I love holiday decorating, no question about that! I started this year on November 1st as soon as the Halloween decorations were packed away. Each year I add a few new decor pieces to my collection to keep my home looking fresh each year. I also move pieces around creating themed areas and nooks throughout the house. To keep my festive decorating effortless, I stick to five themes, incorporating elements from each of them throughout the house. Since I’ve had kids I’ve really had to adjust my decor to avoid smaller pieces and breakable ornaments although I risk it with a few that I just can’t resist. Here are some suggestions for themes to stick to and pieces I’m incorporating this year. Some of these I’m already using and some are still on my wish list! There’s so much to choose from!  

1. Rose Ornament | 2. Daphne Laurel Wreath Mirror | 3. JOY Christmas Wreath  | 4. Pre-lit Potted Christmas Tree | 5. Jingle Bells Platter  | 6. Pink Petite House | 7. Snow Ladden Trees | 8. Faceted Star Tree Topper | 9. Frosted Christmas Tree | 10. Alexis Flute | 11. Beachcomber Whitewash Stumps | 12. Santa Mug | 13. Cozy Ivory Stocking

Choose a Colour Pallette

Deciding on a colour theme is a great way to simplify your decor decisions. I use a lot of neutrals and then choose a pop of bright colour to add a festive feel.  All year round I love gold and white so those are staples in our home. This year I’ve gone with a few shades of red as my colour highlight. Reds undeniably bring the Christmas spirit into your home. The colour is so classic and there are lots of options to choose from in this theme. Below are a few suggestions to add shades of red to your decor. 

Tepi Red Christmas Throw Blanket from Crate and Barrel 

Jillian Harris X CANVAS Red Velvet Ho Ho Ho Christmas Throw Pillow from Canadian Tire 

Red Swirl Ornament from The Cross

Holiday Berry Napkins from The Cross

Bee & Willow Classic LED Christmas Truck Decoration from Bed Bath & Beyond 

Making and Sharing Memories

The holidays are about family so I love to include a personal touch to my decor. During the holidays, I swap a lot of our year-round family pictures for Christmas pictures from the past including some of my sister and I when we were little. We’ve started a few fun traditions with the boys like filling the advent calendar and each year getting them a special ornament that represents the year for them. 2022 was a bulldozer for Pierce and a soccer ball for Bence. Here are a few of my favourite picture frames and ways you can personalise the holidays year after year, making and keeping memories. 

“My First Christmas” 8-Inch x 10-Inch Picture Frame from Bed Bath & Beyond 

We Believe Personalized Christmas Picture Frame from Bed Bath & Beyond 

Together We Make A Family Christmas Personalized Ornament from Bed Bath & Beyond 

H for Happy™ Merry Christmas Wooden Advent Calendar from Bed Bath & Beyond

Nutcracker Mug from The Cross

The Glow of Twinkly Lights

There’s nothing more festive than twinkling lights! I love to dim the house lights after the boys are in bed and have a hot tea (or glass of wine!) and enjoy the warm twinkles. I also love walking down our street and seeing the lights shine through the neighbours curtains. Lights really get me in the spirit of the season. They remind me of memories of my childhood and how magical Christmas felt. I’ve also heard twinkling lights can produce dopamine, the feel-good chemical in our brains! Here are some great options for adding festive lights to your decor. 

Cool White Fairy Lights from Bed Bath & Beyond 

Firecracker String Lights from West Elm 

Light-Up White Ceramic Alpine A-Frame Christmas Tree Ornament from Crate & Barrel 

Frosted Yukon Spruce from Balsam Hill

Greenery

Having natural looking and smelling elements in and around my home in the winter is so refreshing. There’s something so cozy about bringing the outside in. I also LOVE a dynamic wreath on the front door to greet guests when they arrive. With a fresh wreath the incredible pine smell is so ambient, the perfect way to walk in the door. Inside the house I love using natural green to complement my reds and neutrals. Greenery feels really effortless as it requires very little styling. You can also add lights bringing two themes together! I’m feeling very classic this year and pine green is perfect for that! Here are a few greenery options, fresh and faux for bringing nature inside this year! 

Designer’s Choice Fresh Winter Wreath from Garden Party Flowers 

Faux Cypress Mixed Berry & Pine Botanicals from West Elm 

National Tree Company Frosted Berry Assorted Artificial Holiday Decor from Bed Bath & Beyond 

Jillian Harris X CANVAS Pre-Lit Potted Christmas Tree from Canadian Tire 

A Touch of Magic 

Christmas is all about the magic for me. It has been ever since I was very young and I love having the chance to keep that magic alive for my boys and even to create new enchanting memories. I love shopping and seeing eyes light up when I know I’ve nailed the perfect gift so that’s definitely some of the magic for me but I also love the quieter magical moments. The smell of food and pine needles in the house after company has gone home for the evening or a hot coffee and a chance to read before anyone in the house is awake. There is so much to be grateful for and excited about this year, I have no doubt there’ll be plenty of magic. Here are a few items that really offer my home that special holiday feeling as well as some of the gifts you’ll find under my tree this year! 

Amaretti Signature Candle from Canvas Candle

Alexis Wine Glass from The Cross

Joyeux Noel Globe Ornament from The Cross 

Natalie’s Holiday Gift Guide for Her  

Natalie’s Holiday Gift Guide for Him

Natalie’s Holiday Gift Guide for Kids

1. Rose Ornament | 2. Daphne Laurel Wreath Mirror | 3. JOY Christmas Wreath  | 4. Pre-lit Potted Christmas Tree | 5. Jingle Bells Platter  | 6. Pink Petite House | 7. Snow Ladden Trees | 8. Faceted Star Tree Topper | 9. Frosted Christmas Tree | 10. Alexis Flute | 11. Beachcomber Whitewash Stumps | 12. Santa Mug | 13. Cozy Ivory Stocking

I hope these five holiday themes will help you organize your home decor for the season. Sticking to a theme can make shopping and choosing what to display so much simpler. I do have one caveat though, listen to your heart. There’s always one or two nostalgic pieces that completely conflict with my style but I just can’t say no and I put them out anyways. It’s worth it to see the smile on my mom or Gary’s face as they re-live those memories. The holidays ultimately are about surrounding yourself with what and who makes your heart sing. Wishing you and your loved ones a very warm and joyful holiday season!