Our 2021 Holiday Housewalk home tour with classic Christmas decor ideas you can implement yourself for a timeless, nostalgic Christmas.
Welcome to our annual Holiday Housewalk home tour! It’s that wonderful time of year when our home, along with many others, is transformed into a festive wonderland, brimming with classic Christmas decor ideas that evoke a truly vintage and nostalgic warmth. If you’re anything like me, walking through these decorated spaces fills you with a cozy, fuzzy feeling that truly captures the spirit of the season. We’ve poured our hearts into creating an atmosphere that feels both timeless and deeply personal, and we’re thrilled to share it with you.
For several years running, it has been an immense pleasure and honor to participate in Jennifer Rizzo’s annual Holiday Housewalk. This cherished event brings together incredibly talented decorators and homemakers, and our home is just one of 27 beautiful spaces featured this year. We love being part of such a creative community, all dedicated to spreading holiday cheer and offering inspiration for festive living.
If you’re just joining us, you can catch up on the start of the tour and discover a multitude of enchanting Christmas decor ideas by visiting Day 1 here. For those arriving from Stop #20, Kristen’s lovely home at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, please grab a warm cup of cocoa, settle in, and make yourself completely at home. We’re delighted to have you!
While I could simply glide through our home like Vanna White, showcasing our festive arrangements, I believe it’s far more beneficial to offer practical and actionable classic Christmas decor ideas that you can genuinely implement in your own home. Our aim is to inspire you with budget-friendly and easy-to-recreate holiday decorating tips, helping you achieve that timeless, nostalgic Christmas aesthetic without any unnecessary fuss or expense. Get ready to discover simple yet impactful ways to infuse your space with holiday magic!
Classic Christmas Decor Ideas You Can Recreate Yourself
1. Bowls are your best friends.
Don’t underestimate the power of a simple bowl when it comes to classic Christmas decor. Venture into your kitchen cabinets and repurpose any large bowls you might have – whether it’s your go-to fruit bowl or the one for movie night popcorn. The secret is in the filling! For an elegant and fresh look, fill a bowl with pebbles and paperwhite bulbs, either real or high-quality artificial ones that require no maintenance. You can also layer in some lush green moss and pillar candles for a warm, inviting glow. Alternatively, create a festive display by gently arranging glass ball ornaments in varying sizes and textures. We even have a bowl of jingle bells that our three-year-old absolutely adores, making it a playful, interactive piece of decor. This year, the paperwhite flowers in our foyer perfectly exemplify how a simple bowl can become a stunning focal point, bringing a touch of natural beauty to your entry.
2. Frame Christmas sheet music as art.
Adding framed Christmas sheet music is a beautifully understated way to infuse your home with classic holiday charm and personal meaning. For me, “O Holy Night” holds a special place, always making an appearance in our home during Christmas. It’s a heartfelt tribute to my grandaddy, whose beautiful rendition of the song in church is a cherished memory that resonates every time I hear it. This personal connection transforms a simple decorative item into a treasured keepsake. Last year, I even created an entire gallery wall using Christmas sheet music, carefully extracted from a vintage piano music book I found for just a dollar at a thrift store. You can easily replicate this idea by printing out classic carols or your favorite holiday tunes found online, selecting elegant fonts, and framing them. The beauty of this decor lies in its simplicity, its ability to evoke nostalgia, and its incredible affordability. It’s an effortless way to bring a touch of old-world elegance and musical heritage into your holiday display, creating a focal point that tells a story.
3. When in doubt, tie some ribbon on it.
Ribbon is your secret weapon for elevating any classic Christmas decor. It’s a simple, yet incredibly impactful element that adds instant charm and a touch of nostalgia. For instance, I initially secured our stair garland with plain twine, but a few strands of elegant ribbon instantly transformed it, creating a much more polished and festive look. Don’t hesitate to use ribbon generously: tie beautiful bows on wreaths, weave it through the branches of your Christmas tree, or use it to embellish stockings and gift wrap. The texture and drape of real fabric ribbon instantly contribute to that classic, nostalgic Christmas aesthetic. Consider velvet, satin, or even rustic plaid ribbons to complement your chosen color scheme. It’s amazing how much difference a perfectly placed ribbon can make.
