The easiest way to decorate for Christmas is one room at a time, starting with the spots people see first: the front door, the tree, and the mantel. Below are 25 Christmas decorating ideas for every room, from the porch to the bathroom, with pieces you can find at our shop in Blowing Rock and online. Pick a few that fit your home and build from there.
Front Door and Porch
1. Hang a Statement Wreath
A wreath is the first thing guests see, so make it count. A full, natural-looking piece like our 24" Magnolia Leaf Wreath works on a door all season. Browse more Christmas wreaths, including custom-made designs.
2. Line the Steps With Lanterns
Group two or three lanterns on either side of the door and fill them with greenery or battery-operated candles for a warm glow. See our lanterns for sizes that suit porches and steps.
3. Dress the Mailbox
A Christmas mailbox wrap and a seasonal flag bring the look to the curb in minutes.
4. Add Greenery to the Railing
Drape a garland along the porch railing or hang a swag from the post. If you plan to light the porch, our guides to outdoor LED Christmas lights and battery-operated vs. plug-in lights will help you choose.
Entryway and Staircase
5. Style the Console Table
Set a small tree or a pair of snowmen on the console, add a candle or two, and finish with a framed print. The 11" Forest Snowman with Friends is a charming focal point for a spot like this.
6. Wrap the Banister
Weave a garland along the stair railing and tie on ribbon bows every few feet. A few picks tucked into the greenery, such as the Gold Magnolia Leaf Pick, add depth without much work.
Living Room
7. Make the Tree the Focal Point
Choose a spot where the tree can be seen from the seating area, and finish it with a tree topper and a tree skirt. Browse our Christmas trees if you want a smaller one for a corner or side table.
8. Hang Ornaments That Tell a Story
Mix in pieces that mean something, like travel keepsakes and family favorites. Our Mountain Memories ornaments are a nice way to remember a trip to the High Country.
9. Layer Pillows and Throws
Swap the everyday pillow covers for Christmas pillows and add a soft throw. It is the fastest way to change the feel of a room.
10. Gather a Tabletop Scene
Cluster a few tabletop pieces such as snowmen, Santas, and a snow globe on the coffee table or a side table. Odd numbers look best. A Christmas nest with a few small ornaments or pinecones adds a natural touch, and our guide to where to put a decorative bird nest has more ways to use one.
11. Set Out a Nativity
A nativity scene on a sideboard or bookshelf gives the room a quiet focal point. The 3 Piece White Glitter Nativity Set is a simple, elegant choice.
The Mantel and Fireplace
12. Hang the Stockings
Evenly spaced stockings are the heart of a Christmas mantel. If your mantel has no hooks, the Flocked Christmas Tree Stocking Holder lets you display them anywhere. See all stockings.
13. Layer Garland and Candles
Run a garland across the mantel and set candles at different heights along it. Because real flames and greenery do not mix well, the National Fire Protection Association advises keeping candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn. Battery-operated options like the Set of 2 Battery Operated 9" Taper Candles give you the glow with no worry.
14. Add Height With Frames and Art
Lean a framed print or two against the wall behind the garland to give the mantel a backdrop. Browse Christmas frames and signs and prints for options.
Dining Room
15. Start With a Table Runner
A runner anchors the table and gives everything else a place to sit. Choose from our tablecloths and runners.
16. Build a Simple Centerpiece
Place a few candles, a bit of greenery, and one or two ornaments down the center of the table. Keep it low enough that guests can see each other across the table.
17. Set a Festive Table
Layer plates and napkins in your holiday colors. It makes even an ordinary dinner feel special.
18. Use an Ornament as a Place Card
Tie a small ornament, like a clip-on red cardinal, to each napkin as a keepsake for guests.
Kitchen
19. Swap in Holiday Towels
Fresh towels are the easiest kitchen update. The Embroidered Cardinal & Holly Towel is a good place to start, and you can see more in our Christmas towels.
20. Style a Tray With Mugs
Set a tray on the counter with a few festive mugs, such as the Ceramic Christmas Tree with Bow Mug, for a ready-made hot cocoa station.
21. Bring in Seasonal Scent
A fir-scented candle like the BedRock Tree Farm Frasier Fir Soy Candle makes the kitchen smell like a Christmas tree farm. See more Christmas candles.
Bedroom
22. Layer the Bed
Add a Christmas pillow and a cozy throw to the bed. It is a simple change that makes the room feel seasonal without cluttering the surfaces.
23. Add a Night Light
A soft night light like the Swirling Glitter Snowman Night Light adds a gentle glow, and it is a favorite in children's rooms.
24. Keep the Nightstand Simple
Because bedrooms call for calm, choose one small accent, like a mini tree or a few glass ornaments in a dish. Use battery-operated candles here rather than real flames.
Bathroom and Powder Room
25. Dress the Guest Bath
Guests use this room, so a few details go a long way. Hang a holiday hand towel, such as the Snowman & Cardinal Embroidered Holiday Towel, and set a small container or candle on the counter.
Making It All Feel Cohesive
Pick one or two colors and repeat them from room to room, so the house feels connected. If you are not sure where to begin, our guide to this year's Christmas decorating trends, colors, themes, and styles can help you choose a look. And if you are working within a set spending limit, see our ideas for budget-friendly Christmas decor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I start when decorating for Christmas?
Start with the places people notice first: the front door, the tree, and the mantel. Once those are done, add smaller touches in the dining room, kitchen, and bedrooms.
What is the 3-5-7 rule in decorating?
It is a design guideline that says to group items in odd numbers, usually three, five, or seven. Odd groupings look more natural and balanced than pairs, and the rule works well for mantels, centerpieces, and tabletop displays.
How do I make my Christmas decor feel cohesive?
Choose one or two main colors and one or two materials, such as gold and natural greenery, and repeat them in every room. Varying the size and texture keeps it from feeling flat.
How many rooms should I decorate for Christmas?
There is no rule. Many people focus on the rooms they use most, like the living room, entryway, and kitchen, and add small touches elsewhere. Decorating the spots guests see is usually enough.
Ready to start? Browse our full Christmas decor collection, or visit our shop on historic Main Street in Blowing Rock, NC, where the whole store is transformed for the season.
