Do you love the holidays? Do you want to spread some cheer but aren't sure how to get started? Do you have a smaller space and wonder what's best for your home? We get it — you have all the questions, and with these tips and tricks for apartment holiday decorating, we've hopefully got some answers for you!
Where to start. It can be difficult to know where to begin if you have a small apartment and are looking for holiday decor ideas. Apartment homes are all different shapes and sizes, and while some kinds of decor may work for one, they may not work for another. Let's break it down so you have plenty of options that best fit your space — starting with the where.
1. First Impressions
When people enter your apartment, you'll want to make the best first impression, especially with your holiday decor. An entryway statement piece is one of the easiest ways to do just that. If you have space for an entryway table, place holiday decor on it — mini Santas, a dusting of shredded cotton balls (the perfect "snow"), or a jar of red and green Hershey kisses in a clear bowl. Keep it simple and light, yet still festive and fun. Garland is another way to dress up your doorway: use command hooks where the wall meets the ceiling and hang lights and garland around the frame of your door or entryway. You'll be sure to stand out from the rest!
2. Bring the Cheer Outside
Even in the snow, your patio or balcony is the perfect place to spread some holiday cheer. The snow makes the perfect white backdrop for any decor. If you have a railing, string lights around it to create the prettiest, most calming glow. You can also put a mini tree out on a patio table or in the corner of your balcony, and add pops of red and green with a fun doormat. Those driving by will be sure not to miss your magical little space!
3. Holiday Oasis
When you wind down at the end of a long day, who doesn't want to admire a mini lit tree from their dresser or garland around their bed? You can bring the festivities to your bedroom to feel the holiday magic wherever you are. Adding a red throw blanket or holiday sheets to your existing bed will transform your bedroom in the blink of an eye, without a lot of effort.
4. Holiday Cooking
Do you spend a lot of time in the kitchen already? Your time there will only grow come the holiday season, with extra cooking and entertaining. There are subtle ways to add holiday cheer to your kitchen: start by adding holiday-themed utensils, like festive spatulas, to your utensil bin. Set up mini figurines such as nutcrackers on your counter by the backsplash. Adding mistletoe to the entryway of the kitchen is also a cute and clever piece for when guests come over — not to mention a talking point!
5. Any Size Apartment Will Work
Living in an apartment, you may not be able to get a full-size tree depending on the size of your room and how tall the ceilings are. Be sure to measure your space before bringing home your real or faux tree this holiday season to ensure it fits properly. No one wants a tree that's large and in charge — but we do want one that makes a statement and lights up the room!
6. Create Your Own Mantle
"And they all hung their stockings by the fireplace with care…" Wait — don't have a mantle? No problem, you can make a faux one! Do you have a ledge of any kind, or a cutout from your kitchen to your living room? Hang your stockings anywhere there's space. You can also buy an inexpensive stocking holder or use command hooks to hang them on your TV stand. Stockings add a pop of color and pizzazz — and St. Nick will be sure to find them to fill them up!
7. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
There are so many ways to bring holiday decor to this part of your life. Here are a few easy and cheap ways to build holiday fun:
- Deck out the bar cart. Do you have a bar cart for drinks and snacks? This is such an easy way to bring in the holiday decor. Adorn it with white lights and red and green snacks in glass bowls, and put out a fun holiday-themed cocktail. Have the ingredients on hand and serve it up as a signature holiday cocktail when guests come over!
- Set the table. Have a dining room table? Deck it out with a holiday-themed runner, placemats, candles (flameless work great), and other glimmers of the holiday spirit. Gather holiday-color ornaments in a big glass bowl or vase for a pop of color. Garland also makes a great runner and brings the outdoors in.
Written by Kaleigh Teunessen