easily achieved with wreaths, candles, or garland,” Lynch says. “Place matching Christmas wreaths within the center of your home’s front-facing windows or candle holders and taper candles within each windowsill for a picturesque holiday home.”
Thomas, on the other hand, prefers more modern Christmas decor, like acrylic nutcrackers or matte white decorative presents. “Gathering these design-forward yet minimal trinkets in groups of three or five to form triangles—or what designers call three-point thinking—provides depth and intrigue to the eye,” he says. “Windows are essentially built-in frames in a room. Knowing that, any window decor should lead with composition and proportion first, which is why less will always be more when it comes to windows.”
How to hang stockings and garlands?
For garlands that serve as mantel decor, Thomas recommends using Command Clear Hooks. “These should be in the arsenal of any DIY’er, as they are a great option for temporary solutions,” he says. You could also use a tension rod. “I’ve seen some rather creative implementations of this technique where folks will place a tension rod in between a passageway and use that to hang a garland. I will definitely be trying this method this year,” Thomas says. Before wrapping your garland around the rod, you can even spray-paint it green so it blends in better.
“When it comes to hanging stockings,” Thomas says, “I’m a traditionalist and I recommend investing in stocking hangers. These can be used year after year, and with so many options on the market, one can absolutely find an option that suits the rest of the decor. However, not everyone has real estate like a fireplace mantel to hang stockings, so I recommend some damage-free adhesive hooks.”
