10 Cozy Christmas Decorating Ideas You Can Copy Without Buying Anything New
In a world that tells you to buy more, make more, and do more, I say: Use what you have! These cozy Christmas decorating ideas make the most of decor you already own to create that magical Christmas feeling.
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Christmas Decorating Ideas Using What You Have
I don’t take for granted that every family will have different decor as I dive into these Christmas decorating ideas using what you already own. Some will be heavy on the snowmen and Santas, others will have tons of garland, and some will have hardly anything at all.
So while all 10 of these Christmas decoration ideas won’t apply to you, I hope that they can still spark some creativity for you as you decorate for the season.
Highlight Your Everyday Decor
First, let’s set the ground rules that you shouldn’t be removing everything you normally have displayed to replace it with Christmas decor.
Frankly, that’s just a ton of work.
Instead, use it as part of your display! In my kitchen, I have 95% of the items on my shelves out year round. For each season, I add in one or two seasonal elements.
For Christmas this year, I swapped the fall foliage for some Norfolk branches and added an antique winter etching I collected years ago.
Most of us have some evergreen stems on hand. And if you don’t, head to the outdoors and snip some fresh greens for free!
Use Textiles as Decor
Since we all love a cozy Christmas, I love to display textiles as decor. However, I don’t like to invest in themed pillows or blankets.
Instead, I use items that can be displayed all winter long and still feel appropriate for the season.
Solid throws, plaid or velvet pillows, or basic table cloths all elevate a space without needing to buy holiday-specific items.
Rethink Your Garlands
One thing that I’d venture to say that everyone has is a garland.
For about 7 years I’ve invested in one quality garland per year. This has built up my stock of one of the most versatile Christmas decorations, but spread out the cost over time.
Now that I have a good amount, I can get even more creative with them.
I like to mix multiple types garlands together for my Christmas mantel. It creates a lot of interest to intermix cedar, pine, juniper and non-greenery garlands.
However, it’s also an excellent way to use those less than ideal garlands we all have.
You know, those ugly garlands we bought long ago? Those are the perfect base garlands to layer with. They add fullness to a space and can easily be hidden or masked with nicer garlands on top.
SHOP THE LOOK
So don’t throw out those original garlands that have been with you since the early years. Just give them a friend or two to boost them up.
And, if you want a fun way to rethink how garlands are used, just wrap one around the base of a small tree or other figurine.
My mini ornament tree felt a little flat. So I added a simple 6 foot garland and it instantly felt cozier.
If you want to get a similar look but don’t have mini ornaments, make your own using air dry clay or a simple homemade salt dough.
Wreaths Aren’t Just for Doors
One of my favorite Christmas decorations are wreaths. They are much more versatile than people give them credit for.
- Classic front door decor
- Hang them in windows
- Hang them on range hoods
- Place them on kid’s bedroom doors
- Hang on a mirror
- Hang them on cabinet doors (see how)
However, one way to use wreaths I don’t often see people take advantage of is as a centerpiece.
I love to use them on a coffee table or dining table. Fill them with a simple figurine or with a grouping of large pillar candles.
Your TV Is Underutilized
One item you likely have in your home is a TV.
Guess what? It doesn’t have to be an art TV to display art!
While I own the canvas TV (and love it!), you only need a smart tv to display art.
See how to get the look of art with your regular ol’ tv in this short tutorial.
I love being able to change out my art for any season using this method.
Oversized Stems Work Wonders
If you have a space that you don’t want to do much with, just add a bundle of oversized stems.
If you buy a real Christmas tree each year, this is a great way to use the lower branches you may need to trim up to fit into the stand.
The larger the branches, the better. Let them be wild.
I like to place mine in antique vessels. It makes it feel even more nostalgic and cozy.
When In Need, Head to the Thrift Store
Even though I encourage you to use what you have, sometimes adding something new (to you) can mix it up just enough.
Thrifted finds are so charming and much more affordable than buying new.
I also like to think about using what I have in different ways. This year I took a green striped sweater I no longer wear and used it to wrap a mini tree base like a tree skirt.
Create Cozy With Groupings or Collections
Most of us have a collection of some type of Christmas-themed decor.
While it can be fun to spread them around the house for continuity, another great option is to group them together.
Even grouping just a few items, like my mini cone trees, can create a fun pop of interest.
It’s the act of grouping them together that really showcases a collection. Interspersing a collection all over the house is fun, but grouping them together really draws attention to it and can be a great conversation starter with guests.
Less is More for Cozy Christmas Decor
Often we think cozy means layers and layers. While that definitely can create a cozy feel, it isn’t 100% necessary.
You can create a cozy Christmas feeling without a ton of decor. One of my favorite ways to do that is with a simple, but tall, pine tree.
Mini pine trees are excellent additions to a home. But a tall pine tree, one that might traditionally be used on a porch or as floor decor, can be the perfect solution to a mantel you don’t want to clutter.
The slightly oversized feel makes it be just enough to dress up the mantel. It doesn’t fall flat, but it isn’t overdone either. Add in a candle and some books and you’ve created a beautiful look with hardly any decor.
Bonus if you have a way to add some plaids (like this pillow) or knits to your space!
Keep Your Real Plants
One final note, if you enjoy having real plants in your home, keep them out!
So often I hear people say that live plants should be moved away from faux greens or Christmas trees because it’s “too much” green.
However, I beg to differ.
Live plants bring the kind of lived-in coziness we all want for the Christmas season. Above I’ve shown you how I’ve done this in many rooms. Even with a giant fiddle leaf fig!
More Cozy Christmas Decorating Ideas
I hope you feel inspired to use what you have as you create a cozy Christmas this year! If you want even more Christmas decor ideas, make sure to browse the articles below!
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~Sarah
Thank you Sarah – these are all great ideas!