One of my favorite, budget-friendly tricks is to change the color of our ribbon each year to achieve a completely “new” look without having to buy extensive new decor. It’s a fantastic way to refresh your existing decorations and adapt to new trends or moods. (You can find more brilliant tricks for inexpensively changing the look of your Christmas decor in this dedicated post.) This year, I was particularly drawn to a rich copper and forest green palette. With Robert’s Irish family visiting last week, these colors felt wonderfully appropriate, adding a subtle nod to their heritage and a truly elegant feel to our festive displays.
4. Dry orange slices or other fruit.
For a truly aromatic and visually appealing classic Christmas decor element, consider drying orange slices or other fruits. This simple DIY project not only adds a beautiful, natural touch to your home but also fills it with an intoxicating, heavenly scent. In this detailed post, you can learn how to dry orange slices, pomegranates, and cranberries, as well as techniques for preserving fresh leaves from your yard. Dried fruit offers incredible versatility: sprinkle them on dining table centerpieces for a pop of color and texture, string them together to create charming garlands, hang them as unique ornaments on your tree, or tuck them into wreaths, gifts, and place settings. The rich, warm tones of dried oranges, combined with their natural fragrance, instantly evoke a sense of old-fashioned Christmas charm and comfort. They are perfect for adding an organic, artisanal feel to any festive display, making your decor truly stand out.
5. Raid your stash of summer/spring flowers and greenery.
Who says summer and spring florals can’t be part of your classic Christmas decor? Repurposing existing artificial flowers and greenery from other seasons is an ingenious, budget-friendly way to add unique texture and visual interest to your holiday displays. I recently delved into my bin of artificial stems and discovered these exquisite faux magnolia blooms. Tucking them between the branches of our dining room Christmas tree instantly added an elegant, unexpected touch. This approach not only saves money but also encourages creativity in how you view and utilize your decor year-round. Think about vibrant green eucalyptus, delicate ferns, or even soft-hued hydrangeas – these elements can complement traditional evergreen perfectly, creating a richer, more layered look. Recycling decor from other seasons is a sustainable and smart way to refresh your home for the holidays, proving that you don’t always need new purchases to make a significant impact.
Speaking of our dining room, we recently completed a stunning dining room makeover just a couple of months ago. I’m still absolutely captivated by how beautifully it turned out, creating a sophisticated backdrop that perfectly complements our classic Christmas decor. The room truly shines during the holidays!
6. Stick to neutrals as much as possible.
Embracing a neutral palette for your core decor elements is a brilliant strategy for creating classic Christmas decor that is both timeless and versatile. By choosing neutral tones for items like table runners, napkins, and candle holders, you establish a sophisticated foundation that can easily transition between seasons and holidays. For instance, the very same table runner, napkins, and candle holders used for our Thanksgiving table worked perfectly for our Christmas setting. While vibrant red can be fun, its seasonal limitation means it often needs to be stored for most of the year. To introduce pops of festive color without long-term commitment, I recommend using red sparingly in more disposable items, such as wrapping paper or seasonal floral arrangements. This approach ensures your core decor remains elegant and flexible, allowing you to easily refresh your look each year with minimal investment, while always maintaining that refined, classic Christmas feel.
7. Shop your yard.
One of the most authentic and budget-friendly ways to achieve classic Christmas decor is to “shop” right in your own backyard! Or, if you’re lucky, ask a friendly neighbor if you can snip a few branches from their evergreen trees. I absolutely love embarking on a scavenger hunt for fresh evergreen branches to scatter across tabletops, mantels, and shelves. These natural elements instantly bring a touch of the outdoors in, creating a fragrant and organic holiday feel. Before bringing them inside, a quick tip: dip your foraged branches in a sink full of water with a capful of vinegar and let them dry thoroughly. This simple step helps remove any hidden critters. To further enhance your natural centerpiece, stick whole cloves into a few oranges to create fragrant pomanders – these look beautiful nestled among the greenery. And for a delightful sensory experience, place a sprig of fresh rosemary at each place setting. The combination of these natural scents is absolutely amazing and contributes profoundly to a nostalgic Christmas ambiance.
8. Give family heirlooms the spotlight.
Nothing adds more warmth, history, and genuine classic Christmas decor appeal than showcasing cherished family heirlooms. These special items carry stories and memories that instantly elevate your holiday display, making it uniquely personal and deeply meaningful. Robert and I have treasured our nativity scene since the very beginning of our marriage, and every year, it remains a beloved centerpeice. I always make an effort to find a prominent new spot for it, ensuring it’s noticed and appreciated on a tabletop or mantel. It’s not just decor; it’s a symbol of our faith and shared history. (As a side note, the beautiful secondhand buffet where it often sits received a lovely transformation when I painted it last summer.) Surrounding our nativity set with delicate mini trees, a vase filled with fresh juniper stems, and a cluster of shiny brass bells felt just right this year, creating a serene and focal point that invites contemplation and joy.
