8 secrets for your unique holiday home

There are 9 weeks until Christmas.

You’re welcome.

And I’m sorry.

You know I love holiday decorating. And when it comes to THE BIGGEST FA-LA-LA-I-DAY, I’m already thinking and planning about how our home will come together. Because once Thanksgiving hits, it’s time to get all those decorations up.

And by that point, you need to have a basic plan in place or you’ll be too stressed to try something new. (Remember our silver tree?)

(Today’s post is sponsored by Hobby Lobby, but all the ideas are my own.)

In our case, we’ve had holiday decor in storage for over two years, waiting for their moment. There are trees to display and lights to hang and lots of halls to deck.

So in addition to the items we already have, I’ve also started scouting pieces I want to add to our holiday decor this year. Because, it’s really never too early to start planning, dreaming and saving.

Last week, I stopped by my local Hobby Lobby in Moline, Ill. (again). I was excited to check out all the awesome holiday pieces and find some to top my wish list for our holiday home. I’m already at Hobby Lobby a lot, but this was a fun excuse to spend time really digging and perusing.

I get a lot of questions every year about the unique holiday pieces I bring in our home. Where did I find that? How did I come up with that idea? How do I have the money or time?

I’m able to be more creative and unique with my holiday decor because I start early and plan ahead. That means I don’t go to the store and spend hundreds of dollars at the last minute.

And if you are up for planning ahead to create a holiday home you love, here are a few ideas to keep in mind …

It’s QUANTITY (not just quality).

 

Can I make a suggestion?

Think beyond only one tree. You don’t need to have a tree in every room. (Or you can. I like it.) But try to think about a unique area to add a second tree. It could be in the kitchen, dining room or even the bedroom – but extra trees give you more twinkle and sparkle.

I know what you are thinking … I don’t have the space or the money. But what about these skinny trees? I think the gold would be extra rad! Plus, they are already on sale.

Don’t forget the art.

Artwork is something I think a lot of people miss. You put up your trees and wreaths, but miss a chance to swap out some of your existing home decor.

Holiday-specific artwork can be a great way to take your holiday decor up a notch. Change out something on your wall (or just pop in a holiday photograph). Or even better, have a few signs, canvases or framed prints you only bring out for the holidays.

Do you know what I think would make a huge statement? A full gallery wall of just holiday prints and designs. Here’s a few that inspired me …

Go green.

In my world, there’s no such thing as too much greenery. If a space needs some festivity, add some greenery. And while live greens are gorgeous, artificial options have come a long way and are easy to fluff and use year after year.

Try a garland on top of your headboard, around your front door or on any open shelving to boost your holiday game. And please put some on your fence, if you have one. I’m personally digging the flocked look.

Think big.

It’s easy to get caught up in all the knicky knackies around the holidays. But the truth? The bigger items make the larger impact. So you can do less with more big pieces

So, while you can create a lovely vignette with small holiday touches, when you are bringing in new pieces, it may be worth it to spend a little more on larger items that will make a larger impact.

I especially love this giant JOY sign – it would be a great statement-maker on the front porch or next to a fireplace mantel, too.

 

Look down.

Rugs, my friend. Did you realize how much of an impact they can make? But many of us always have the same ones.

I like to change out my kitchen rug for something around the holidays. And don’t forget that front porch rug – it’s the perfect way to say “Christmas cheer” when someone knocks on your door.

I am smitten with this red barn – I think it needs to live with us.

Focus on a color scheme.

In our home, I love red. (I know. You are shocked.) And by pulling red into all the spaces, it just feels more festive.

But you do not have to do red, my friends. It’s a free country. Choose a few colors that coordinate with what you already have going on, and it will feel more pulled together and intentional.

Not a red person? I think all the gold and black would be a really classy and modern color scheme for any holiday home.

Think themes.

For some reason, themes get a bad wrap. Like, you are trying too hard if you have a theme. Not so, my friend. Themes are the best way to make your holiday decor something special.

Themes make you focus on a look and own it. It also helps you find items that will actually work with what you have. (Ever come home with an item you loved but actually didn’t go with anything you already have in your home? Yeah. A theme can help you avoid this.)

Your theme doesn’t have to be totally literal, but try to think outside the box and find a theme that could take your holiday decorating up a notch. Do you love a sport or activity – that could be a great start to a theme. Have a holiday item you already love? Make it into a full-fledged theme.

I’m digging the idea of a modern snowman tree this year. Coming soon …

And I love the buffalo check everywhere. Please someone, make a tree with a North Woods theme. For me. I mean, for you. Totally for you.

Have fun.

Do you know what I believe most of all? That this is meant to be fun, my friends.

Sometimes, in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we forget that. We lose the fun in the race of creating the most beautiful space and doing the most holiday things and buying the most holiday gifts. We want everything to be perfect, and it’s never going to be.

Give yourself a little grace.

If you never get beyond a wreath on the front door, I’m slow clapping the beautiful door decor. If you need a drink after unraveling the tangled lights, I’m celebrating those twinkling lights with you.

But by spending a little time thinking about your holiday decor dreams now, you may be able to avoid some of the stress. Which means more fun.

Also – have fun with the pieces you bring into your home. Find items you’ve never seen before and those that you just plain love.

Here are a few more awesome pieces I spotted last week at Hobby Lobby – and I think all of them just scream FUN.

 

Have you started planning your holiday decor? I’d love to hear your tips!

And don’t forget to stop by your local Hobby Lobby to get the first look at all the awesome holiday decor this year.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Hobby Lobby. The opinions and text are all mine.