This is such a crazy time of year with all the shopping, decorating, baking, and everything else that comes our way. It’s hard not to get caught up in the moment, cave to the pressure of doing it all and wanting everything to be perfect. Gorgeous decorating doesn’t need to be outrageously elaborate, holiday decorating should be simple and fun.

My personality makes me a minimalist which means I like clean, sleek and simple. I love to find core pieces that fill the house with warmth and coziness that I can keep out well past Christmas. This also helps me justify the spend and fills the dead space until Spring.

I’ve created a list of a few of my favorite holiday decorating go to’s. Add these essential pieces to your after Christmas  shopping list and score them on clearance in the upcoming weeks.

Garland splurge on a few good pieces. Mixing several types of garland and layering them is a simple way to get a unique look. Opt for choosing garlands of different textures, shades and styles.

Trees are a great way to add height and dimension to any space. I like to use small groupings of varying heights, and place them in pots or lanterns throughout the house.  Although, these are Christmasy mine will stay up well into the winter. Why not?

Lanterns mix and match these in a grouping or fill them will candles and greenery, ornaments, or fairy lights. They are great universal decorating pieces for all seasons, inside or out.

Christmas Signs would be in every room in my house if I was smart and stocked up on the great deals after the holidays. Depending on the quote or type of sign you could possibly push the limits and leave them up beyond Christmas.

Pillows are great and simple way to add additional character to a room and make it cozy. They really have no functional purpose, but how can you resist? Think of pillows beyond the couch and bed…put them in baskets, wooden boxes/crates or any place that might need a cozy touch.

Naturals you all know that I’m the crazy lady strolling through the parks or ditches with my clippers in hand picking up branches and whatever catches my eye. Live Christmas tree vendors often have extra clippings that are yours for the asking. That’s free decorations! You don’t want to pass up that deal. Stuff them in pots, add them to table settings or make swags and hang them in the windows. The best part about these is they make your house smell amazing.

Wreaths make any space feel welcoming and inviting. I like to use these everywhere inside and outside my house in different sizes, textures and shapes all year long. Don’t pass up a deal on those cheap plain Christmas wreaths at the end of the year. These make a great inexpensive base to that can be used to build an amazing wreath with additional greenery, pinecones and other elements for next year or even to carry you into Spring.

My other crazy go to obsession is candles. This is my absolute favorite time of year for candle scents. I love the fall/winter cozy smells of cinnamon, caramel, and balsam pine. If I could get away with using a pine scented candle all year long I totally would. There’s magic in the smell of fresh cut Christmas trees. It reminds me of family and the true meaning of the holiday.

Definitely do you and have fun with your decor. Keep it simple and try to find a few core staples that you can incorporate beyond the 25th to tide you over until Spring fever sets in. Take advantage of the great deals after the holidays and stock up on these simple essentials.

Wishing you a blessed holiday season!

Thank you for stopping by today and always!