10 5-Minute or Less Decorating Ideas: Christmas Magic In A Hurry

Are you feeling the stress of Christmas fast approaching? Maybe the house isn’t decorated, and time is running out. Don’t let the stress of decorating ruin your holiday season. I have 10 quick, easy ideas to make your home festive, and they’ll take 5 minutes or less. This year, skip the stress with these simple Christmas decorating ideas.

I know you are probably saying, but what about all the DIY Christmas decorations you’ve been sharing? Well, to be honest, I am running out of time too. I hope you’ve been able to make some of my ideas, but as the time draws close, it’s more important to relax and enjoy the season than to make another Christmas tree. Am I right? So as my annual Christmas party is fast approaching, I had to put away my hot glue gun and glitter and get this house ready for a festive party. Let me share a few ways to add Christmas magic quickly.

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1. Tie A Bow On It

This is the year of the bow. They are everywhere, and that’s good news for you! Grab some ribbon and tie a few bows to add a festive touch to your home. I’m using soft velvet ribbons around the farmhouse and on my packages. To add a splash of color and a festive touch, tie a bow around a lamp base, light fixtures, or over the top of an art piece.

The addition of the bow will instantly create a festive feeling in all areas of your home.

This year, I used faux greenery wreaths and added velvet bows for a quick and easy front door decoration. So quick and simple, but stunning and unique. You can see all the simple front porch Christmas decorations here.

2. Add Candles For Simple Christmas Decorating Ideas

Candlelight is a great way to cozy up your home for the holidays. Scatter candles all around your house for simple Christmas decorating ideas. If possible, I recommend using battery-operated flicker candles for safety. There are so many options, from pillars to tea lights, that look authentic. I’ve also added flicker pinecone candles to the kitchen island and open shelves for a cozy holiday look.

Candles in safe jars are also an option. Plus, they come in holiday fragrances that make your home smell wonderful.

3. Dim the Lights

Another great idea is to dim the lights. Replace light bulbs with lower-wattage bulbs, or use a dimmer. Keeping the lights low creates a warm atmosphere; your guests will only notice the flickering candles and twinkling lights. It will not matter whether every surface is decorated.

Did you know it’s super easy to add dimmers to your light switches? You just purchase one of these kits and remove the switch plate cover, follow the easy instructions, and ta-da, you have light dimmers.

• Light Switch Dimmer Kits

4. Put An Ornament On It

There is something about a simple Christmas ornament that will transform any ordinary item into a festive holiday decoration. Here are a few ideas for using ornaments to add Christmas magic quickly.

• Hang an ornament over a wall plate.
• Add ornaments to candlestick holders.
• Put an ornament in a bud vase.
• Fill a bowl with ornaments.
• Add ornaments to bows on garlands or anything you’ve tied a bow onto.
• Tuck a few ornaments into existing arrangements for simple Christmas decorating ideas.

5. Light A Bare Tree

Don’t have time to trim the tree? Leave it bare! Yes, a simple evergreen tree can look amazing with the right amount of twinkle lights—no ornaments required. Consider adding more lights or clip-on candle lights if you have a pre-lit tree. If you can’t help yourself, add just a few ornaments for a simple tree. It will only take you minutes to create a stunning tree.

This year, I added clip-on candle lights to the porch shiplap tree with an old birdhouse topper.

6. Cozy Up Sofas and Chairs

Creating a cozy spot to sit and talk with family and friends is as easy as layering your sofas and chairs with throw blankets and pillows. They don’t have to be themed for a simple Christmas decorating idea. Consider using neutral beige, greens, or blues. If you don’t use pillows, layer two blankets to add texture and color to the sofa.

In addition to pillows, you can add soft snowmen or Santas to your seating area to instantly add a holiday touch.

7. Fill Vases and Containers With Natural Evergreens

The quickest and cheapest way to decorate for Christmas is with natural evergreens. They don’t have to be arranged perfectly or made into a wreath. Gather your clippings into vases, planters, baskets, and other containers to add a festive touch both inside and outside your home.

If you don’t have access to evergreens, stop by a local tree farm. Most will allow you to fill a basket with the trimmings from the trees they have sold. Although I’ve heard of some charging for the clippings, it’s rare. Always check with the owner first.

These vintage ironstone pitchers look like Christmas when filled with evergreen boxwood clippings.

8. Gather From Nature

In addition to greenery, gather pine cones, berries, and other natural elements to decorate your home for the holidays. Large pinecones look good standing alone or grouped. You can tuck them into baskets of greenery or fill a container with just pinecones. I’ve even added them to the candlesticks for holiday cheer.

9. Make Your House Smell Like Christmas

One of the simplest Christmas decorating ideas is making your home smell like Christmas. The scent of spices, evergreens, and baking cookies will instantly fill your home with a holiday vibe. So heat up the stove and create instant Christmas magic. Put a simmer pot on the burner with cider, cinnamon, cloves, and oranges. Or buy some cookie dough and quickly bake up a batch. They don’t have to be homemade to make your home smell wonderful.

10. Bring Fresh Herbs Into The House

Finally, I always add fresh herbs to vases and tuck them into arrangements when I have company coming. They add an instant, refreshing scent that lasts for days when decorating for the holidays. I like rosemary and sage because they grow in my garden and stay looking fresh for weeks.

Pull out bud vases and fill them with water and herbs. Then, use them in bathrooms, bedrooms, and the kitchen to instantly refresh the air and add holiday charm.

Make these cute rosemary trees. They take only minutes to assemble, and you can use twigs from your yard and teacups or small clay pots to hold them upright. See the full tutorial at DIY Mini Rosemary Christmas Trees.

Bonus Tip

Many stores have already started reducing their Christmas decorations. Now is a good time to pop in and grab some last-minute deals to add to this year’s decorations. Check out all these Holiday Decor Ideas.

Simple Christmas Decorating Ideas To Reduce Stress

Today’s simple Christmas decorating ideas will help you to reduce the stress of the holiday season. Let’s remember what the season is about. So take a deep breath and embrace your home as it is. Add small touches where you can and enjoy time with your family and friends. Have a blessed and festive holiday!

Merry Christmas!