Decorating for the Holidays: My Favorite Locations Around the House
The holiday season is the perfect time to transform your home into a festive haven. From the moment guests step through your front door to when they relax in your living room, decorating each space creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that reflects the joy of the season. Whether you prefer elegant designs or fun, playful decor, there are endless ways to bring holiday cheer into every corner of your home. Here are my favorite locations to decorate during the holidays, and how you can turn each space into something truly special.
Entryway
Your entryway is the first space your guests see, making it the perfect place to set the tone for the rest of your home. I love to hang a beautiful wreath on the door and place decorative touches like lanterns or holiday figurines near the entrance. Adding garlands around the doorframe and placing twinkling lights or candles on a small table can instantly make your home feel welcoming and festive.
Tip: Add a festive doormat or a set of decorative winter boots filled with greenery for a charming, seasonal touch.
The Kitchen
The kitchen is where holiday memories are made, whether it’s baking cookies or hosting a holiday brunch. Simple decor touches like hanging wreaths in the window, swapping out everyday towels for holiday-themed ones, or placing a festive runner on the counter can bring the spirit of the season into this busy space. I love incorporating small seasonal touches like festive mugs, holiday plates, and a mini tree on the island to create a cozy holiday kitchen.
Tip: Dress up your countertops with small holiday arrangements or seasonal candles to bring warmth and cheer to the space where guests tend to gather.
Living Room
The living room is the heart of holiday celebrations, and decorating it is a must! A beautifully adorned tree, cozy throws, and twinkling lights can transform your living room into a winter wonderland. I love draping garlands across the mantel, adding stockings, and placing candles or fairy lights to create a warm and inviting glow. A large poinsettia or festive centerpiece on the coffee table ties the room together, making it the perfect spot for holiday gatherings.
Tip: Use a mix of textures like velvet cushions, faux fur throws, and knit blankets to create a cozy, layered look that invites guests to sit back and relax.
Bedrooms
Don’t forget to bring some holiday magic to the bedrooms! In the master bedroom, I love adding holiday bedding, festive throw pillows, and soft lighting to create a peaceful, cozy retreat. For the kids’ rooms, we have so much fun bringing in playful decor. Whether it’s a mini Christmas tree they can decorate themselves, twinkle lights strung along the windows, or holiday-themed bedspreads, adding festive touches to their space makes the season even more special. You can even hang stockings at the end of their beds or add a holiday reading nook with seasonal books.
Tip: Let the kids help with the decorating in their rooms! Fun holiday crafts, personalized ornaments, and DIY garlands can make their space extra meaningful and filled with holiday cheer.
The Porch
Your front porch is a great opportunity to make a festive first impression. I love creating a welcoming entrance with a statement holiday wreath, paired with greenery or decorative planters full of seasonal accents like pinecones, berries, or fairy lights. Adding lanterns or string lights along the railings can create a magical atmosphere, especially as the sun sets earlier in the evening. Don’t forget to drape garlands around the doorway or hang oversized ornaments to give the porch a polished, festive feel.
Tip: For a rustic, cozy look, add a couple of plaid throw blankets or festive pillows to your porch seating area, inviting guests to linger outside and enjoy the holiday vibe.
The Basement
Basements are often overlooked, but they can be transformed into a cozy, festive retreat. Whether you use your basement as a family movie room or a hangout space, adding holiday touches can make it feel extra special during the season. I like to string lights along the ceiling or wrap them around columns to add a soft, inviting glow. You can also set up a hot cocoa bar with holiday mugs and candy canes for movie nights or game days with friends and family. A few well-placed holiday throw pillows and a small tree tucked into a corner can make even the most functional basement feel festive and fun.
Tip: If you have kids, consider creating a holiday craft area in the basement where they can make decorations or wrap presents—it's a great way to get the whole family involved in holiday preparations!
Looking for a Total Home Transformation or a Personalized Room Experience?
From the entryway to the basement, each space in your home can be transformed into a festive showcase that reflects the joy and warmth of the holiday season. Whether you envision elegant, sophisticated decor or fun, playful designs for the kids, bringing the magic of the holidays into every room will make your home truly shine. If you're ready to take your holiday decor to the next level without the stress, book Holly Hanna Floral's holiday home decor services. We offer a total home transformation package or personalized room experiences, tailored to your style and needs. Let us create a beautifully decorated space that will captivate your family and guests all season long.
Photos by: Kathryn Hyslop Photography