Christmas Party | Decorating Essentials
The holiday season is a time for spreading joy and creating cherished memories with loved ones. And what better way to make the season bright than by hosting a Christmas party that's decked out in style?
To help you transform your space into a festive wonderland, we've curated a list of 25 Christmas party decorating essentials that are sure to impress your guests:
Front Door Decor: Welcome your guests with the timeless charm of a beautifully crafted wreath. I love the simplicity of the Crate & Barrel Faux Cypress Wreath. Get creative and add your own bells or bows depending on the style you would like to recreate each year. Add a touch of elegance to your front door and sets the tone for the festive celebration to come.
2. The Bells are Ringing: Make your entrance even more enchanting with a Golden Bells Door Hanger. As your guests arrive, the delightful jingle will set the stage for the festivities inside.These are also a great decor staple for other areas in the home. Add it to your wreaths, hang it at the bottom of the stairs, or drape these over the mantel on top of your holiday stockings! I especially enjoy how bells beautifully decorate the mantel in this holiday decor scenario!
3. Christmas Tree & Skirt: Of course, no Christmas party is complete without a beautifully adorned Christmas tree. Whether you choose a classic live evergreen or opt for a unique, themed tree, it's the heart of your holiday décor. While you're dressing up your tree, don't forget to consider what's beneath it. A Christmas tree skirt, collar, or cuff is a great way to complete the look. It not only covers the tree stand but also provides a stylish base for your presents. Choose one that complements your overall décor theme, whether it's a classic, quilted design or something more structural like a woven rattan collar.
Link to the gorgeous Mantel Art Piece here!
Swipe through the photos below for tree skirt inspiration!
4. Star Topper: Elevate your Christmas tree with a stunning Lulu and Georgia Brass Star Tree Topper. This elegant piece adds a touch of gold to your tree, making it the focal point of your décor. Other Tree Toppers I love this year: Studio McGee Brass Bow Tree Topper & Anthropologie Butterfly Tree Topper & World Market Antique Gold Mirror Star Topper & Joss & Main Tree Topper & Crate and Barrel Brass Angel & Neiman Marcus Glam Up Crown Christmas Tree Topper
5. Stocking: The Lulu and Georgia Bronson Stocking from Pottery Barn are the perfect combination of style and function. Hang personalized stockings with care, and let your guests know that Santa will soon be there! And, did we mention? You can also purchase the matching Bronson Pillows and Bronson Tree Skirt! Sometimes its easier to buy the whole kit!
6. Entryway Pieces: The first impression counts, and that's why you should pay special attention to your entryway. Switch out your summer nik-naks for a few winter ones! Dress it up with a selection of winter-inspired pieces like this Target Threshold Evergreen Oval Framed Wall Art. These winter entryway pieces will set the tone for your Christmas party from the moment your guests arrive, creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere as they step into your home.
Other Entryway pieces include decorative items such as these decorative Metal Reindeer. More useful ideas include adding a Crate and Barrel Christmas Card Tray or Decorative Bin for guests to place holiday cards or Coat Rack Tree for the guests to leave their personal items.
7. Winter-Inspired Abstract Art: To add a touch of sophistication and artistic flair to your Christmas party decor, consider including seasonal and moody abstract art in place of your summer art pieces. These can be paintings or prints that capture the beauty and tranquility of the winter season. An abstract representation of winter's colors and textures, these art pieces enhance the overall aesthetic of your party space.
8. Decorated Appetizer Table: Your dining room table is the heart of your Christmas party, where friends and family gather to share your delicious homemade appetizers. Adorn your table with a beautiful knit table runner, a few of these gorgeous Burch Pillar Candles, and a tall decorative vase filled with the season’s most popular faux stems and faux branches! Vases with dried branches add a rustic and organic element to your table.
9. Decorative Trees: These stunning tabletop trees make for stylish and space-saving decorations. Arrange them on your dining table or sideboard for a unique holiday look. Trees linked below:
10. Winter Games: Magnolia Green and White Marble Checkers Set: An elevated take on classic checkers, this Marble Checkers Set is inspired by the tile flooring in the Castle conservatory. Beautiful enough to double as decor when not in use, it comes complete with all the pieces you need to play, packed in a branded kraft box.
11. Winter-Inspired Textured Art: Elevate your Christmas party decor with winter-inspired textured wall art. These unique pieces add depth and visual interest to your space while capturing the essence of the season. Here are a few of my favorites this year: Studio McGee Mountain Lake & Target Threshold Ribbon Pattern Framed Wall Art & Crate and Barrel "Papeles" Framed Hand-Cut Paper Wall Art 34.25"x81.75" by Julio Laja Chichicaxtle
12. Faux Stems, Branches & Dried Orange Slices: Vases with dried branches add a rustic and organic element to your table. You can completely change the vibe of the room with the right choice in seasonal plants. We all know the Christmas song about the Partridges in a pear tree. Well, check out this Amazon Pear Tree! Pot this beauty in a unique vase and place it somewhere in the home that needs a little extra greenery.
