6 Easy, Fun Christmas Decoration Ideas

Put down the potpourri and step away from pumpkin spice. No matter how elegant your decor, a basic, cliche scent can drape your entire home in worn out vibes of Christmas (long, long) past. This year, try a striking scent from a chic leader in the candle industry. Surprise guests with black hibiscus, entice them with smoke and leather, or wow them with traditional incense. Better yet, battle the dry season with a citrusy scented humidifier.

It’s silly to invest tons of time wrapping your presents in decorative paper just to pile them nearly out of sight beneath the tree. Instead, proudly display that cute reindeer wrapping paper by decorating your bookshelves with your presents.

You’re legally required to use your nana’s Christmas tree ornaments until the end of time, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways to reinvigorate your fir tree. Instead of looking up to the ornaments for a change, look down to the tree’s skirt, an often overlooked but entirely integral decoration. Go for something whimsical and decorated, or choose something more rustic for Christmas by way of the European countryside.

If your holiday plans include Christmas dinner, outfit your dinner table with seasonal touches to give guests a feast for the eyes as well as the tummy. Fold your napkins into Christmas trees, attach place cards to sprigs of holly, tie off your napkins with ribbon just like gifts, or evoke candy canes with a red and white table spread.

There are plenty of tutorials online for creating your own advent calendar. Not only does the DIY approach allow you to fill your days with personalized treats — whether it’s favorite candies, personal notes to the little ones, or mini liquor bottles for your adult pals — but you can decorate your calendar to become the focal point of your living room.