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.

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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
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.
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.
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.
Purchase from Target & HomeGood Now
It may sound crazy, but places like Target and Home Good sell out so fast and items will be gone in a blink of the eye! If you see something there that you like, it’s best to buy it and then think about it later. LOL
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.

Christmas Is Not Cancelled Fund Raiser
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– The picture perfect @balsamhill Christmas tree, decked out with @balsamhill ornaments, tree topper, and skirt- A @balsamhill wreath – Dinner for the whole family – @Fabfitfun winter box- A basket of toys from @greentoys- The ultimate Hallmark movie watching kit- PLUS $1,500 cash + more!”
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.

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.

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.

Gold Bells on Staircase
Believe Christmas Pillow
Ticking Stripe Distressed Pillow Cover
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.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Your support and comments mean so much to me. I look forward to sharing my next project and adventure with you!
Rachel
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Thank you, Rachel, for the wonderful tips, and gorgeous, festive finds. Your ship lap tree is amazing. Happy Halloween!
Miche,
Thanks for stopping by.
Rachel
Love your festive finds!
Stacy,
Thanks for stopping by.
Rachel
I love it all! were the wood trees on the table under the Merry Christmas sign a DIY or a purchase?
Joan,
Those were a DIY project from last year.
What a fabulous blog post Rachel! Thank You for all the great tips to get ready for Christmas!And I love that shiplap tree!