We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping The Best Gift Ideas of 2024 The 40 Best Christmas Decorations to Make Your Home Dazzle Get in the holiday spirit with these festive finds. By Grace Parsons Grace Parsons Grace Parsons is a contributing writer for Real Simple whose work has been published in The Spruce, The/Thirty, and The Quality Edit. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on November 28, 2023 In This Article View All In This Article Reviews FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Kevin Liang As the winter chill creeps in, many of us are ready to pull out our Christmas decorations and welcome in the holiday spirit. From tree ornaments and handcrafted winter scenes to garland and your childhood stocking, there's no limit to how much decorating you can do to get your space ready for Christmas.“Whether it's a traditional red and green theme, a winter wonderland, pastel candy, or a more modern color palette, having a central theme should guide all your decorating decisions,” says Sarah Ruffalo, professional holiday decorator and founder of The Holly Jolly Box.We did tons of research to find the best Christmas decorations, taking into consideration design styles, price points, and product quality. If you don't know where to shop or want to follow the current holiday decor trends, we have the pieces to make your home dazzle every visitor you get this season. Pottery Barn Happy Holidays Sled Doormat PHOTO: Pottery Barn $29 at Pottery Barn One of the simplest ways to decorate your home during the holidays is to purchase a festive doormat. This Happy Holidays Sled Doormat isn't obnoxious but remains on-theme for those looking for a less novelty way to celebrate the season. A cute tree, classic red sled, and candy cane ribbon are all you need to usher in the holiday season without bringing in the winter snow. Made from 100% coir, derived from repurposed coconut husks, and 100% PVC backing, this option won’t fade or mildew and can be used indoors or outdoors. West Elm Felt Stocking Collection PHOTO: West Elm $21 at West Elm Every mantle needs stockings for Santa to fill with odds and ends when he comes down the chimney. These roomy felt designs from West Elm have vintage style and feature classic holiday imagery, including a penguin, reindeer, Christmas tree, polar bear, nutcracker, and more. You can even go with a festive dinosaur or reindeer. Waterford Gingerbread House PHOTO: Williams Sonoma $195 at Wayfair $195 at Williams-Sonoma $147 at Bloomingdales The Waterford Gingerbread House plays into an elevated home aesthetic with its translucent crystal material and understated design. Unlike traditional gingerbread houses, you won't want to pick off a chunk of candy or two every time you walk by. This piece adds an instant sparkle and timeless whimsy to your mantle or entryway with diamond and wedge cuts. Because of the nature of this decorative piece, it might not be suited for busy homes or areas with heavy foot traffic. Pottery Barn Bronze Sculpted Reindeer Candleholder Centerpiece PHOTO: Pottery Barn $99 at Pottery Barn Candelabras can be the centerpiece for a festive holiday feast or sit adorned on a mantle above a cozy fire. Wherever you choose to display this Bronze Sculpted Reindeer Candleholder from Pottery Barn, you're sure to spark a conversation among your house guests. Made lead-free and crafted from aluminum with a powder-coated antique bronze finish, the antlers of the reindeer house six taper candles of your choice. It's a subtle, more avant-garde approach to Christmas decorating. Williams Sonoma Mistletoe PHOTO: Williams Sonoma $30 at Williams-Sonoma A detail so small it is often forgotten or overlooked is a bushel of mistletoe hanging right above the door. The Williams Sonoma iteration features a farmhouse-inspired burlap bow and includes a sprig of noble fir–one of the many species of botanicals used as Christmas trees in the home. Pineberries are displayed down the center of your hand-arranged mistletoe, adding to the 16th-century English tradition. The brand suggests keeping this freshly prepared mistletoe somewhere protected from direct weather to preserve its pristine appearance all season long. Pottery Barn Home for the Holidays Lumbar Pillow PHOTO: Pottery Barn $27 at Pottery Barn Comfortable pillows can make or break a holiday party, especially with a house full of people and a cramped couch. Of course, whether you're entertaining or watching holiday classics with hot cocoa in hand, this Home for the Holidays Lumbar PIllow is perfect for your holiday decorating spree. Choose from just the pillow cover, the cover with a down feather insert, or a down alternative for those with allergies. The rustic outdoorsy print is perfect for both the holidays and the winter season. Zara Christmas Musical Snowglobe PHOTO: Zara View on Zarahome.com A cheeky snow globe can serve as both a Christmas decoration and a small distraction for younger guests during the holidays. Santa Clause sits high in his sleigh with his reindeer in tow, capturing the holiday spirit most of us miss as we age. Complete with the classic song “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” this piece is an inexpensive