9. String ornaments onto ribbon for DIY garland.
Creating your own DIY garland by stringing ornaments onto ribbon is an incredibly simple, yet highly effective way to add a unique and personalized touch to your classic Christmas decor. It’s an excellent method for repurposing ornaments that might otherwise be stored away. I discovered a bin of snowflake ornaments that had previously adorned our kids’ playroom tree for several years. Instead of using them on the tree again, I cleverly strung them onto ribbon to create a charming garland for the playroom fireplace mantel. This quick project instantly transformed the mantel into a whimsical display, perfectly complementing the playful atmosphere of the room. (Yes, our playroom boasts a fireplace, which is quite unique! This 1960s house, before an addition in the ’80s, originally featured this room as the family’s main gathering space.) This easy DIY allows you to control the look and feel, matching your garland to any space or theme, and it’s especially perfect for adding a touch of handmade charm that embodies the true spirit of a nostalgic Christmas.
See? A truly cutie-patootie garland, transformed from simple ornaments, creating a whimsical mantel that tells a story of creative repurposing and holiday cheer.
10. Display childhood collections.
Infusing your classic Christmas decor with sentimental touches from childhood collections adds an unparalleled layer of warmth and personal history. These items are more than just decorations; they are tangible memories that spark joy and nostalgia for both adults and children. Growing up, I had the privilege of dancing in The Nutcracker every year, and after each final performance, my parents would present me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers containing a tiny nutcracker. I diligently saved each one, and now, my own Nutcracker-obsessed girls – especially Olivia, our nine-year-old, who dreams of dancing in it next year – can enjoy them, creating a lovely continuation of tradition. Consider displaying other cherished childhood items such as vintage toys, special handmade ornaments, or even collections of holiday-themed trinkets. Arranging these items on shelves, mantels, or under the Christmas tree creates delightful vignettes that tell a family story, bringing a unique and deeply personal touch to your holiday home tour.
11. Add colorful ribbon and a box of color themed ornament balls to mingle with handmade ornaments.
Achieving a cohesive yet personal Christmas tree, especially in a family-friendly space like a playroom, is all about balance. For our playroom tree, I started by weaving in blush pink ribbon, which provided a soft, unifying touch. Then, I handed over a box of color-themed ornament balls to Robert and the girls, allowing them the joy of decorating. The result is a delightfully eclectic tree where ornaments are especially clustered at the bottom, perfectly within reach of our three-year-old, Regan – and I wouldn’t have it any other way. To ensure the tree still felt somewhat cohesive from a distance, I invested in a large box of shatterproof pastel-colored ornament balls. Up close, however, the magic truly unfolds. You can see all the precious handmade preschool ornaments, intricate wooden pieces hand-carved by Robert’s dad, unique bobbles collected during our travels, and even baby’s first shoes delicately balanced on branches. It’s a beautiful medley that makes my heart swell with mushy-gushy joy, showcasing our family’s journey and creativity in every branch.
12. Display Christmas books.
Incorporating Christmas storybooks into your decor is a simple yet wonderfully effective way to add both visual charm and practical enjoyment to your holiday home. If our cherished collection of Christmas storybooks isn’t readily visible, they often get overlooked. That’s why we love to display them strategically: piled neatly under the playroom tree, acting as “presents,” arranged artfully on tabletops, or nestled on open bookshelves. This makes them easily accessible for grabbing and enjoying at any moment, while also serving a double duty as charming, classic Christmas decor. (P.S. Notice those adorable little wooden Dutch shoes? My grandaddy brought those back from Holland when I was just five years old. Our spirited Regan is absolutely determined to wear them every single day, giving me heart attacks as she slides and wipes out multiple times on our slick hardwood floors. Oh, the good times and memories!) This approach to displaying books not only enhances the festive atmosphere but also encourages cozy family moments of reading and storytelling throughout the season.
You can delve deeper into our playroom transformation by reading about our playroom makeover here. We still have exciting plans for the other side of the room coming in 2022. Stay tuned for more inspiration!
And now, for our last spot on the tour: the living room! This is where all the magic truly happens on Christmas morning, a space designed for comfort, joy, and cherished family moments.
