The Essentials: Simple Christmas Decorations You’ll Use Every Year

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Essential or optional? In a world where you could never stop buying Christmas decor, what is actually necessary? Whether you’re just starting out, or are trying to pare down, here are the essentials. 21 simple Christmas decorations you can invest in once and use year after year!

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What Are the Essential Christmas Decorations?

If you’re talking essentials ONLY, I’d personally say you just need a Christmas tree with lights.

Gathering on Christmas morning under the glow of a lit tree is the coziest place to be with family. Swap gifts, memories, or stories and just enjoy being together.

However, if you are looking to decorate your whole home with the essentials, here are simple Christmas decorations that you’ll use every year. No matter how your tastes or styles change!

This is a quick summary list. I’ll dive deeper into my favorite of each as you keep reading.

1. Cedar garland (9 ft)
2. Norfolk garland (15 ft)
3. Wreaths (various shapes and sizes)
4. Swags
5. Stems
6. Mini pine, spruce or cedar trees
7. Moss tree
8. Pillar candles (battery)
9. Taper candles (battery)
10. Bells
11. Ribbon
12. Deer, nutcracker, Santa, snowman, elves or other themed figurine
13. Blankets
14. Stockings
15. Decorative pillows
16. Keepsakes or family heirlooms
17. Christmas lights
18. Neutral ornaments
19. Family ornaments
20. Tree collar or skirt
21. Christmas tree

21 Simple Christmas Decorations For Every Year

This list focuses on simple Christmas decorations that you’ll be able to invest in once and then use for years.

I personally think that it is worth investing in quality materials that will look and feel realistic for decades, rather than go cheap on something that will look good for a year or two.

These items are timeless and classic and will blend into your Christmas decor no matter how your tastes or styles change from year to year.

Quality Greenery

Greenery can make or break you Christmas decorations.

Invest in high quality faux greenery. Specifically, I would recommend these 7 types of greenery.

1. Cedar garland (9 ft)
2. Norfolk garland (15 ft)
3. Wreaths (various shapes and sizes)
4. Swags
5. Stems
6. Mini pine, spruce or cedar trees
7. Moss tree

Garlands

Now, I buy one quality garland per year to build up my stock. That spreads out my investment.

It also allows me to take advantage of new products and advances in the technology to create realistic looking faux greenery.

Some years I use 7 garlands on my mantel. Others, I use one or two on the mantel and use the rest of the garlands throughout my home. Having multiple garlands gives you a lot of flexibility in your Christmas decor.

I like to use garlands:

• On mantels
• Over doorways
• Over room openings
• On sideboards and buffets
• Over headboards
• Down stair railings
• On shelves or tops of cabinets
• Along windows
• On porch railings

These are my favorite garlands. I prefer longer lengths as they are simply more versatile all the way around.

1. Cedar garland (9 ft)
2. Norfolk garland (15 ft)

Wreaths and Swags

Wreaths and swags can be used interchangeably in many areas of the home.

These simple Christmas decorations can also be kept up all winter long if they are simple evergreen wreaths or swags.

I like to collect a variety of sizes and styles for:

• Interior windows
• Range hood
• Mantels
• Layered on top of mirrors
• Front door
• Exterior windows
• Backs of chairs
• Used as a centerpiece on the table
• Mini wreaths make great greenery inside of bowls

Using plain evergreen options allows you to add embellishments to them from year to year to change up the style easily and affordably.

Stems and Trees

The final pieces of greenery that can be used every year are evergreen stems and trees.

Evergreen stems are perfect as an arrangement on their own. They are also extremely helpful to fill in gaps in garlands to make them appear fuller.

These norfolk pine branches are my favorite. (Shown on my kitchen shelves.)

They are large, realistic and have a whimsical draped appearance.

These norfolk pine branches are a smaller and more affordable version. They are petite and more upright, but make a great alternative if you’re on a budget.

Next, invest in a few faux evergreen trees.

