As Christmas draws near, I often start looking at unexpected ways to bring holiday cheer into my home.  The tree is decorated, and I’ve already hit the highlights, but Christmas is a maximalist time of year.  What else can I decorate?  There are so many options – and here are a few you may not have thought of:

Idea #1: Spread the wealth with ornaments.

Within most homes, there is a cap on Christmas tree size – but there are always more ornaments!  To keep the tree from feeling cluttered, move extra ornaments to bowls within your displays, or showcase a few favorites by hanging them from lamp pull chains.  You can even pile them up in glass cylinder vases for a stunning centerpiece!  PRO TIP: Another great way to expand your tree real estate is by winding pine boughs (real or faux) through your chandelier, and hanging ornaments from that.  It’s like a second tree!

Idea #2: No mantel? No problem!

Many houses are sadly lacking in the fireplace department.  Even if you don’t have one, there are plenty of other places you can use to create a mantel-like display, complete with stockings!  Console tables are a great choice, but you can also use buffets or kitchen islands.  Look at your home with fresh eyes and see what the options are.  You probably have a couple!  PRO TIP: You can even get creative with your “mantel” and pile small logs underneath, with orange tissue paper “flames”. 

Idea #3: Garlands and wreaths everywhere.

Nothing says the holidays like garlands and wreaths!  Garlands can dress up everything from doorways and mirrors to bedroom headboards and bathroom vanity light fixtures.  And wreaths have moved far beyond the front door – think chair backs, kitchen cabinets, in windows, and over mirrors.  So many choices!  PRO TIP: This is a new “hack” I’ve been seeing everywhere, and it’s a great one.  You can span areas in your home with an expending tension rod (like over the sink, across a hallway or within a window) to make an easy place to attach a garland.  Look for one in the same metallic as your décor, and go to town!

BONUS TIP: Maybe it’s the florist in me, but I agree with designers when they say “always flowers”!  It’s a great time of year for bowls full of blooms, little cups of posies in the bathroom and pretty blossoms added into your greenery.  Pine boughs last an extremely long time; if you arrange evergreens and add a few blooms, you can swap the flowers our weekly and your showpiece will last all season.