option worth placing on your mantle or entryway table. Pottery Barn Percale Sheet Set PHOTO: Pottery Barn $38 at Pottery Barn Christmas decoration doesn't have to be limited to the primary areas of the home. In fact, this percale cotton sheet set from Pottery Barn will turn your bedroom into an equally festive hideaway. Adorned with sketches of gingerbread houses and colorful gingerbread people, you'll trade visions of sugar plums for memories of baking with your family in the kitchen over the holidays. The sheets are available in bed sizes from twin to California king. Crate & Barrel Jingle Bell Christmas Garland PHOTO: Crate & Barrel View on Crate & Barrel With the visual appeal of garland and the holiday charm of jingle bells, this mantle decor from Crate and Barrel is a modern take on a Christmas classic. Decide between gold, silver, or red to perfectly match the rest of your decked-out home. You receive 6 feet of garland made from aluminum, making it easily malleable to fit everything from banisters to your favorite living or artificial Christmas tree. More importantly, the bells are not oversized, making them discreet and not outlandish. Zara Home Christmas Glass Dessert Spoon Six Pack with Charms PHOTO: Zara View on Zarahome.com These Zara Home Christmas Glass Dessert Spoons will make your tablescape extra merry this Christmas. Made from borosilicate glass, the pack of six teaspoons comes topped with holiday icons including a snowflake, Christmas tree, and reindeer. Perfect for ice creams, sticky toffee puddings, and fruit cakes, these pieces of flatware are dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Crate & Barrel Pine and Eucalyptus Wreath PHOTO: Crate & Barrel View on Crate & Barrel The Pine and Eucalyptus Wreath from Crate and Barrel comes at an elevated price, but given the realistic look of the faux ornamentation, it will withstand the test of time. Spanning 28 inches, this wreath is adorned with LED holiday lights, taking another step out of your long list of decorating to-dos. We appreciate that the piece feels more wintry than festive, so if you forget to take it down the day after Christmas, no one will fault you. And, if you opt for the matching garland, you're all set until it's time to decorate your home for spring. Crate & Barrel LED White Holiday Ceramic Snowflakes (Set of Three) PHOTO: Crate & Barrel View on Crate & Barrel Snowflakes are an effortless way to transition the autumnal decor around your home to a winter wonderland far beyond the Christmas season. This set of three ceramic snowflakes includes strategically placed cutouts to allow for LED white lights to shine brilliantly through, adding a touch of unexpected ambiance to any room. Of course, if the set is too much, the small, medium, and large snowflakes are available for individual sale. However, with the ability to stand upright and small scale, clustering them on your mantle or coffee table is incredibly chic and on-trend. Anthropologie Star Tree Topper PHOTO: Anthropologie $29 at Anthropologie One holiday tradition your family might do together is decorate the tree—and no moment is more memorable than positioning the star atop your spruce or fir. Using a combination of capiz and metal, this ivory and gilded Star Tree Topper sits slightly above 12 inches, making a small yet impactful statement. It perfectly balances the traditional ornament we all know and love with something slightly elevated and sophisticated, making it ideal for a minimalist-inspired holiday theme. Anthropologie Wonderland Scene Monogram PHOTO: Anthropologie $29 at Anthropologie Anthropologie is known for having an assortment of holiday pieces that balance cheeky and niche with warm and inviting. The Wonderland Scene Monogram allows you to turn your favorite letter (or letters!) into a scene-scape of fantasy. The letters are wooden dioramas depicting winter imagery, with delicately cut snowflakes, homes, and characters. Here, you've got a stackable holiday conversation piece. West Elm Pure Boxed Ornaments (Set of 25) PHOTO: West Elm $15 at West Elm If you prefer a Christmas tree that feels less eclectic with its adornments and more streamlined, then the Pure Boxed Ornaments from West Elm are not a want but a need. This set of 25 eye-catching glass spheres is timeless in tone, with light shades of green, red, gold, and opal, so they don't feel too outlandish across multiple decor themes. They are delicate, so anyone with small children or pets might find the best place for them to be closer to the top of the tree to avoid any broken parts. West Elm Brass Snowflake Stocking Holder PHOTO: West Elm $35 at West Elm Equally practical and chic, these weighty snowflake stocking holders use hand-cast aluminum and iron to ground a chic, brass-finished stocking hanger on your mantle. Individually sold, you can purchase as many as needed to hang your stockings by the chimney with care. Wondershop Decorated Spruce Tip Artificial Christmas Tree PHOTO: Target Orig. $50 $43 at Target This Decorated Spruce Tip from Target's holiday shop is a perfect no-fuss piece to adorn your front porch or stoop this Christmas. Despite its artificial nature, the space and accompanying pinecones and berries