Let me start by saying that ten days ago while consumed with trying to finish our reading nook project, I wasn’t even thinking about Christmas decor. I had given up any hope that I’d be able to pull it off this year with no budget, time or energy.
But then Lowe’s reached out, asking if I’d like to share some easy, last minute holiday decorating ideas. And I thought about all the folks in my position, who can’t/don’t want to go all out on holiday decorating this year but still want a festive, cozy home.
I see you and I’m here for you, friends.
This year, I pulled my Christmas bin from storage and everything else needed was purchased in one quick shopping trip, and I spent just one day decorating. I played Christmas jazz, drank some egg nog and thoroughly enjoyed every minute.
Growing up in a home where Christmas was truly the most special and memorable time of the year, it just doesn’t feel like Christmas to me unless there’s at least some decorations in the house.
Even with our house nowhere near ‘completed’, I was able to easily add festive touches to the finished areas (living room, dining room and reading nook) and now I can’t help but smile when I walk into them.
These ideas are something that can be easily recreated with little time, money and effort (even if you haven’t started yet!) and in the end I think it’s so worthwhile.
Let’s start with the tree. The star of the show in any holiday display…
I chose this 7.5′ GE pre-lit tree after visiting my local Lowe’s and seeing it in person. A pre-lit tree is a must for me (because who has time to unravel and perfectly place all those string lights?) and as you can imagine, I’m a little paranoid about the fire risk of a real tree.
The pine needles look and feel incredibly real, and it was easy to transport and set up (it comes in 3 sections). Another benefit of faux trees—the branches are pliable so you can arrange them to your desired fullness!
It went on sale for Black Friday and now it’s on clearance for another week—highly recommend checking this one out if you don’t have a tree yet! It looks lovely with the lights off too.
The ornaments were made using just two materials: ribbon and pinecones.
I used a few spools of ribbon (Lowe’s carries a similar style here) and followed a ‘how to make a perfect bow’ diagram on Pinterest. It’s easier than it looks! The pinecone ornaments were pulled from storage—they’re cinnamon scented with ribbon glued and tied into bows. Super simple and still smells wonderful after a few years…
For the gift wrap, I picked up a large roll of builder’s paper (aka painters paper aka kraft paper) and used leftover ribbon to dress them up, along with a clearance $3 faux berry stem.
I love how simple and classic this look is—you don’t need to go crazy with wrapping paper for beautiful results.
See those huge pinecones? Those were collected near my hometown in California, where the biggest trees in the world live. I hauled a bag of them all the way to Florida, and now I have a piece of California with me for the holidays.
With no fireplace to hang stockings, these heavy duty command hooks were the perfect solution:
I’ve been wanting to add real hooks on this wall but am hesitant to put holes in the mural. I was super excited to find these ones that look nice and can hold up to 5 pounds, so I may just get a few more and keep them there permanently.
I’ve had those stockings for years (not sure of the source) but I love these sweater knit + fur stockings from Lowe’s (for only $13!)
I haven’t shown much (at all) of our living room on the blog, but it’s slowly coming together! In the past week I added a rug, coffee table, lamp and mirror, and two chairs are scheduled to be delivered today.
I’ll do a post next week sharing all the sources and the design plan once the chairs arrive—stay tuned!
Adding wreaths to doors and windows are a must in my holiday decorating book, and these fresh wreaths are only $11:
I picked one up for the front door, living room window and reading nook window, and added my own red velvet ribbon.
Velvet has been the MVP of 2018 for me. Between ribbon, curtains, pillows, chairs and couches, I just can’t stop myself. Give me ALL THE VELVETS!
I mean, how perfect is this couch? (psst, you can check out my IG stories for some sources if you don’t want to wait for the next blog post!)
Neutral pillows + wreath + plaid throw = all you need for the living room.
A little brass won’t hurt either!
In the dining room, I made a centerpiece using a pre-lit wreath (pulled from storage) and a few white pillar candles. Easy peasy.
