The holidays have a way of convincing us we need to overhaul our entire home—new garland, new ornaments, new pillows, new everything. But here’s the truth I tell every client: your holiday home can feel magical, elevated, and inviting without being overly complex or expensive. In fact, the most beautiful spaces are usually the ones created with intention, not excess.

Before you fill your cart, take a breath. Holiday decorating can be simple, soulful, and meaningful…and you likely already own most of what you need.

Here are my favorite easy holiday decorating tips that create impact without the chaos.

1. Start With What You Already Have

You don’t need an entire season’s worth of new décor to make your home festive.
Walk through your home and pull pieces that naturally feel warm and winter-friendly—brass accents, wood tones, woven textures, candles, trays, bowls, throws.

Then layer in holiday touches like greenery or ribbon, and suddenly…it all works.

Designer Tip:
Cluster pieces you already love—candlesticks, vases, books—and add one seasonal accent like a sprig of cedar or velvet ribbon. Effortless and elevated.

I had saved these ornaments from years past, and didn’t want them on my tree, but I still loved them. I decided to put them in this CB2 bowl, add some greenery, and voila! It’s one of my favorite spots now.

2. Pick a Color Palette and Stick to It

When holiday décor feels chaotic, it’s usually because the color story is fighting itself.

Choose two or three tone —think warm neutrals, greens + gold, navy + brass, or even classic crimson—and let that guide everything from your stockings to your table.

A cohesive palette makes even simple décor look intentional and luxurious.

3. Bring in Greenery (Real or Faux!)

Garland and stems are the easiest way to make your home feel festive without buying dozens of specialty items.

Drape garland across a mantel
Tuck greenery into a bowl
Add sprigs to sconces, frames, or shelves
Tie a ribbon around a small wreath and hang it on cabinet doors

Greenery adds instant warmth and texture—no complicated styling needed.

4. Swap, Don’t Buy

Sometimes the easiest “decorating” is simply swapping pieces from one room to another.

Move a lamp, trade out artwork, switch throws from the bedroom to the living room, or swap pillow covers.

Refreshing your home with what you already own is one of the best ways to keep holiday decorating simple and budget-friendly.

5. Layer Lighting for a Warm Glow

If you do nothing else this season, do this: warm, soft lighting.

Add:

Battery-operated candles
Twinkle lights in a bowl or woven through garland
Lamps on dimmers
A strand of lights tucked onto the mantel

It creates that cozy, magical holiday mood with zero effort.

6. Use Ribbon as Your Secret Weapon

Ribbon is inexpensive, reusable, and endlessly versatile.
Use it to:

Tie bows around candles
Dress up existing décor
Add a touch of color to stair spindles or banisters
Elevate a simple wreath
Wrap around vases or jars

Velvet, silk, or grosgrain ribbon instantly elevates any space.

*This year I have gone crazy with brown ribbon everywhere, and I LOVE IT. It’s so easy, and adds so much charm and warmth to our home.*

7. Keep It Meaningful

The best holiday homes tell a story—your story!
Display:

Your kids’ handmade ornaments
Heirloom pieces
Collected décor from travels
Items with sentimental value

You don’t have to hide meaningful pieces to achieve a designer-level look. When styled thoughtfully, they make your home feel warm, lived-in, and personal.

8. Edit Before You Add

Holiday decorating isn’t about stuffing every corner with something themed.
Before you decorate, remove a few everyday items like books, frames, small accessories, so your seasonal touches have space to shine.

Editing keeps your home feeling curated, not cluttered.

9. Give Yourself Permission to Keep It Simple

Some years call for more simplicity than others, and that is perfectly okay.

Your home doesn’t have to look like a department store window.
A few thoughtful touches, warm lighting, and a cohesive palette can transform your space more than any shopping spree ever could.

Final Thoughts

Holiday decorating should feel joyful—not like another project on your to-do list.

With a little creativity, a few intentional choices, and pieces you already love, you can create a holiday home that feels warm, welcoming, and unmistakably you. Beautiful doesn’t have to be complicated. And festive doesn’t have to mean expensive.

The magic is in the simplicity.

Love,

Lindsay

Simple Holiday Decorating Tips: Beauty Without the Stress (or the Overspending)