are incredibly lifelike, staged effortlessly in a bronzed plastic container to which the hue elevates it to a higher caliber. To preserve the longevity of this earthy decor, be sure to use it outside in sheltered areas only. While weather resistant, any extreme exposure will likely decrease the quality with time. Wondershop Grapevine Gift Box Christmas Novelty Sculpture Light PHOTO: Target Orig. $50 $43 at Target Going to see elaborate Christmas light displays is a family affair, and this trio of glowing gift boxes light up shades of red and gold, perfectly capturing the childlike wonder of twinkling homes. Each of the three presents offers a rustic quality, thanks to the grapevine design and ratan materials used in their construction. Pair them together or display them apart for an electric-powered outdoor Christmas scene. Wondershop Tree Ornament Set PHOTO: Target $3 at Target Target's four-piece jingle bell set offers reminders of Christmas spirit and cheer. Golden in color and metal in construction, these jingle bells are discrete while creating a lasting impact on your home. Complete with a ratan loop for easy hanging, these indoor-only pieces strike a functional balance between elegant and whimsy, particularly on a Christmas tree. Plus, they are an affordable option compared to similar-quality adornments from high-end shops. West Elm Mercury Votive Candles PHOTO: West Elm $11 at West Elm You don't need to go big to add a bit of glitz and glam to your space. These silver and gold votive candles come in a set of six and can be grouped on the mantle or scattered throughout the home for added warmth and coziness. Each is made with mouth-blown glass and comes with a scented candle. Zara Glass Vase with Christmas Flowers PHOTO: Zara View on Zarahome.com Flowers typically are not the first thought that comes to mind when decorating for Christmas, but any good house guest knows even a small gesture of an arrangement can make the hostess feel appreciated. If the roles were reversed, you'd want to be prepared for any incoming bouquets, and this Glass Vase with Christmas Flowers from Zara Home pays homage to the holidays without feeling gimmicky. The unique shape screams quiet luxury, while the hint of red poinsettias adds a festive quality that's hard to miss. Holiday Lane Shimmer and Light Pink Fabric Gnome PHOTO: Macy's $11 at Macy's Gnomes have increasingly been growing in popularity, particularly for decorators opting for a cheeky or whimsical home aesthetic. The Holiday Lane Shimmer and Light Pink Fabric Gnome Table Décor from Macy's, while holiday-forward, can withstand the seasons, given the simple design and caliber of quality. Perfect to position on your table or mantle, given it is just over 1 foot in height, this piece will spark conversation and invite warmth into your space. Lenox Santa Mug & Plate Set PHOTO: Macy's $40 at Amazon $36 at Macy's $80 at Saks Fifth Avenue Setting out a plate of delicious cookies and milk is important so that Santa has a treat when he drops presents off at your home on Christmas Eve. This Porcelain Cookie Plate and Mug Set from Lenox pays homage to the big man with an artist's rendition of his face molded into this dishwasher-safe material. Accompanied by a festive mug, Santa won't be able to resist the treats—and you, the holiday cheer. Jim Shore Three Stacked Snowmen Figurine PHOTO: Amazon $80 at Amazon $51 at Macy's The craftsmanship found throughout every Jim Shore stone figurine is omnipresent, with this Three Stacked Snowmen Figurine being the rule and not the exception. Each stone resin piece is hand-painted, allowing each to be unique, even if the design is the same. This particular figurine is a design from 2022, but keeping in mind that the durability of Jim Shore pieces is unlike others on the market, it's a surprise there are still a few available to purchase. You'll definitely want to snag this collector's item before it is gone for good. The Twillery Co. Christmas Garland with Timer PHOTO: Wayfair $54 at Wayfair A more timeless style of garland, this 9-foot artificial offering mimics the lush green needles of a pine tree. Adorned with faux pinecones and red berries, this garland can effortlessly wrap around staircase banisters and fireplace mantles for a festive, rustic feel. It even comes pre-lit with 50 warm, LED lights and is battery-operated with a timer, so you don’t have to worry about plugging it in or turning it off. Use this indoors or covered outdoors. The Holiday Aisle Lighted Trees & Branches PHOTO: Wayfair $66 at Wayfair While most individuals opt for an artificial tree that blooms with needles and pine, some prefer a more modest tree with bare branches and lights. A Christmas tree that creates this rustic and Scandinavian style, like this option from Wayfair, provides the opportunity to allow other areas of your space or pieces of decoration to take center stage. Be it artisanal ornaments, a bustling fireplace and mantle, or your formal dining setup, this Lighted Tree & Branches serve as the perfect backdrop. National Tree Company Iridescent Reindeer Decoration PHOTO: Wayfair $105 at Wayfair View on Bed Bath & Beyond $132 at Michaels If we can't have the real thing, we'll settle for