pretty living rooms, christmas decorating ideas

Christmas Decorating Ideas

Happy December!  We are just 3 weeks away from Christmas and is your house ready?  If you are searching for some serious Christmas decorating ideas or just looking to make some last minute additions to your Holiday decor you have come to the right spot. This happens to be my all time favorite Blogger Home Tour.  I’m sharing 7 helpful tips to get you on your way to an insanely irresistible decorated home.  If you’re new to Meme Hill WELCOME! We have a fantastic line up of bloggers listed below so grab your cup of hot cocoa, a cozy blanket and come sit by the fire.  

red mercury glass trees, mantel ideas1. Start with an Inspiration

As a blogger and interior designer you are always expected to come up with a new fresh take on decor. I fret every Fall when I haven’t a clue as to what my Christmas theme will be. If your like me, stop all the silliness, get out there and find something that inspires you. For me it was discovering these gorgeous embossed red mercury glass trees at HomeGoods. As soon as I saw them all lined up on the shelves the whole picture fell into place. RED was my theme! It was a big departure form last year’s turquoises and green color scheme

mantel garlands, decorating with red

Like any collectible one is good but several is soooo much better! I purchased two of each size. I loved how they were all a little bit different with the embossed glass. A few even lit up! I wove in pine garlands, twinkle lights, and added a few ombre bottle brush trees. Dangling from the garland I hung mini 1940’s inspired Christopher Radko Shiny Bright bulbs

pretty living rooms, christmas decorating ideas, pretty glass ornaments, Christmas tree ideas2. Find A Common Theme

If you put me in front of an aisle of Christmas decor I am immediately drawn to the the glass ornaments. For years my parents have been gifting us collectible Christopher Radko glass ornaments. Before I knew it our collection was large enough to fill a 8 foot tree! Now the Radko ornaments are blended with other less expensive glass ornaments. Mixing high and low is one of my all time favorite tips to creating irresistiblly cohesive decor. 

pretty living rooms, christmas decorating ideas, christopher radko ornaments, snowman pretty living rooms, christmas decorating ideas, glass christmas ornaments

Tree Decorating Tip:

 Always start with the largest ornaments first. Bury theses evenly just inside the branches to create depth. Then move onto the smaller ornaments.  Lastly, weave ribbon in and out while moving down the tree. I created a large bow with two pieces of ribbon. Never go straight down or place ribbon on the outside of the tree. 

pretty living rooms, christmas decorating ideas, reed christmas pillows, fireplace mantelspretty living rooms, christmas decorating ideas, king of christmas trees prelim3. Twinkle lights, Ambient Lighting & Candles

I am confident that I am not the only one who loves to drive around town looking at everyone’s outdoor light extravaganzas. The more the better in my book. The same goes for inside lighting. You can never have too many lights. I even love a tree solely decorated with twinkle lights. 

pretty living rooms, christmas decorating ideas, christopher radko ornaments

A tree becomes magical when you plug in the lights! 

christmas living room decor, decorating with red, pretty fireplace mantelsCome Winter our coffee table is used so often. The large surface is ideal for wrapping gifts, putting together puzzles and playing games, and is the hub for Sunday football appetizers plus a whole lot more. This year my husband assembled the latest Fixer Upper dollhouse from Joanna Gaines Magnolia line Hearth and Hand from Target. Both Chloe and our neighbor Harper had fun decorating and rearranging all the chic wooden furniture. We added festive cheer to the outside porch with mini bottle brush trees. 

Joanna gaines, fixer upper dollhouse, magnolia market, hearth and hand, targetChristmas Centerpieces

When it comes to a centerpiece it needs to be something that can be easy moved on and off. This year I purchased a large black iron and glass lantern from Wisteria Flowers and Gifts and filled it with a collection of green and red ombre bottle brush trees and flickering faux wax lights. 

christmas centerpieces, glass and iron lanterns, bottle brush trees

Faux Wax Candles

If you’ve ever been on the fence about faux candles let me lay your doubts to rest. I absolutely love them. A few years ago my mom purchased me a set. I unwrapped them and said “well OK these are nice.” She said “you will LOVE them, they look so real.” Mom was right! This trio came with batteries and a handy remote that can run for hours or can be set on a timer. The flame flickers and NO fire hazards. 

