Where to Start Decorating for Christmas (and What to Buy First)

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Where to start decorating for Christmas? I always start with the greenery, then layer in cozy textures, twinkle lights and little holiday details before I decorate the trees. Doing it in that order keeps it from feeling overwhelming. Here's my checklist, step by step, with what I'd buy first.

1. Where to start decorating for Christmas: the greenery

Garland is the base of so many of my Christmas looks: mantels, staircases, consoles, bedrooms. Once it's up, the room already feels like Christmas, so it's the first thing I'd buy. The secret to a really full look is layering, so I layer two or three strands on a mantel.

My go-to is the draping Norfolk pine from Darby Creek. In our bedroom, I used Quince's draping Norfolk pine garland with their realistic wreaths. If you want to mix in cedar, I compared every garland I use in the faux garlands I use.

To hang it, I use adhesive hooks on windows, cabinets and furniture, so there are no nails. They're in my budget Christmas decor finds, and the full mantel layering is in how I decorate a Christmas mantel with garland.

2. Fill the gaps with stems and pinecones

With the garland up, I tuck in extra greenery, pinecones and stems depending on the space. That's what makes it look full instead of flat. The cedar and pinecone branch from Darby Creek is one I linked with our Christmas bedroom, and I'd slip it into a garland or a vase.

On our coffee table (that's the photo at the top), I added lighted pinecone stems from Grandin Road for a natural touch that glows softly at night.

3. Layer in cozy textures

Next comes texture. I added fur blankets and throw pillows from Amazon to soften the look and bring in texture for winter, and I highly recommend it if you want a space that feels warm and inviting. Brown velvet pillows and a fluffy faux fur throw are the easiest swaps on a sofa or the end of a bed.

4. Add twinkle lights

Twinkle lights are what make it all glow. In our Christmas bedroom, the soft glow of twinkling lights with the garland above the bed makes it the perfect spot to unwind. I weave lights through the greenery instead of laying them on top.

Battery string lights are the easiest place to start, since you don't need an outlet near the garland. For a tree or a long run of garland, I linked plug-in cluster lights from Amazon.

5. Then the little holiday details

Now the fun part. I'm always drawn to Christmas decor that feels timeless and works with our home instead of completely changing it, so I keep the details small and warm: brass bells, a gold deer, a few vintage-inspired pieces.

The Kaskaskia bell set from Wayfair is the one I linked with our kitchen. The gold sitting deer from Walmart's My Texas House line is a budget-friendly touch for a shelf or console.

6. Decorate the tree last

I save the trees for after everything else, so they pull the whole room together. Our 7.5' full-size Grand Duchess Christmas tree from Home Depot is SO beautiful with all those warm twinkle lights. For how I trim one, see how I decorate a neutral Christmas tree.

7. Finish with scent and the front door

The last layer is the one you notice when you walk in. The Tree Farm candle from Antique Candle Co. is hands down my favorite Christmas candle: fresh-cut trees and all the holiday nostalgia in one scent. At the front door, a classic Christmas doormat is the easiest finishing touch.

Frequently asked questions

When should I start decorating for Christmas?

Whenever it feels right to you. I start early: this year our living room was ready for Christmas while it was still Halloween outside. If you want a date, November 1 is a natural start.

Start with the garland this weekend and build from there. Shop whole rooms on Shop the Look, or browse the Shop.