the National Tree Company's Iridescent Reindeer. At 48 inches tall, this elegant front yard ornament features 105 LED lights, perfect for making your home bright on a cold December night. Like other illuminating outdoor decoration designs, the base of this reindeer is wire. However, to keep from looking overly rustic, the brand opted for a translucent Mylar material to allow for an optical illusion of changing colors, depending on the spectator's angle. World Market Laser Cut Wood Candy House LED Light Up Decor PHOTO: World Market View on World Market The Laser Cut Wood Candy House from World Market comes in three pastel shades. Whether you opt for bubblegum pink, periwinkle blue, or eye-catching aquamarine, each decoration uses LED lights to illuminate any tablescape or mantle display. Plus, being powered by AA batteries (not included) allows them to effortlessly move about your space and get stored away at the end of the holiday season. Affordable and well-made, these homes will make a great addition to your festive stockpile. World Market Red And Blue Traditional Nutcracker PHOTO: World Market View on World Market The nutcracker is a classic Christmas decoration, and this red and blue wooden figurine from World Market sits 12 inches high, making it small enough to display while still having a visual impact. His style is timeless, with a faux-fur hat, black boots, and cerulean petticoat. This piece is for display only, so please don't try to crack any chestnuts. World Market Laser Cut Metal Snowflake Christmas Tree Collar PHOTO: World Market View on World Market If you and your family have a living Christmas tree, you know keeping the base suspended in water will maintain the freshness and needles for as long as possible. While tree skirts are beautiful, a Christmas Tree Collar is the more practical option for a tree that isn't artificial. This metal piece is finished in a pewter-inspired shade, allowing it to work with virtually any tree decoration and home style. Cut throughout the cover are hexagonal snowflakes to add a wintery and festive touch. Lulu and Georgia Faux Berry Garland PHOTO: Lulu and Georgia View on Luluandgeorgia.com If you prefer a Christmas decor style that feels cottage-inspired, with organic hues and timeless designs, the Faux Berry Garland from Lulu and Georgia is the perfect addition to your collection. Throughout the 144 inches of length, you'll find lifelike berries for a festive flare. And, while other garlands take little care to conceal the structural wire, this offering looks identical to branches, further pushing the boundaries between living and artificial. Harry & David Magnolia Wreath PHOTO: Harry & David $75 at Harry & David Handmade wreaths are often expensive, but the visual and emotional appeal accompanying a living wreath is priceless. The Magnolia Wreath from Harry & David features touches of green and red, thanks to the noble fir base, dried tallow berries, and faux miniature apples. You'll also find a velvet red ribbon, dried oranges, and fresh Magnolia placed strategically throughout the wreath. At only 22 inches across and 5 inches deep, this tree will greet you with a festive holiday scent and instant merriment each time you go through your front door. Holiday Time Pre-Lit Christmas Lamp Post PHOTO: Walmart $13 at Walmart Turn your front porch into a merry Victorian streetscape with the Pre-Lit Christmas Lamp Post from Holiday Time. This 6-foot-tall piece is timeless, with 25 pre-strung LED lights. Unlike traditionally harsh LEDs, these bulbs offer a soft warmth akin to the holiday season. Adorned with an evergreen bush, branches, and berries, this lamp won't break the bank and can stay up post-Christmas without looking out of place. You'll find this lamp easy to assemble and tuck away without taking up too much storage space once the winter season has come to a close. PREXTEX Christmas Lights PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $27 $23 at Amazon A reliable string of Christmas lights is quintessential when decorating for the holidays. With so many ways to use them, it's no wonder they are on everyone's shopping list. This set from Amazon comes with stellar reviews thanks to the soft, warm light that radiates from the tiny bulbs once plugged in. The length of one pack is 40 inches and includes 200 lights, but options for more or less bulbs are available. They are safe for indoor and outdoor use, with an estimated 2,200 hours of twinkling, festive glow. Furbish Studio Filthy Animal Needlepoint Pillow PHOTO: Furbish Studio View on Furbishstudio.com This cheeky throw pillow from Furbish Studios perfectly showcases an iconic quote from everyone's favorite holiday classic, Home Alone. Each needlepoint pillow from the brand is hand-stitched, taking up to 20 hours to make, creating a one-of-a-kind product for the home. Materials used for this 10-by-10-inch pillow include wool and velvet, so it's super comfortable to use and not just have on display. If you're looking for something festive but in a different style, Furbish Studios has several Christmas-themed options on its site. Sur La Table Snowy Village Runner PHOTO: Sur La Table $60 at Sur La Table This ski village-themed table runner from