Mini moss, cedar, pine, spruce and juniper are all great options. They are versatile and you can use them on the floor, mantels, kitchen counters, porch steps, coffee table, shelving and more!

Candles

Next on the list are candles.

I like to mix battery operated candles in with real candles.

I use battery operated pillar and taper candles in a neutral cream every year. This allows me to save on buying new candles, but also gives me the freedom to place them in places that wouldn’t be suitable for real flame.

Then, I mix in a few real candles here and there for the scent and cozy glow. Plus, I just really enjoy the look of a drippy candle!

Candles create a cozy and peaceful atmosphere. I like to use them:

• on mantels
• as centerpieces on the table
• on the kitchen counter
• in wall sconces
• on the coffee table
• in the bathroom

Bells, Ribbon and Themed Figurines

Next, we add the embellishments!

Once the greenery and glow are set, it’s time to dress it up.

Bells are my number one simple Christmas decoration, besides greenery.

Whether you use gold, silver, copper or black, bells immediately make your decor more festive.

Top if it off with ribbon in the accent color you’ve chosen for the year. And then add that ribbon strategically throughout the house!

This year, I chose burgundy red as my accent color. You can see how I’ve added it to garlands, the mantel, dining table, centerpieces, and even on my moss tree and reindeer.

Using one color ribbon throughout your home pulls the entire home together into a cohesive color palette. You can learn 26 more tips for Christmas decorating in this post!

Next, add in figurines. These are a great way to create a more festive environment.

I personally love using deer and reindeer as they feel classy and nostalgic. Of course there’s also snowmen, elves, Santa, nutcrackers, and more. Choose what fits your personality best!

Simple Christmas Textiles

Make sure you have included the coziness factor with blankets, pillows and stockings.

I love a cozy blanket.

These minky blankets are the best, in my opinion. They are an investment, but my oldest blanket is from 2020 and still feels as silky as day one after dozens of washes and daily use. (Use code SYMONDS45 at checkout.)

I’ve rounded up some other beautiful options that are perfect to snuggle in and use all winter long.

Pillows are another great option to add for simple Christmas decorations.

I prefer to keep the majority of my pillows fairly neutral and season-less to use year round. Then, I add in one seasonal pillow for a festive touch. Here are some adorable options.

Of course, what is Christmas without stockings? I grew up with handmade stockings from my Grandma. I looked forward to seeing them year after year.

When I was grown, my mom wanted to switch them out for new stockings. My brother and I revolted. Stockings are a huge Christmas tradition! Find ones you love and use them every year as they become melded into your children’s memories.

The Tree & Trimmings

Of course, the tree and its trimmings are the main essential.

We always get a real tree for our main Christmas tree. It is decorated with family ornaments that all hold special meaning. Some are homemade, others are store bought. But they all represent something of importance for the recipient from that year.

I love to mix these family ornaments in with neutral ornaments to keep the tree feeling fresh and full.

Keepsakes or Family Heirlooms

The best simple Christmas decorations are keepsakes or family heirlooms.

For example, my grandmother painted this jolly Santa in the 70s. My mom passed him down to me and I love pulling him out every year.

Our nativity is another keepsake. My mom and sister in law bought me one piece for the nativity every year until it was complete. My daughter loves setting it up year after year.

Make spaces for these beautiful family heirlooms to become a family tradition in your decorating.

More Christmas Decorating Ideas

These Christmas decor essentials are items you’ll use year after year. I love how these simple Christmas decorations are all you need to create a festive and welcoming home.

If you’re looking for more Christmas decorating ideas, make sure to check out these helpful tips!

• 27 Christmas Decorating Ideas on a Budget (Without Looking Cheap)
• Elegant Christmas Table Decor (That’s Also Cozy & Simple)
• The BEST Way to Hang Wreaths on Kitchen Cabinets
• The Top 5 Ways to Hang Garland on a Mantel Securely
• 3 Essentials for Simple Fireplace Christmas Decorations that Wow!

Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today.

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~Sarah