The holiday season is all about filling your home with warmth, joy, and a bit of magic. Crafting the perfect holiday aesthetic means blending personal touches with classic decor that captures the spirit of the season. So whether you’re searching for ideas on which festive lights to use in your Denver, CO home, hosting a DIY décor party in your New York City, NY apartment, or simply decorating your tree in your rental home in Portland, OR—these holiday aesthetic ideas will spark your creativity and maybe even inspire you to try something new this year.
1. Add personal and handmade touches to your holiday aesthetic
When designing your holiday aesthetic, it’s important to make the decorations feel authentic to you. Werner Tree Farm owners David and Amanda Werner encourage embracing personal style, whether that means adding green velvet bows or incorporating glittering disco balls into your garland. “Pulling inspiration from your favorite colors, art, and even movies can help you create a Christmas look that truly feels like yours,” explains Werner. “And don’t forget the scent—real Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands not only provide a stunning visual effect but also bring the unmistakable fragrance of the season into your home.”
Adding a personal touch can also be achieved through handmade décor. Crafter, blogger, and content creator Koren Wiskman says, “Handmade décor adds a personal and heartfelt touch to your holiday aesthetic.” From handcrafted ornaments to DIY wreaths and garlands, these items create a warm, inviting atmosphere filled with character. Incorporating handmade pieces allows you to showcase your creativity and even involve family members in the decorating process. These unique items often carry sentimental value, making your holiday decorations truly one of a kind. Plus, they can be tailored to match your holiday theme and color palette perfectly.
For those who love a whimsical, yet elegant touch, Heather Dzubinski from Paradise Beach Jewelry suggests creating a festive dinner table display using cardboard cones, colored craft balls, and wooden signs. “This creates a perfect holiday dinner table design with a whimsical, elegant, and classy Christmas feel,” Dzubinski explains. This DIY project is a great way to combine creativity with festive spirit, creating a memorable dining experience for guests.
2. Transform your space with festive lighting
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to transform your space into a festive wonderland and create the perfect holiday aesthetic. Hannah Marcum from All American Christmas shares some great ideas to make your home shine. “One trend happening in the holiday decorating space is the use of LED Christmas lights. Not only do they last longer and provide a more accurate color, but they also save on energy bills through the holiday season.” Marcum also suggests, “Add light displays like hanging snowflakes in your windows or a waving Santa in your front yard can also bring smiles to your family and neighbors, creating a cheerful and inviting atmosphere.”
Darren Vader from The Christmas Light Emporium recommends using warm, traditional lights to enhance the overall feel of your decor. “Embrace the magic of twinkling or slow fading lights,” Vader suggests, as they add a soft glow to any space. Whether you’re decorating your tree or your front yard, the right lighting can transform any room into a festive haven. For those who prefer a more playful aesthetic, Vader also suggests experimenting with color. “Try modern color combinations like pink and warm white, or even unique palettes like Gingerbread and Champagne,’ he advises.
Nothing says “classic Christmas” quite like the warm, nostalgic glow of big, retro-style lights. David Andora from LED holiday lights company Tru-Tone weighs in on the topic. “I’m a fan of vintage decor and love the feel of those old-fashioned incandescent ‘big bulb’ Christmas lights. Inspired by the original GE Decoration Guides that accompanied the lights, they recommend embracing that retro charm in your holiday displays. Pairing these iconic lights with plywood cutout yard decorations, reminiscent of those your parents might have made, can add a delightful, timeless touch to your outdoor décor.”
3. Embrace fresh greens and extra trees
Fresh evergreens are the epitome of holiday decor, bringing both natural beauty and the iconic scent of Christmas into your home. George and Wendy Richardson, owners of Richardson Adventure Farm, advocate for the use of real, fresh evergreens. “Create table centerpieces with fresh greens, pinecones, ribbons, and maybe even a few ornaments or candy canes for a personal touch. Decorate wreaths and garlands with fresh greens, which can be hung inside or outside for a festive flair. The bonus? Real Christmas trees and greenery are 100% recyclable, making them an environmentally friendly choice for your holiday décor.”
Speaking of Christmas trees—why settle for just one Christmas tree when you can spread the holiday cheer throughout your home? John DiBiase, editor and writer for independent music sampler, Jesus Freak Hideout, suggests adding smaller trees to high-traffic areas like the kitchen or rec room. “This not only brings more festive spirit into your space, but it also gives you plenty of room for all those ornaments you’ve collected over the years—because let’s face it, we all end up with more ornaments than we really need.”
4. Create a warm focal point
Your fireplace is the perfect place to set the mood for the holidays. Sally Galli from Prescott Ranch in Belgrade, MT recommends styling your mantel with a traditional holiday garland, personalized stockings, and perhaps a set of nutcrackers for a timeless touch. “For an extra festive look, you can hang an advent calendar on or near the mantel to count down the days to Christmas. A wreath above the fireplace is quintessential to holiday décor, and adding ribbon, ornaments, or metallic accents can elevate your look, making your fireplace a stunning focal point in your home,” shares Galli.
5. Set the mood with clean, fresh air
One important tip when crafting your Christmas aesthetic is to consider any unwanted smells in your home. If you’re entertaining guests, the last thing you want is for your space to have an unpleasant odor. Investing in an air purifier is a great way to tackle those unwanted smells in your home and improve the holiday Feng Shui. It not only helps improve the air quality but also reduces allergens and odors, making your space feel cleaner and more comfortable.
Ryan Smith from Rabbit Air, a sleek and ultra-quiet air purifier recommends a proactive approach to managing household odors. Start by identifying odor sources, making it easier to manage smells,” he advises. Improve ventilation by opening windows or using fans to bring fresh air inside. “Use natural odor absorbers like baking soda or activated charcoal for effective, eco-friendly solutions. For a subtle, natural fragrance, place small sachets of dried herbs or spices around your home—they’ll provide a pleasant aroma without being overpowering. Consider air purifiers with charcoal filters for tough odors, ensuring fresher air. Finally, a diffuser with a few drops of lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus oil can gently freshen the air.”
Finding your perfect holiday aesthetic: What matches your vibe?
By following these five simple steps, you’ll be able to create a holiday aesthetic that’s warm, inviting, and uniquely yours. Whether it’s adding personal touches, playing with festive lighting, bringing in the natural beauty of fresh greens, or freshening up the air in your home, each element helps capture the spirit of the season. Whether you’re hosting a big celebration or enjoying a cozy holiday at home, these ideas will inspire you to fill your space with joy and cheer. Let your creativity take over, and make this holiday season one to remember!
