Create a Festive Christmas Home in 10 Simple Steps

Embrace the beauty of the holiday season with these 10 simple steps for creating a festive Christmas home. Tour the kitchen and dining room all dressed up for the holidays.

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Welcome to My Family Thyme!

Welcome to My Family Thyme! I am Lynne, a wife, mom to two young adults, and Kindergarten teacher by day and a home enthusiast by night. My Family Thyme is my creative place where I share fun crafts, simple recipes, and budget-friendly home decor ideas. I am so happy you are here!

If you are visiting from my friend Tammy of White Lilac Farmhouse, welcome! Don’t you love how she mixes old and new in her decor? So beautiful!

Welcome to the Christmas Home Tours

I am so happy to be part of the Christmas Home Tour hop. It has been hosted for several years by Marty of A Stroll Thru Life. This year she is unable to host as she recovering from bypass surgery. I know you will join me in wishing her a quick and complete recovery.

Many thanks to Anne and Ann Marie of Simply 2 Moms for stepping in and hosting the tour. All week you will be able to visit the homes of more than thirty other bloggers who are sharing their Christmas decorating ideas with you. Please check out all of the posts linked below. You will leave so inspired!

A Challenging Holiday Season

To be honest, this year is very challenging for my family. My mom suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease and recently passed. I had planned to participate in a blog hop with some of my blogging friends last week, but just couldn’t do it. All of my time was spent with her.

This is the first time that I have written a post since her passing. Many of the pictures were taken before she passed, when my family and I decorated the day after Thanksgiving. While I am mourning, I am trying to honor my mom by doing things that she loved and would make her happy. My mom LOVED Christmastime and always encouraged me to be creative.

Create a Festive Christmas Home in 10 Simple Steps

When do you decorate for the holiday season? For my family, it happens the day after Thanksgiving, when my both my daughter, Elisabeth, and son, Christopher, are home. It is something that our family looks forward to each year. When my children were little, Christopher wrote the words Fun Decorations on some of our Christmas bins….so sweet!

Although I use many of the same decorations, I like to change it up a bit each year. By moving things around, using different ribbon, and adding in some fresh greens and accessories, a new look can be achieved. Let me show you how easy it is to create a festive Christmas home, with 10 simple steps. Come on in!

1. Bring in fresh seasonal plants and greenery

Trader Joes and local grocery stores are full of fresh seasonal plants to add to your decor. On my kitchen table, I have a couple of Paper White bulbs that I had forced in vintage milk glass dish, full of pea gravel and water, along with a rosemary plant. I love the rosemary’s fragrant foliage and it is so easy to snip a few sprigs when cooking.

Just a note: Paper Whites can potentially be toxic to pets. Please be sure to keep real Paper White bulbs away from pets.

This year, I draped some fresh cedar garland on the kitchen window. I love the color, texture, and fragrance it adds to my home.

2. Hang a Wreath

Hang a Classic Christmas Wreath to welcome your guests. Mini wreaths on kitchen cabinets can add a festive touch of greenery. You may also like to hang a wreath on an on an interior door, wall, or mirror for instant holiday decor.

3. Tie a Ribbon

Ribbon is an easy, budget-friendly way to add personality to your holiday decor. This year I kept my decor simple, with elegant gold ribbon.

Last year I made these pretty jingle bell ribbon ornaments. They are so quick and easy to make and look great hanging on a tree or a doorknob.

4. Add a Holiday Sign

Holiday signs are such a fun way to add personality to your home decor.

5. Enjoy the Scents of the Season

For me, seasonal decor is not just about creating a look…it’s about creating a feeling. You can do this by appealing to one’s senses. You may enjoy lighting a fragrant candle or making a natural Christmas simmer pot. I will be sharing this recipe early next week.

6. Display Ornaments

Placing a pretty holiday ornament or two in an unexpected place can adds a cheerful detail.

7. Add Seasonal Linens

Don’t underestimate the use of linens. Adding festive napkins, a table runner, or kitchen towels can bring texture and color to your holiday decor.

8. Use Festive Dishes

You don’t need a whole new set of dishes…just a couple of holiday mugs or side plates can add such a festive touch, while staying on a budget.

9. Create a Cozy Feel with Candles and Lights

Adding candles and soft lights makes my home instantly feel cozy.

These DIY Holiday Jar Floating Candles are such an easy way to add natural beauty to your holiday home decor.

10. Use a Garland as a Centerpiece

I like to keep my centerpieces low to make the table feel open and inviting. It also encourages conversation as I want my guests to linger and enjoy the time together. You can see more ideas of how I used garland as a centerpiece on my budget-friendly Thanksgiving table and last year’s Christmas dining room table.

I hope you are leaving here with an idea or two that you can use in your Christmas home!

I thank you for visiting today and would love to connect with you on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or here on the blog! 

Next, please head over to visit Rhoda of Southern Hospitality Blog. Her blog is one of the first of the blogs I followed. I just love her personality, style, and beautiful Atlanta home.