13. Display Christmas art on your smart TV.
Transforming your smart TV into a dynamic piece of holiday art is a brilliant, modern twist on classic Christmas decor. And the best part? You absolutely don’t need a fancy Samsung Frame TV to achieve this sophisticated look! Our comprehensive guide on how to display art on any smart TV will walk you through the simple steps, allowing you to enjoy stunning Christmas morning scenes or festive artwork during your holiday gatherings. Digital TV art is incredibly accessible, with beautiful prints often available for as little as $2-3 on platforms like Etsy. This quick and easy decor swap instantly elevates your living room, creating a seamless and immersive holiday ambiance. Imagine a classic winter landscape, a vintage Santa illustration, or a serene nativity scene gracing your screen, perfectly complementing your physical decorations and adding a touch of magic to your celebrations.
14. Hang wreaths on your windows.
For an exterior and interior classic Christmas decor statement that exudes charm, consider hanging wreaths on your windows. This simple touch adds an inviting festive glow to your home, visible from both inside and out. I was fortunate enough to discover these versatile faux boxwood wreaths for just $5 each at IKEA nearly five years ago, and they’ve been a staple ever since. Each year, I love dressing them up with different colored ribbons to match our evolving holiday theme, providing an instant refresh without significant cost. Hanging wreaths is a straightforward process, and you can find detailed instructions and tips on how to hang wreaths on windows in our dedicated post. Whether you choose traditional evergreen, modern boxwood, or a handmade creation, window wreaths are a timeless and elegant way to spread holiday cheer and enhance your home’s curb appeal throughout the festive season.
15. Bundle some logs to place on your hearth.
If you have a fireplace, a simple bundle of logs on your hearth is a quintessential element of classic Christmas decor, instantly adding warmth, texture, and a touch of rustic charm. It creates an inviting visual, even when the fire isn’t lit. This is an especially thrifty idea if you can gather some logs for free, perhaps from your own yard or a neighbor who’s splitting wood. Simply arrange them neatly and tie them together with some natural twine for a cohesive and effortlessly cozy look. You can further enhance the display by tucking in a few evergreen sprigs, pinecones, or even a string of subtle fairy lights for a magical glow. Even if your fireplace is purely decorative, this simple arrangement transforms an empty space into a focal point that embodies the spirit of a traditional, welcoming Christmas. It’s a timeless detail that speaks volumes about comfort and hearthside gatherings during the festive season.
16. Spray paint rocks at Christmas.
Embracing the transformative power of spray paint is a fantastic way to elevate ordinary items into stunning classic Christmas decor, often with minimal cost. Don’t limit yourself to just rocks – I’ve used my favorite gold spray paint to revitalize everything from thrifted Christmas village houses and old ornaments to bells, pinecones, and even Nutcrackers. The metallic sheen instantly adds a touch of sophistication and glamour, making budget finds look high-end. This year, I found some colorful initial keychains that weren’t quite right for our aesthetic. A quick coat of my trusty favorite gold spray paint transformed them into elegant, personalized name markers for our family’s stockings. This DIY technique allows you to customize and unify diverse decor pieces, creating a cohesive and polished look. It’s an incredibly versatile trick for adding festive sparkle and personal touches to your holiday home, proving that a little paint can go a long way in creating memorable holiday displays.
17. I’m just gonna say it… say no to Christmas-specific pillows.
This might be controversial, but hear me out: when it comes to classic Christmas decor, consider saying no to overtly Christmas-specific pillows. I know, it hurts a little to suggest letting go of those “Merry” or “Ho Ho Ho” cushions, but think of the benefits! The biggest advantage is practicality: avoiding the need to store a mountain of holiday pillows for eleven months out of the year. What’s even better than Christmas pillows? Versatile, luxurious pillows that work beautifully all through the winter season and can even seamlessly blend into your decor year-round. Focus on rich textures like cable knits, faux fur, velvet, or plaid in seasonal colors like deep greens, burgundies, creams, or even metallics. These can instantly add warmth and coziness without screaming “Christmas” for just a few weeks. If you simply must have a festive pillow, opt for just one or two to act as a “pop” of color or pattern. This strategy ensures your home feels festive and inviting, while also being effortlessly chic and sustainable in the long run.