christmas centerpieces, glass and iron lanterns, bottle brush trees, mercury glass

4. Layer on Texture & Warmth

If you ask me the number one best gift this Christmas is a cozy throw blanket. You don’t need to be surviving an Upstate NY Winter to appreciate these beautiful throws. We use them year round. I am always drawn to plaid…playful fringe and warm sherpa linings are a bonus!

plaid wool blankets, pretty christmas throws, tartan plaid blanketsold ladder with blankets, tartan blankets, old vintage nordic skis

5. Mix New Keepsakes with Older Sentimental Decor

Holidays are all about creating memories. Some of these memories are held within our sentimental decor that has been handed down over the years.Keep these older momentums looking fresh by blending in newer decor. 

old ladder with blankets, tartan blankets, old vintage nordic skis, christmas blankets

Off Season…

I scored these vintage nordic skis with leather straps years ago at a local yard sale for $40. At the time I thought that was a bit too much to pay but I never looked back after bringing them out at Christmastime. Where was I ever going to find something so quintissential Winter wonderland like these skies? 

old ladder with blankets, tartan blankets, old vintage nordic skis

6. Start a Collection

One or two snow covered trees are wonderful but image a whole forest? Safety in numbers. On top our grand piano I set up a snowy winter wonderland village.  Like in any forest there is a variety of trees, everything from bottle brush, to moss covered pines, flocked, painted and even hand cut birch trees. Twinkle lights muffled under the cotton snow glisten at night. A soft glow emits from each cut out window. It is my favorite place to be transported back to childhood. 

tiny white christmas villages, bottle brush trees, flocked mini trees

I finally found time to restyle our bookshelves. My collection of white pottery stayed out and I blended in additional red decor and a very MERRY light up marquee sign. 

styling bookcases for Christmas, pretty white bookcases, adding christmas decor to built-insLet there be light. 

living room ideas for Christmas, old ladder with blankets, tartan blankets, pretty christmas trees

7. Swap out art and add seasonal wall decor

Just a few weeks ago I decide to paint a Christmas theme chalkboard canvas art for the morning room. I do miss my floral art but when I revisited my Pinterest board Christmas is Coming and saw this quote I needed to be reminded how important being with family is around the Holidays.

decorating your kitchen sitting room for the holidays, red and green christmas decor

A simple trio of flocked trees in a navy ceramic tray take center stage on the coffee table

small flocked christmas trees, mini bottle brush trees I turned to my friend Olivia Marsh from RocPenInk for some creative calligraphy handwriting. She worked her magic on the quote so that I could enlarged it onto my canvas. The whole painting took under and hour to paint. Several of you have asked for a print so I am working on making that happen. Olivia also created personalized place card setting for our Christmas dinner table that I shared last week on our Christmas Kitchen Home Tour

chalkboard art for christmas, at home for the holidays, christmas pillows cute

I couldn’t help sharing how similar our rescue Bo looks to my Commander Reindeer pillow. I may need to find some reindeer antlers for him. 

chalkboard christmas art, cute christmas decorations Just under the new painting is a red metal bus that I found at HomeGoods. It came with a burlap wrapped lit flocked mini tree. I had all intentions of having images of our family members in each window but that didn’t get done before the photo shoot. Next year! 

chalkboard art for christmas, at home for the holidays, christmas pillows cute, black and white lampsThank you so much for coming along on the tour. To take a video tour of my home and to read the Democrat & Chronicle article on 5 tips to Decorate for the Holiday.  My blogger friends below are ready to lavish you with their inviting decor and innovative decorating ideas. Each of us has our own style.  We love bringing you all into our homes for unlimited inspiration and Holiday cheer so don’t forget to stop by their blogs. Next up on the blog I share how to get your guest bedroom picture perfect ready for your out-of-town Holiday guests. 

gorgeous living rooms decorated for Christmas, pretty christmas decor, red and green christmas decorations

Holiday Decor Inspiration

Wednesday’s tour:

Modern Glam | Blush and Copper Christmas

My 100 Year Old Home | Kitchen Christmas Decor

The Design Twins | Christmas Home

Simple Cozy Charm | A Cozy Change

2 Ladies and a Chair | Christmas Decor Cozy Christmas Tree

Meme Hill | Traditional Christmas Red

 

Thursday’s Tour:

Happy Happy Nester | Simple Ways to Add Holiday Cheer to a Bedroom

The Posh Home | Modern Christmas Decor

Life is Better at Home | Rose Gold & Blush Christmas

Your Marketing BFF | Modern Winter Wonderland Christmas Home Tour

Shining on Design | Simple Holiday Styling Whimsical

Styled with Lace | Burgundy and Blush Christmas

Designs by Laila | Tis The Season to Decorate

Love Your Abode | Joy Filled Christmas

Finding Lovely | Christmas Around the Home

santa's pipe, cookies for santa, the best chocolate chip cookiesplaid christmas decor, decorating with red for Christmas, living room ideas, red Christmas decor

25 Comments

  1. Reply

    Nancy

    December 5, 2018

    LOVE the new painting! I also love that little VW bus with the tree tied on top- now THAT brings back memories of growing up….. adorable! You definitely have the touch, my friend!

  2. Reply

    memehillstudio

    December 5, 2018

    Thank you so much Nancy! Come on over and see it anytime you want. love you!

  3. Reply

    Martha Knake

    December 5, 2018

    You totally have me rethinking traditional red and green for next year!! I love the lantern centerpiece and the PIPE!!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      December 5, 2018

      haha ! I know. I just fell in love with Red this year. The pipe was a complete score! Glad to be on another tour with your Martha!

  4. Reply

    The Design Twins

    December 5, 2018

    Amie, You’ve outdone yourself! So many great ideas…I’ve got my pen and paper and am taking notes! And your home is simply dazzling. I don’t have enough words, but congratulations! Now I hope you can slow down and just enjoy all the beauty you’ve created. Blessings, Julie & Jodie

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      December 6, 2018

      Thank you Jodie and Julie! Yes it was a feat to get it all done but now I can relax and enjoy the holidays. Blessings to you both! xo

  5. Reply

    Joan

    December 5, 2018

    WOW!!!! You are incredible Amie! This is spectacular!!! Every Christmas detail is amazing! I will have to scroll through a few times because I don’t want to miss a thing!You are my inspiration, gorgeous job!!!!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      December 6, 2018

      Joan! You are always too kind. Thank you so much and heading over to your home now! love you. xoxo

  6. Reply

    Janine

    December 6, 2018

    Amie,
    You are so talented! I always love reading your posts. Ok, it is decided, can you please paint me a sign? I’m always drooling over your beautiful artwork!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      December 6, 2018

      I’d be happy to! Let’s chat bout what you want. xoxo

  7. Reply

    Jane

    December 6, 2018

    Just beautiful Amie!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      December 6, 2018

      Thank you so much Jane! I hope you all are doing well and Merry Christmas! Give Emily my best. xoxo

  8. Reply

    Taylor

    December 6, 2018

    I really like your blue/green leather? chair in front of the bookcases. Can you share the source?

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      December 6, 2018

      Hi there! It is from Bernhardt Furniture. I am not sure if this same design is still available but I have seen similar in the same color recently from them. Thank you!

  9. Reply

    Jackie

    December 7, 2018

    Amie your home is just lovely all decorated for Christmas. I love the red glass trees on the mantel. So festive and pretty with the garland!

  10. Reply

    Judy

    December 11, 2018

    Amie I love your whimsical and fun red Christmas!! You found the prettiest decor to build on and tied it all together beautifully ❤️ Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday! Xo

  11. Reply

    Margaret MacBeth

    November 17, 2022

    I NEED your sign ALL ROADS LEAD HOME AT CHRISTMAS. Do you have prints available? I love the sentiment, whimsy and Christmas !!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      February 7, 2023

      Hi Margaret! I am so sorry I am just reading your note! I do have prints still available. Let me know if you would want to pick one up or have me send you one. You can email me at memehillstudio@me.com Thank you Amie

Leave a comment

Related Posts

Categories
Never Miss a Post

Never Miss A Post

Sign up for new post notifications