Sur La Table will turn any Christmas dinner party into a winter wonderland. The graphics feel antiquated yet modern, as they pay homage to the designs of classic holiday films like Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. This runner is made from cotton, making it durable and easily cleaned compared to linen and silk varieties. Plus, it is more likely to last for holidays to come if care instructions are followed. Pottery Barn Gingerbread Mugs - Set of Two PHOTO: Pottery Barn $30 at Pottery Barn Many of us have memories of decorating gingerbread houses as children. While the activity might be a thing of the past for some, the nostalgia embodied in this set of gingerbread-style mugs is not. Each stoneware piece is handcrafted and weighted, helping to give an elevated feel that can withstand the entirety of the winter season. They are dishwasher- and microwave-safe and even oven-safe up to 425°F. Both mugs hold 11 ounces of liquid and are a part of the larger gingerbread home collection from Pottery Barn. Diptyque Holiday Carousel PHOTO: Diptyque $158 at Nordstrom View on Diptyqueparis.com $158 at Neiman Marcus The yearly released Holiday Carousel from Diptyque makes for a stellar holiday gift and piece of decor for the home. For this year's design, the Parisian candle house took its hallmark oval emblem and transformed it into delicate, gilded pendants that captivate the attention of guests when they begin to spin over a lit candle. Included is the brand's beloved Baies candle, a berry-forward scent sure to spark memories of warmth and merriment during the Christmas season. MTLEE 10-Inch Christmas Tree Shaped Taper Candles PHOTO: Amazon $34 at Amazon These unscented taper candles are easily accessible, thanks to their affordability and Amazon availability. This set of four paraffin wax-based tapers is dark green and has roughly 10 hours of burn time. They are smaller in stature (only 10 inches tall) but pack a festive punch on any mantle or tablescape. Puleo International 7.5 Pre-Lit Teton Pine Artificial Christmas Tree PHOTO: Walmart Orig. $419 $249 at Amazon $249 at Walmart $249 at Home Depot A Christmas tree is the cornerstone for any holiday celebration, let alone decorating. Puleo International offers trees in many different sizes and shapes, but the 7-foot-5 option is a standalone pick. Compared to similar styles on the artificial tree market, this is the most realistic model at a fair price—trust us, we tested it in our Lab and gave it the highest marks. We appreciate the addition of stringed lights, making it one less step to worry about when getting your home ready for the holidays. Questions You Might Ask What Christmas decorations are trending? Most people adhere to more traditional styles when decorating for Christmas, but Ruffalo calls out a few noteworthy trends for anyone hoping to mix it up this holiday season. "Pastel candy decor. I am totally in love with this theme for children! It's perfect for children's rooms and a tree decorated with children's ornaments," she explains. She also says that jewel tones and metal accents are more prominent than ever. "You can decorate with burgundy, emerald green, and light teal with copper, brass, or gold accents. It makes the room warm and inviting and can be left up through the winter." What are the best retailers for Christmas decor? Ruffalo has a list of stores she heads to when decorating for herself or clients. These include Hobby Lobby, At Home, World Market, Michaels, and Crate and Barrel. She states, "If Hobby Lobby doesn't have it, I don't think it exists! This store is the go-to for most decorators if they need anything they cannot find from their vendors. And they are always running a sale." She says that stores like At Home and World Market offer expertly selected products that stick more to themes than a random assortment. Finally, with Crate and Barrel, you'll find "a wide range of Christmas decor items that embrace minimalist and monochromatic design,” Ruffalo says. “If you prefer a modern and simplistic look for your holiday decorations, you'll find plenty of options to suit your taste here at an affordable price." What are some tips for decorating my home for Christmas like a professional? To take your home from mundane to professional-level decorating, Ruffalo has two primary suggestions; the first is a cohesive theme. This theme should align with your interior style and can be anything from minimalist and chic to cozy and traditional. Her other suggestion is to layer. "Layering textures is the best way to add depth and interest to your decor,” she says. “You can mix soft fabrics like faux fur or velvet with shiny metallics and natural elements like pinecones or greenery for a balanced look as long as it goes with your theme." Take Our Word for It This article was written by Samantha Parsons, a beauty industry veteran and writer with experience across the cosmetics, skin, and wellness industries. She researched countless sites and brands to find the best Christmas decorations available this year. She also consulted Sarah Ruffalo, professional holiday decorator and owner of The Holly Jolly Box to understand how to make the most out of a variety of holiday adornments.