18. Keep an eye out at thrift stores year-round.
The secret to incredible and budget-friendly classic Christmas decor often lies in year-round thrifting! Don’t wait until November to start your holiday decor hunt. Some of the BEST Christmas decor finds are at thrift stores smack in the middle of summer. The beauty is that many items don’t have to be Christmas-specific to be perfect for the holidays. Keep an eye out for versatile pieces like elegant brass candlesticks, interesting vases, unique serving trays, or beautiful old books in festive colors. These items can be easily transformed or incorporated into a holiday vignette with a few added seasonal touches like evergreen sprigs, ornaments, or fairy lights. That charming little brass footed bowl holding pinecones in my living room? It was a 99-cent thrift store score! It just needed someone to see its potential. Thrifting adds character and a unique story to your holiday home, allowing you to curate a truly one-of-a-kind, nostalgic Christmas look that feels both personal and classic. It’s a treasure hunt that always yields delightful results!
19. You can add fairy lights to basically anything.
When it comes to creating a magical and warm ambiance for your classic Christmas decor, fairy lights are an absolute game-changer. I no longer bother with the hassle of finding pre-lit garlands because battery-operated fairy lights offer so much more flexibility and ease. Their delicate glow can be woven into almost any existing decor element, instantly transforming it. There are no cumbersome power cords to contend with, making placement incredibly versatile – a definite win-win! They worked perfectly for the garland on our mantel this year, casting a soft, enchanting light. But don’t stop there: tuck them into glass jars, weave them around a basket of pinecones, drape them over open bookshelves, or even incorporate them into your dried fruit garlands. Fairy lights add that subtle sparkle and cozy illumination that is essential for a truly nostalgic Christmas atmosphere, making every corner of your home feel festive and inviting.
20. Less is more.
The principle of “less is more” can be incredibly powerful in creating classic Christmas decor that feels serene, sophisticated, and deeply meaningful, rather than overwhelming. True story: as we were setting up our Christmas trees this year, I confessed to Robert, “Let’s just do simple, ornament-less, naked trees this time. I’d really love something minimal without any fuss.” My husband, Mr. Buddy the Elf King of All Things Christmas, looked at me in utter disbelief and responded, “Are you crazy?!” So, this tree, adorned with just ornaments, a few elegant candle clips, and some beautiful bows, became our happy compromise. Minimal-ish, perhaps? There’s an undeniable lightness and relaxation that comes with a more minimalist approach, don’t you think? Maybe it’s just the overwhelmed mom in me, constantly contending with “stuff” everywhere. However, embracing intentionality over excess can truly highlight the beauty of each chosen piece, allowing your classic Christmas decor to breathe and resonate more deeply. It helps shift the focus from material accumulation to the joy and tranquility of the season itself, creating a harmonious and truly timeless holiday home.
So there we have it! We’re officially ready. Bring on Christmas! Well, “Santa” still has a good bit of shopping to do, but those are just tiny details. 😉
P.S. You might notice a plug-in air freshener discreetly placed next to our tree. This is our valiant attempt to make those artificial branches smell like authentic Balsam Fir. One year, we made the grave mistake of buying a real tree before Thanksgiving and spent the rest of the season terrified to turn on the lights by Christmas Day, for fear of setting our house ablaze. So, that little air freshener is pulling its weight, looking good and smelling even better!
Beyond this festive house tour, I sincerely hope that these classic Christmas decor ideas, while perhaps not earth-shattering, offer valuable inspiration. Sometimes, the holiday season can feel incredibly busy and overwhelming, making it easy to feel smothered by the sheer volume of Christmas “stuff” everywhere. My aim is to show that creating a beautiful, festive home doesn’t require endless spending or complicated projects. It’s about thoughtful touches, personal stories, and incorporating elements that truly resonate with you and your family.
Whatever your home looks like this season – whether it’s a minimalist haven or maxed out with joyful decorations, meticulously curated or lovingly decorated by a gaggle of toddlers – I hope you understand that your home is inherently beautiful right here and now, simply because you and your family reside within its walls. That, above all else, is what this season is truly about: connection, love, and cherished moments. It is this unique spirit that makes your home beautifully and uniquely yours, filled with your very own, unforgettable story.
The next enchanting stop on the Holiday Housewalk is my sweet friend Stephanie’s beautiful home at Casa Watkins! Her colorful boho Christmas decor is truly inspiring. Be sure to stop by and say hello. Don’t forget to refill your cup of cocoa and feel free to help yourself to seconds before you click that link. Enjoy the rest of the tour!
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” – Romans 15:13
