How Do Interior Designers Decorate for Christmas? 7 Expert Tips & Trends

The holiday season is the perfect time to bring out the festive spirit in your home. Whether you love classic holiday decor or prefer something more modern, decorating for Christmas can be both fun and overwhelming.

Interior designers know that planning is the key to creating a cohesive and beautiful holiday display.

If you’re wondering how professionals decorate for Christmas, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll walk through expert tips, trends, and must-have ideas to make your home look merry and bright without the stress.

Let’s dive into the world of Christmas décor and explore how interior designers bring festive magic into their homes.

1. Planning and Preparation

Before you start decorating, planning is crucial to ensure everything comes together beautifully. Here are a few expert tips to get you started:

Start Early

Decorating your home for Christmas shouldn’t feel rushed. Begin planning your décor early so you have plenty of time to find the perfect items that fit your space and style. This will also give you time to get creative with your ideas.

Choose a Theme or Color Scheme

Whether you prefer traditional red and green or something more modern like metallic tones, a theme or color scheme helps create a cohesive look. Designers recommend picking a color palette and sticking to it, so everything flows seamlessly.

Make a Decorating Plan

Having a plan ensures that you’re not running around at the last minute. Consider where you want to place your Christmas tree, wreaths, garlands, and other décor elements. Mapping it out will make decorating easier and more enjoyable.

2. Decorating the Home

Now that you’re prepared, it’s time to tackle the actual decorating! Let’s start with some of the most important areas in your home.

Christmas Tree Decorating

The Christmas tree is often the focal point of the holiday décor, and designers know how to make it stand out.

Textures and Materials: Mixing different textures and materials like velvet ribbons, metallic baubles, and wooden ornaments adds depth to your tree. This contrast creates a rich, layered look.

Tree “Recipe” Interior designers often follow a tree-decorating “recipe” that includes a tree topper, garland, and ornaments. This ensures the tree looks balanced and beautiful from top to bottom.

Unique Touches: Consider using a tree skirt or oversized planter to make your tree stand out. These details elevate the look and make it feel more intentional.

Mantel and Fireplace Decor

Your fireplace mantel is the perfect spot to showcase elegant Christmas décor.

Elegant Garland and Stockings: Decorate your mantel with a lush garland, stockings, and a few tasteful ornaments. Velvet ribbons and faux greenery add a festive yet sophisticated touch.

Textures for Depth: Combining different textures like soft velvet with fresh greenery adds interest to the space. Layering these materials helps create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Candles and Lights: A few strategically placed candles or fairy lights can transform your mantel into a magical display. The soft glow brings an extra cozy vibe to the room.

Door and Entryway Decor

Your entryway is the first impression guests get of your holiday décor, so make it count.

Colorful Doormat and Fabric Bow: A fun, patterned doormat paired with a large fabric bow on the door can make a cheerful, welcoming statement.

Wreath or Garland: Hang a festive wreath on your door to create a traditional, seasonal vibe. Designers also love to add garland along banisters and doors to add continuity to the entryway.

Greenery for Elegance: Adding potted greenery, like a cedar or pine tree, to your entryway creates a natural, elegant touch. Plus, the fresh scent will fill your home with holiday cheer.

3. Outdoor Decor

Don’t forget the outside of your home! Outdoor décor sets the mood for your holiday gatherings.

Fairy Lights for Magic: Use fairy lights around your porch, trees, and windows to create a twinkling, magical effect that will wow guests from the moment they arrive.

Garland and Swags: Hang garland along railings, or create swags over windows for a beautiful, welcoming touch. Using real greenery adds a rustic, festive feel to your outdoor décor.

Pinecones and Branches: Incorporate natural elements like pinecones, branches, and even rustic wreaths to create a one-of-a-kind, nature-inspired outdoor decor.

4. Adding Texture and Interest

To take your Christmas décor to the next level, consider adding texture and unique touches throughout your home.

Lighting and Candles

Lighting plays a crucial role in creating a warm, inviting holiday atmosphere.

Candle Holders and Lanterns: Use unique candle holders or lanterns to add texture to your lighting. The soft flicker of candles brings a cozy, magical ambiance to any room.

Fairy Lights Everywhere: Interior designers love using fairy lights not only on the tree but draped across mantels, shelves, and windows for added twinkling charm.

Tablescaping and Centerpieces

The dining table is often where families gather for holiday meals, and your tablescape can make it feel extra special.

Mix Textures for a Cohesive Look: Combine a mix of textures like linen tablecloths, wooden chargers, and glass candle holders for a beautifully layered look.

High and Low Centerpieces: Create interest by using a combination of high and low centerpieces. A tall centerpiece, like a vase with fresh flowers, paired with smaller candles or a few potted plants, brings balance to the table.

Add Greenery: Incorporating greenery, like a small potted Christmas tree or a simple vase of holly, adds a natural touch to your holiday tablescape.

5. Personalizing Your Decor

Personal touches are what make your Christmas décor truly special.

Vintage and Unique Decor

Add personality to your space by incorporating vintage or unique décor items.

Antique Ornaments: Consider using vintage ornaments or handmade decorations that tell a story. Family heirlooms can add a personal touch, making your décor feel meaningful.

Natural Elements: Using pinecones, branches, and even vintage wooden toys can give your décor a rustic, timeless charm.

6. Final Tips

When it comes to decorating for Christmas, remember that there are no rules, just your creativity. But here are a few final tips:

Experiment and Try New Things: Don’t be afraid to try new color schemes, textures, or décor elements. The holidays are the perfect time to experiment and create something unique.

Evaluate for Balance: Step back and take a look at your décor. Is it cohesive? Does it feel balanced? Adjust pieces as needed to ensure everything flows together nicely.

Have Fun: Most importantly, enjoy the decorating process. Christmas is all about joy, warmth, and togetherness, so let your décor reflect that.

7. Storage and Organization

After the season ends, it’s important to store your décor properly to keep it looking beautiful for next year.

Use Storage Bins: Invest in storage bins or containers to keep your holiday décor organized and protected. Label them so you can easily find what you need when the next holiday season arrives.

Consider a Storage Ottoman: If you’re short on space, consider using a storage ottoman or bench to stow away your décor when it’s not in use.