13. Christmas Drink-ware: I am so obsessed with these stunning Amazon Martini Glasses! The gold rim of the glasses brings the party from fun to fancy! Add these to your holiday-themed bar cart and add your favorite cocktail mixers. Nothing sounds better than a Espresso Martini over the Holiday season.
14. Decorative Candles: Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with the soft glow of these sculptural candles. West Elm offers a choice of Mercury Glass Candles for a touch of sophistication and sparkle around the room. Other Mercury Candles are linked here! Here is another beautiful candle display idea if you are hosting a dinner party: West Elm Starburst Taper Holders
15. Silver Beaded Coasters: Another place to add a little sparkle to the room! Protect your furniture with these gorgeous coasters. These beaded coasters from The White Company combine practicality and elegance. Sprinkle these on the coffee table, or use them to further decorate the various coffee tables and furniture pieces. Swipe right to see the matching placemats as well! If you are looking for a different vibe, try out these beautiful Kilim Coasters!
16. Holiday Bar Cart: This Gold Bar Cart is a timeless piece of furniture that can be repurposed for your Christmas party as well as future party themes. This adds a touch of sophistication to your party setup. Stock it with your favorite libations, mixers, garnishes, and glassware to ensure your guests have everything they need. Place this right next to the tree and watch it glow! I am getting all of my inspiration from the beautiful bar-cart decor pictured below. Swipe right for more holiday bar cart inspiration! Nutcracker is linked next!
17. Nutcracker: The holiday season truly hasn’t started until the Nutcracker has been pulled out of the storage box! I love the original Nutcracker design with the reds and blues, but I also like this simple and unfinished Drummer Wood Nutcracker for a more subtle, muted vibe.
18. Classic Serving Tray: A silver serving tray is not just a practical addition to your Christmas party decor; it's a stylish and versatile accessory that can elevate your hosting game. Whether you're serving appetizers, desserts, or drinks, a silver tray adds a touch of sophistication to your presentation. This Stainless Steel Round Serving Tray by the White Company is just fabulous!
19. Holiday Pillows: Switch out your summer pillows for something a little more cozy and warm. I absolutely love these Williams Sonoma Plaid Lambswool Pillows, but you should choose a winter pillow that matches the vibe of your room and decorating style. For more pillow options, be sure to read my blog: Winter Pillow Picks!
20. Winter-Inspired Sketches, Prints, and Paintings: Incorporate winter-inspired paintings to add an artistic touch to your party. These can include snowy landscapes or whimsical holiday scenes that reflect the magic of the season.
Wayfair Minimalist Evergreens Sketch & Arhaus Deer Shadow Print & Kirklands Hillside Pine & Collection Prints Vintage Pine & Collection Prints Winter in the City & Collection Prints Pears & Collection Prints Hilltop & Collection Prints Rustic Landscape & Society 6 Winter Ski Lift & Jörgen Hansson - Pine & Studio Mcgee Snow Covered Peaks & Kirklands Orange Pear & Shutter and Frame The Lift & Collection Prints Northern Pine
21. William Sonoma Potpourri: For an extra sensory dimension to your Christmas party decorating. These bowls can be both decorative and functional. Potpourri not only adds a pleasant fragrance but also offers a visual appeal with its textured elements. Holiday fragrances are typically created with blends of dried flowers, spices, and botanicals. The smells of cinnamon, pine, and citrus, subtly fill the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Place small potpourri bowls strategically throughout your party area.
22. Garlands: Garlands and wreaths are versatile decorations that can be draped over mantels, staircases, and doors. They instantly add a touch of greenery or a holiday vibe to your space. Swipe right for some of my favorites of the season! Below are a few of my favorite garlands this year! Afloral Real Touch Norfolk Pine Garland - 180" Long & West Elm Glass Confetti Ball Garland & West Elm Tarnished Brass Bell Garland & Crate and Barrel Norway Spruce Holiday Wreath and Garland Set
23. Lanterns: Lanterns provide versatile décor options. Place them along walkways or group them on tables for a warm, inviting glow that's perfect for indoor or outdoor gatherings. Try adding these Ballard Design Set of 4 Tea Light Holders along the walkway or stairs for more visibility as your guest leaves the house at the end of the party. Another great option: Amazon Lanterns
24. Outdoor Decor: Place a few memorable outdoor accents like this festive Frontgate Nutcracker Doormat. Other outdoor Holiday pieces include Small Pre-Lit Christmas Trees, Decorative Vintage Sleds, and Oversized Gold Yard Bells.
25. The Pura Device or Scented Candles: For an added touch of ambiance, consider incorporating the Pura Device into your party setup. The Pura Device is a smart fragrance diffuser that allows you to customize and control the scents in your space. Choose a scent that complements the overall theme, such as a winter bayberry fragrance or the familiar fir tree scent. Check out the Holiday collection! The Pura Device will fill the air with a delightful aroma, enhancing the sensory experience and creating a truly immersive environment for the celebration.
These 25 Christmas party decorating essentials are sure to make your event memorable and stylish. By combining traditional elements with modern design, you'll create a festive atmosphere that your guests will adore. So, unleash your creativity and embrace the holiday spirit as you prepare to host a Christmas party to remember.
Happy Hosting, EM
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