Holiday Decorating Plan!
Learn how I hang all the holiday decor by clicking HERE!
How I Prep and Decorate My Home for the Holidays
The holiday season is my absolute favorite time to transform my home into a cozy, festive retreat. It’s a big process, but I’ve developed a system over the years that keeps it fun and organized—and hopefully, it can help you tackle your holiday decorating, too! Here’s a peek into how I get everything ready, from clearing out Halloween to hanging the final wreath.
Christmas Mantel 2023
Not sure I can top this, it is my all time favorite mantel to date!
Step 1: Clear Out and Re-Evaluate
After Halloween wraps up, I like to re-evaluate my seasonal decor as I take it down. If I haven’t used something in a few years, it’s time to donate it and make space. Keeping only what I love ensures I’m not overwhelmed with excess and leaves room for anything new I might want to add to my holiday collection.
Step 2: A Deep Clean
Deep clean the blank canvas
I always start with the windows, that twinkle from the tree won’t look so great with dirty windows. This rechargeable window vaccum cleans so well and is a total time saver! Shop here!
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Once I have a blank canvas, I start with a deep clean, going room by room. It’s essential to put away everyday decor and do a good cleaning before the holiday items come out. This step helps me avoid the stress of cleaning around decorations later—because let’s be real, holiday decor takes over every corner!
Step 3: Give Your Home a “Breather”
With all the Halloween decor removed and the house sparkling, I let the space breathe for a day or two. It might sound silly, but it gives me a chance to enjoy a clean, open space before the holiday whirlwind begins.
Step 4: Decorating in Stages
Let your “naked” tree sit for a day or two before rushing in to decorating it. For a list of my favorite budget friendly Christmas decorations click HERE!
I don’t pull everything out all at once; instead, I go in stages to keep it manageable. Here’s my decorating order:
Trees First: I set up my Christmas trees “naked” in their spots throughout the house. Just seeing them in place brings on the holiday spirit!
Tree Decor Next: Once the trees are up, I bring down the bins specifically for each tree and start adding lights, ornaments, and tree toppers.
Garlands: After the trees, I tackle garlands, which instantly bring warmth to the staircase and mantels.
Kitchen and Dining Room: These areas are next because they’re the heart of holiday gatherings.
Small Spaces Last: I finish with smaller areas like hallways and bathrooms, adding little festive touches.
Step 5: Save the Outdoors for Last
This amazing outdoor rug is washable and interchangeable, so perfect for all of the seasons. Shop here!
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Since I start decorating indoors early, I wait until closer to Thanksgiving (or even the first week of December) to tackle outdoor decor. This way, I can pace myself, and it helps me feel ready to dive into the holiday spirit outside, too.
Decorating for the holidays is truly a marathon, not a sprint, and taking my time makes the process enjoyable instead of overwhelming. I hope my tips inspire you to create a decorating plan that brings joy to your home this season!