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12 Expert Tips to Decorate Your Home for the Holidays Like a Pro

Posted by admin on February 28, 2025
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Holiday Decoration Tips infographic

 

12 Expert Tips to Decorate Your Home for the Holidays Like a Pro

Decorating your house for the holidays can be a ton of fun, but it can also be a real time squeeze. From lighting the exterior of your home to setting up the tree and filling the house with cheer, there’s a lot to tackle. Here’s how to create a festive wonderland efficiently—straight from top experts in holiday decor.

  1. Test Your Tree’s Branches Before Buying

    Ensure the branches can hold the weight of your ornaments. Cheaper trees with fine needles may droop, risking ornament damage and ruining photo ops. Opt for sturdy varieties like blue spruce or fir.

  2. Choose 50-Bulb Light Sets

    “100-bulb sets are too long and cumbersome,” says Scott Parrish, a professional light installer with Illuminight Holiday Lighting. “If a section fails, you lose more lights. Stick with 50-bulb sets for trees indoors and out.”

  3. Light Your Tree from the Middle and Top First

    “Start with the main power point in the tree’s center,” advises Parrish. “Run an extension cord up the trunk, then string lights from the top down. This minimizes tangling and reduces the number of light sets needed.”

  4. Organize Ornaments Strategically

    Separate ornaments into favorites and fillers. Place fillers deep inside the tree for depth. For kid-friendly decor, use modern plastic ornaments in coordinating shades (e.g., gold tones). Save cherished pieces for eye-level placement.

  5. Swap String Lights for Lighted Snowflakes

    “Lighted snowflakes are easy to hang, cover large areas, and add instant charm,” says Parrish. Perfect for those who dread untangling strands!

  6. Conceal Outdoor Extension Cords

    Hide cords behind gutter downspouts and secure them with color-matched zip ties. This keeps your display tidy and safe.

  7. Elevate Your Mantel with Collections

    Showcase nutcrackers or fill glass containers with ornaments. “Add tissue paper inside containers to reduce filler,” suggests stylist Melanio Gomez. For a whimsical touch, drape batting with fake snow and miniature village buildings across the mantel.

  8. Use Lanterns with LED Candles on Stairs

    Place flickering LED lanterns along staircases, starting with the largest at the bottom. Gomez recommends timers for up to eight hours of hassle-free ambiance.

  9. Incorporate Vintage-Modern Accents

    Hang white faux antlers in unexpected spots like bathrooms or hallways for a trendy, playful vibe.

  10. Spray Frost on Mirrors and Windows

    “Frost spray adds a festive touch with minimal effort,” says Gomez. Apply it to mirrors for a subtle icy effect.

  11. Hang Wreaths Beyond the Front Door

    Add wreaths to interior doors and windows. Choose versatile options like magnolia to span Thanksgiving through Christmas.

  12. Display Glittery Branches in Vases

    Place metallic branches in tall vases around your home. “Hang small ornaments on sturdy branches for extra sparkle,” says Gomez.

Pro Tip: Take our quiz to discover if your holiday hosting style aligns with your decor preferences!

 

Holiday Decoration Tips infographic

 

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