It’s hard to believe but Christmas Decor has been flying off the shelves for weeks now.
Today I’m sharing How to Prepare for Christmas Decorating Now before all the good stuff is gone. This is a collection of lessons & tips that I’ve learned over the years, as well as some great decorating finds that you will love for this year.
Plan Early – To Prepare for Christmas Decorating Now
First, it’s important to decide what you want your décor to look like for the coming holidays. You will want to make a list of colors, styles, etc. In addition, what décor will you use from last year, what are you getting rid of and what needs to be purchased to fill in any gaps.

Things that sell out quickly
Once you have your list, then you need to purchase quickly. I’m always amazed at how quick certain items fly off the shelves. Here is a list of items that will be picked over quickly and it’s best to purchase as soon as you’ve made your decisions.
Holiday Ribbons & Gift Wrap
You will find that ribbons are probably the first to go. Even online stores are selling out of the really cute and unique ribbons. So to prepare for Christmas decorating now and to get what you want, don’t hesitate, order today.
A great tip is to keep craft paper, as well as red and white baker’s string on hand for holiday wrapping because it’s a less expensive way to stretch your holiday budget.
Some Favorites- Click to Shop
Holiday Pillows & Wreaths
A great way to add a new style to your holiday décor is to change out your pillow covers. You will save storage space by purchasing pillow cover’s the size of your current pillows and save money as well.
Click Image to Shop
Prepare for Christmas Dinnerware Now
This is my biggest weakness because of love having a beautiful table for any occasion. When I’m preparing for Christmas decorating, one of the first things I decide is the tableware.
Once again, the really cute items are gone in a flash. It’s always fun to mix and match patterns and this is particularly helpful if your guest list exceeds your number of place setting. Therefore, the answer, just mix up the patterns and have fun with the table.
Bico Ceramics Toile de Jouy has the look of vintage tableware that I love and is available here. In addition, you can see how to make the cutlery pocket napkins here.

Small Christmas Tree to Buy Now
Another item that goes fast during the holiday’s is small trees that are approx. 3 – 4ft. They can be used in so many ways around the house and therefore, they get snatched up very quickly. Here is one of my favorites.
Purchase from Target & HomeGoods Now
It may sound crazy, but places like Target and Home Goods sell out so fast and items will be gone in a blink of the eye! They have the cutest items this year. If you see something that you like, it’s best to buy it and then think about it later. LOL
Click Target Image to SHOP
Shop My Christmas Decor
Here are some photos of my Christmas Décor from years past. You will find that a lot of the items I use are thrift store purchases and vintage items. However, many items are used to fill the spaces.
You can find some of these items here.

Click Image to Shop
Artifical Tree
Yes, this is an artificial tree but you don’t have to forgo the smell of a live tree. I am so impressed with Antique Candle Company’s Holiday Scents. Tree Farm smells just like a live tree. These will sell out fast so don’t miss out.
Balsam Hill Tree Antique Candle co. Tree Farm
Here is a combination of new and old Christmas Décor that blend perfectly and it’s hard to tell what is vintage and what is new. However, those cute vintage looking pieces are popular and therefore, you need to prepare for Christmas Decorating now.

Red Lanterns – Amazon
Click Image to Shop
In addition, the table is filled with thrift store and flea market finds as well as some recently purchased décor. See tips on how to shop thrift stores successfully.
I’ve already started some DIY projects for this year and you can see some of the tutorials on this previous post.

Silent Night Print is my best selling print.
Click Image to Shop
The living area is filled with some many vintage finds. In addition, the tree from Balsam Hill is sitting in a Vintage Grape Gathering Barrel from Europe. To see more about Christmas Decorating see Christmas Past and 15 DIY Christmas Decorations!

Gold Bells on Staircase
Buffalo Plaid Red Pillow Covers
Ticking Stripe Distressed Pillow Cover
Click Image to Shop
The Shiplap Tree
My last post included the instructions to make a shiplap tree like the one you see here. Although most of the tree décor is foraged, a few items were recently purchased and you can see the links below.

Click image to shop
Thanks for stopping by today!

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Erin Cox
Monday 18th of October 2021
All great ideas! And wise to organize early . I just read an article this afternoon that said purchasing artificial trees (of all sizes) could be difficult because of the supply chain backup.
From the Associated Press today:
"For Americans this holiday season, whether they check off one essential item on their Christmas list depends on the global supply shortage.
"Artificial Christmas trees are the latest fallout from the ongoing global supply chain crisis that is causing a massive shipping backlog. James Li, the supplier for National Tree Company in China, says his factory has a backlog of about 150 containers of Christmas trees worth about $3 million waiting to be shipped out. Li said that many ships came to the United States but have not returned from the ports. Because of that, the goods cannot be shipped out."
As always, it's such a pleasure to read your blog.
rahrags@gmail.com
Tuesday 19th of October 2021
Oh thanks so much for sharing. Yes, there are so many supplies will be hard to get.
Debbie
Sunday 10th of October 2021
I love those dishes too!!! Really beautiful and the tree, the silent night print, gorgeous!!
rahrags@gmail.com
Monday 11th of October 2021
Debbie, I'm so glad you like this. Thanks for stopping by.
Ann
Sunday 10th of October 2021
Those red dishes get me every time Rachel such fabulous ideas👏🏻👏🏻
rahrags@gmail.com
Sunday 10th of October 2021
Ann, I love them too. Thanks for stopping by.
Kim | Shiplap and Shells
Monday 2nd of November 2020
What a fabulous blog post Rachel! Thank You for all the great tips to get ready for Christmas!And I love that shiplap tree!
joan
Sunday 1st of November 2020
I love it all! were the wood trees on the table under the Merry Christmas sign a DIY or a purchase?
rahrags@gmail.com
Monday 2nd of November 2020
Joan, Those were a DIY project from last year.