Thanksgiving has come and gone. Which means, the holiday season is in full swing…can you believe it?!
If you want to decorate your apartment for the holiday season, start as soon as you can to maximize the life of your display. Here are some holiday decorating projects to inspire you as you create a festive and joyful ambiance in your apartment.
Holiday Tablecloth
The sky is the limit here. Check your favorite home furnishing stores’ for ready-made holiday tablecloths. Consult your favorite DIY decorating blogs for holiday tablecloths you can make yourself. Or, use a plain-colored tablecloth you already have and add centerpieces, candles, and napkin holders to create an elegant holiday tablescape.
Holiday Card Ladder
Show off the positive messages and photos that flood your mailbox this time of year in a tasteful manner. A small wooden ladder set against the wall is an excellent vehicle for displaying holiday cards. Each time a new card arrives, pin it to the ladder using a clothespin. If you want to use materials you already have in your apartment, check out some other attractive holiday greeting card display ideas.
Mason Jar Holiday Tree
If you’ve ready many of our DIY decorating posts, you know we love mason jars. One holiday tree alternative we like is the mason jar holiday tree. Thoughtfully place ornaments into six or ten mason jars, stack them in a pyramid shape, string beads or lights around the “tree,” and place a holiday star, bow, or angel at the top. Voila! Now you have a unique decoration.
Pretty Poinsettia Display
Is the shiny, metallic red foil wrapping the pots your poinsettia plants came in a bit aggressive for your decorating scheme? You don’t have to leave the poinsettias in the pot. A subtler, sophisticated way to to display them is using old apothecary bottles and other vintage glass containers.
Rustic Holiday Wreath
This holiday season, keep your wreath making simple. Use spruce or juniper branches as a base, and add a burlap bow to give the wreath a rustic feel. The result should be an elegant, understated wreath that will look great hanging on your wall or your apartment door. If you don’t want to go rustic, there are several chic DIY holiday wreath projects that require little time and few materials.
Geo Paper and Glass Ornaments
If you’re into minimalist design or want to modernize your holiday decorating scheme, incorporate geometric ornaments into your decorations. DIY geo paper ornament kits are available on Etsy, eBay, and elsewhere. Geometric glass ornaments can be purchased at Pottery Barn, West Elm, and other home decorating stores.
Pine Cone Tree
Another holiday tree alternative, a pinecone “tree” is a great small-space holiday decorating solution. All you need are pine cones, cardboard, a cardboard cake base, duct tape, a glue gun, and some old newspaper. Small holiday lights are optional.
Tabletop Vignette
Yet another holiday tree alternative, a tabletop vignette is a simple and sophisticated substitute. Your vignette can be as simple as a small cluster of candles encircled by evergreen branches or as elaborate as you want to make it. You can even stack holiday gifts under the vignette and use it as a stand-in tree when opening presets.
Mistletoe Kissing Ball
This holiday season, put a new twist on the classic decoration: The mistletoe. Pin mistletoe to a foam ball until the ball is completely covered, and then hang the ball using holiday ribbon. Another spin on this tradition is to hang the mistletoe in an unconventional location, but the old doorway mistletoe is a solid option too.
As you decorate your apartment for the upcoming holiday season, try to remember to have fun. Bake some holiday cookies, brew some hot cocoa, or turn on your favorite holiday tunes to get in the spirit as you transform your place.
What holiday decorating trends have caught your eye this year? Share in the comments.
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View All Posts by Jason Ernst