Who said you can’t make a mid-century tropical room feel like Christmas?
Sideboards are always fun to decorate. I pulled another faux garland out of storage, along with a couple trees, candles and brass candlesticks. Not sure of the original sources on these but I found this cute wooden tree set from Lowe’s, and a realistic looking 9′ pre-lit garland (I wish mine had lights!)
There’s also a super budget-friendly version for just $5—such a bargain! PS—you can download the JOY printable for free here.
The reading nook was updated with a window wreath, a few festive pillows + blanket, and a cozy sheepskin. The deer pillow is from years back and I don’t think they make it anymore, but you can pick up a similar one at Lowe’s.
And can’t forget the cat. Christmas is not complete without Susie! She’s studying for her MBC (Master of Black Cats).
And there you have it—budget-friendly, DIY holiday decorating done in a day!
It’s very doable, right? Hopefully this is encouraging to others in my situation this year. Even if your house is a still a work in progress, you can have a big impact with minimal effort, and enjoy the process too.
Happy December, and cheers to a wonderful holiday season!
Shelly says
Love love love ❤️
Marijean says
It’s so gorgeous! You never disappoint!
Jenna Sue says
Thank you for the kind words, Marijean! <3
Michelle says
Looks beautiful! I think we need an updated full home tour on here or insta! 😉
Jenna Sue says
Thanks Michelle! The rest of the house is an absolute mess–and the finished rooms haven’t changed since the reveal! Our house is very confused right now ?
Karen Bunch says
Wow! With a few simple decorations you’ve made each space magazine worthy and so inviting. It’s great!
xo,
Karen
Jenna Sue says
Thank you so much, Karen! Glad you liked the tour 🙂
Elaine Young says
I don’t see a link to the beautiful black chandelier in the room?
Jenna Sue says
Hi Elaine, I’ll be sharing all the living room sources in the next blog post! The chandelier is also linked in my IG stories: https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17877083674248746/
marilyn Dennis says
So pretty! I was heading to Lowes for some shiplap and happy to add some suggested festive items to my cart. The knit stocking you suggested is adorable and on sale right now for even less! Susie out did herself for Christmas. I think the over the shoulder pose is my favorite:)
Jenna Sue says
Haha, she’s been working on some new model poses!
Cathy says
I thought the tree was real.
I love the presents
I’m absolutely in love with your reading nook and the color of each pillow is a perfect combination
This all speakers Christmas to me. ???❤️
Cathy says
*speaks
Jenna Sue says
Thank you Cathy! It’s definitely the most realistic faux tree/plant I’ve ever owned. I kinda want to keep it up all year round… 😉
Miss Boots says
Love the photo-bomber!
Jenna Sue says
She knows what to do when the camera comes out!
Tracy Buzzell says
Great post! I am struggling with living with a rental home that I dislike this Christmas and having trouble being inspired to decorate. Maybe your article will help!
Jenna Sue says
Thanks Tracy, I hope it does help! You can easily do all these things in a rental, it doesn’t take much to be festive!
Lynnae LeBlanc says
It all looks fabulous! Well done!
Jenna Sue says
Couldn’t have done it without you, Lynnae! <3
Mélissa ( from France) says
Lovely ! It look so peaceful and cosy…
Jenna Sue says
Thank you Melissa! It’s so nice to be spending the holiday here this year <3
Dell Barton says
I absolutely love your style! And that mural, window seat and ceiling medallion? So creative and classic. Merry Christmas!
Jenna Sue says
Thank you Dell! Those are some of my favorite features as well. I love that they translate so well to any season and decor style 🙂
Karen says
Love it, You are such an Inspiration
Jenna Sue says
So sweet of you to say, thank you Karen! <3
Kersten says
Loving the new living room rug!
Jenna Sue says
Thanks Kersten! Looking forward to sharing more about it next week 🙂
Danna says
Looks so sweet! And Susie is the best model! She makes it all look so cozy!!
Jenna Sue says
Thank you Danna! She is just the best <3