Decorating for the Holidays and Creating Spaces that Shine

It seems every year, social media encourages us to start decorating for Christmas earlier and earlier. And while I do think it’s gotten a bit extreme, I have found myself pulling out the seasonal decor earlier each year. As the fall leaves fade and winter’s chill settles in, it’s natural to want to transform your home to reflect the season’s beauty. And if you live somewhere with dark and cold winters (like we do), putting up the twinkle lights early really does seem to brighten the spirits in more ways than one. But with the holidays on the horizon, decorating doesn’t have to be a budget-breaking or time-consuming process. On today’s post, let’s focus on creating a cozy, inviting home for gatherings that feels authentic to your family’s style.

Here are some practical ways to transition your home from fall to winter.

Layer Textures for Warmth and Coziness.

Winter calls for a shift in textures that create warmth, inviting everyone to settle in and stay awhile. Swap lighter fall throws and pillows for ones with thicker textures like velvets or faux fur. If you already have throw blankets, consider layering them together for a more luxurious look, pairing a chunky knit over a fur throw for added visual interest. You can also mix in seasonal patterns, such as plaid or cable knit, to give a nod to winter without feeling overly themed.

Pro tip: If you’ve got leftover fall decor items like dried florals or branches, consider adding winter greenery (pine or eucalyptus) to freshen them up. A vase with a mix of these fresh greens looks and smells beautiful this time of year. **Peep Trader Joe’s, they seem to have the best deals on greenery.

Swap Out Scents to Set the Mood.

Scents can create a powerful seasonal shift in any space. Swap out pumpkin or apple-scented candles for holiday-inspired ones, like pine, cedar-wood, or even something nostalgic, like vanilla or gingerbread. These subtle scent changes signal the beginning of winter to your senses, enhancing the cozy ambiance. If you’re running low on holiday candles, fill a simmer pot on the stove with cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange peels, and a couple of sprigs of rosemary. It’s an easy, budget-friendly way to fill your home with seasonal aromas. Bonus: lighting candles creates soft, warm lighting as the natural light fades away.

If you’re in the mood to buy something, check out my favorite Winter Fir collection by L’avant Collective — a non-toxic cleaning brand for the best smelling hand and dish soap (use code styledoutwest for 20% off your order)!

Embrace Winter’s Colors Without Overdoing It.

Transitioning from fall colors to winter tones can be as easy as swapping out a few key items. Consider adding a few deep greens or rich reds for a pop of color that still feels neutral (I like to do this with pillow covers, my favorite ones to switch out seasonally are these). Keeping the color palette subdued allows you to add subtle seasonal touches without overwhelming your space with holiday-themed decor. A simple vase with pinecones or a bowl of muted ornaments can give a nod to the winter season without taking up too much visual space. Remember, less is more when creating a calming holiday atmosphere.

Create Cozy Gathering Spaces for Memories and Connection.

For the holidays, it’s not just about how a space looks, but how it feels. Arrange your living room furniture to make gathering easy and comfortable, allowing space for people to sit close and talk. Swap in a couple of extra floor cushions or poufs to accommodate more people if needed, or move your favorite armchair into a more central space for the season.. We personally have to rearrange our entire living room to make the Christmas tree fit so because of this, I make sure to take time to plan for the updates ahead of time so decorating doesn’t feel overwhelming.

Repurpose and Redesign, Don’t Buy More.

Before heading out to purchase new holiday decorations, do an audit of what you already have. I was notorious for going out shopping before even looking through my holiday bins, resulting in over-purchasing and taking the time to do returns later. I do like to sprinkle in a few new items each season, but only if I LOVE it and feel I can use it for seasons to come. When using what you already own, a little creativity can go a long way in giving familiar items new life for the season. Have an old wreath? Try adding fresh greens, a ribbon, or pinecones to freshen it up. Have a basket you use year-round? Fill it with ornaments or twinkle lights for a festive touch. The goal is to make the most of what you have while avoiding the need for excess.

Reminder: don’t feel like you have to make every single room in your home festive. Focus on the areas you use the most and feel free to add small touches elsewhere (especially in places like kids rooms where twinkle lights bring them so much joy).

As you transition your home from fall to winter, remember that this season is about making memories, not creating picture-perfect rooms. Embrace the items that mean the most to you, lean into creating cozy, warm spaces, and let your home be the backdrop to a holiday season filled with joy and togetherness. With a few mindful updates, you’ll be ready for all the winter festivities and family gatherings—Happy decorating!

If you’re in the mood for a few new decor items for the season, you can shop our Holiday Decor Shop below and make sure to browse my “pinspiration” images below from my favorite holiday pins found on Pinterest.