8 tips to make your home feel Christmassy (without overdoing it)

There’s something undeniably magical about decorating your home for Christmas – the annual trek into the loft to dig out dusty boxes of ornaments, fairy lights, and festive trinkets that have been hibernating all year. We unpack them with excitement, imagining exactly how they’ll transform our space.

But despite our best intentions, it rarely looks quite like we pictured. Surfaces get cluttered, colours clash, and that beautiful display in the shop sometimes feels completely out of place in your own living room. It’s easy to fall into the trap of grabbing everything that catches your eye, thinking “this will look perfect,” only to realise weeks later that half of it never even made it out of the box.

Turns out, more isn’t always more.

Here are our best tips to make your home feel completely festive, without the stress or clutter of overdoing it.

1. Declutter before you decorate

Before even unboxing the decorations, take some time to clear surfaces, shelves, and those little corners where clutter tends to gather. Starting with a clean, calm canvas makes all the difference – your Christmas accents won’t be fighting for attention, and your home instantly feels lighter, more considered, and intentional.

2. Pick a palette

Picking a colour palette might sound a bit strict, but it’s actually the trick to making your Christmas styling feel effortless and cohesive. You don’t need to stick to traditional reds and greens if that’s not your vibe – try warm neutrals, soft metallics, or deep jewel tones that work beautifully with natural greenery. Having a clear palette makes it easier to choose decorations that actually belong in your home and keeps you from being tempted by every sparkly bauble or bargain you spot in the shops.

3. Let lighting set the mood

Lighting can completely transform a home, giving it that warm, festive glow that makes winter evenings feel inviting. Fairy lights draped across a mantel, twinkling string lights around a window, clusters of candles on shelves, or low lamps with warm bulbs all add layers of soft, flattering light. Mixing different sources creates depth and atmosphere, turning your space into somewhere you want to linger with a cup of something warm in hand.

4. Layer in textures for instant cosiness

One of the simplest ways to make your home feel festive without drowning it in decorations is through texture. Think cushions piled on sofas, rugs that invite you to kick off your slippers, and throws draped over chairs. Opt for one or two heavier, winter-weight throws – they instantly add a cosy, seasonal vibe but aren’t limited to the Christmas period. This way, your home gives off that “all dressed for winter” look without the clutter.

5. Bring the outdoors in

Something I like to remind myself of is this: when in doubt, lean on greenery rather than ornaments. Think swags across the mantelpiece, clusters of pinecones on a shelf, or branches and berries tucked into vases. Even better, you can often collect these yourself. There’s something about using real natural elements that just looks, smells, and feels better. If it’s genuine, it won’t take up extra storage once the season is over, although high-quality faux versions work beautifully too.

6. Scent the season

Christmas isn’t just about what you see – it’s about immersing all your senses, and scent is often the most evocative of all. A whiff of pine, cinnamon, or clove can instantly transport you to festive memories from years past. Candles, diffusers, or even a few sprigs of fresh pine around the house can create a rich, seasonal atmosphere that makes your home feel truly alive for the holidays. We’ve got some lovely vegan and cruelty-free fragrances in the Love to Home shop – all carefully picked to help bring that Christmas magic into your home.

7. One new decoration a year

My family always had a simple rule: just one new decoration each year. It meant every choice was deliberate rather than a pile of impulse buys that would end up forgotten in a box. It’s a habit I’ve carried with me into adulthood, and it really changes the way you approach Christmas decorating. You don’t even have to add something new every year; sometimes the most treasured items are the ones you’ve had for years.

8. Add a personal touch

It’s the little personal touches that make a home feel truly festive – heirlooms passed down through the family, a handmade ornament you created yourself, or a small decoration gifted by a friend. Even something as simple as a knitted stocking or a hand-painted bauble can bring warmth, character, and a story to your Christmas styling. These are the pieces that give your space personality – they aren’t just seasonal decorations, they’re reminders of moments, memories, and the people you care about. Layering in a few meaningful items like these makes your home feel curated and genuinely yours, without ever needing to go overboard on new purchases.

Cover image by Erwan Hesry on Unsplash. Second image by Laura Nyhuis on Unsplash. Third image by Camylla Battani on Unsplash. Fourth image by Anna on Unsplash.