How to Prepare for Christmas Decorating Now
It’s hard to believe, but now is the time to start preparing for Christmas decorating. Now is the time to save money and get the best deals before all the good stuff is gone. I’m sharing a collection of lessons and tips that I’ve learned over the years, as well as some great decorating finds you’ll love this year. It’s hard to believe, but Christmas Decor has already been flying off the shelves for weeks. So let’s get prepared today!
Plan Early – To Prepare for Christmas Decorating Now
First, deciding what you want your décor to look like for the coming holidays is important. You will want to create a list of colors, styles, and other details. 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?
(Posts on The Ponds Farmhouse may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See the full disclosure details here.)
Helpful Storage Tip
This Seasonal Storage Idea has helped me identify what’s stored in each container without having to pull everything out. This helps to avoid unnecessary or duplicate purchases.
Things That Sell Out Quickly
Once you have your list, you need to purchase quickly. I’m always amazed at how fast certain items fly off the shelves. Here’s a list of items that will be picked over quickly; it’s best to purchase them as soon as you’ve made your decisions.
- Gift Wrap, Ribbons & Bows
- Christmas Pillow Covers
- Holiday Wreaths
- Christmas dishes and tableware
- Paper plates and napkins for entertaining
- Christmas Trees
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 get what you want, don’t hesitate to order today.
A great tip is to keep craft paper and red and white baker’s twine on hand for holiday wrapping, as it’s a less expensive way to stretch your holiday budget.
Some Favorites- Click to Shop
Resources: Shop This Post
Holiday Pillows & Wreaths
Changing your pillow covers is a great way to add a new style to your holiday décor. You will save storage space by purchasing pillow covers the size of your current pillows and save money.
Resources: Shop Favorite Pillows & Wreaths
Prepare for Christmas Dinnerware Now
This is my biggest weakness because of love having a beautiful table for any occasion. When preparing for Christmas decorating, one of the first things I decide on 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 settings. Therefore, the answer, 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. Additionally, you can learn how to create the cutlery pocket napkins here.
Resources: Shop Tableware
Paper Products: Plates, Napkins, Etc.
If you are planning to entertain during the holidays, paper products are a must. Depending on the size of the gathering you plan, it can be challenging to purchase enough of the same patterned supplies. So, plan your parties ahead of time and stock up on your favorite paper products.
Resources: Shop Paper Products For Christmas
Small Christmas Tree to Buy Now
Another item that goes fast during the holidays is small trees that are approx. 3 – 4ft. They can be used in many ways around the house; therefore, they get snatched up very quickly. Here is one of my favorites.
Resources: Shop Christmas Trees
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 the blink of an eye! They have the cutest things this year. If you see something 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 many of the items I use are thrift store purchases and vintage items. However, many things are used to fill the spaces.
You can find some of these items here.
Resources: Shop Christmas Decor
Vintage Artificial Tree
Yes, this is an artificial tree, but you can still give your home a vintage feel. I love the space between the branches because it feels like a tree we might have foraged in the woods around our property.
New and Thrifted Christmas Decor
Here is a combination of new and old Christmas Décor that blends perfectly; it’s hard to tell what is vintage and what is new. However, those cute vintage-looking pieces are popular; therefore, you must prepare for Christmas Decorating now. These latest looks for Christmas are sure to sell out quickly, so be sure to grab your favorites before they are gone.
Red Lanterns
In addition, the table is filled with thrift store and flea market finds as well as some recently purchased décor. Thrift stores will soon begin adding their holiday decorations. As soon as people begin to pull out their decorations, they will start donating what they don’t plan to use. Stop by often to find a slightly used treasure to make your holiday decor unique. 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 in this previous post.
Silent Night Print is my best-selling print.
The living area is filled with 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!
If you are looking for Christmas Tree Ideas, I shared these 37 Tree Inspirations for 2022.
Resources: Shop Christmas Decor
The Shiplap Tree
My last post included instructions on how to make a shiplap tree, similar to 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.
Additional Christmas Planning Ideas From My Blogging Friends
- 7 Simple Ways To Get Ready For Christmas Now – Midwest Life & Style
- More Ways To Prepare Your Home For Christmas – Eleanor Rose Home
- DIY Home Projects To Get Ready For Christmas – Noting Grace
- Christmas Home Decor – Bungalow 47
- Storage and Organization – The Tatterpew
- A Guide To Begin Christmas Planning in July – Shiplap and Shells
- Christmas Prep – Returning Grace
Thanks for stopping by today!
Pin It To Remember It
Did you find some great ideas you’d like to save for future reference? To save, hover over the images and pin to your favorite Pinterest Boards when you see the PIN button in the upper left-hand corner.
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!
Those red dishes get me every time Rachel such fabulous ideas👏🏻👏🏻
Ann,
I love them too. Thanks for stopping by.
I love those dishes too!!!
Really beautiful and the tree, the silent night print, gorgeous!!
Debbie,
I’m so glad you like this. Thanks for stopping by.
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.
Oh thanks so much for sharing. Yes, there are so many supplies will be hard to get.
Love love your decor..love that long file in the picture! Oh that shiplap tree is so adorable! Enjoy the holidays!
Kathy,
Thanks for your kind words and encouragement. I look forward to sharing more next week.
Rachel,
Great post and so true that you have to grab decorations for Christmas when you see them and when they first come out before they fly off the shelves!! I especially love thise dishes!! Thanks so much for sharing!!
hugs,
Deb
Debbie,
I appreciate you for commenting. Have a great November
Rachel I love ur style and I also can’t wait for Christmas decorating!!! I bought a new tree in the summer and I thrifted a cool cupboard to decorate for the holidays. Focusing on Jesus the reason for the season is very important for our family. Looking forward to ur emails and Youtube videos 🙂
Blessings
Sue,
I appreciate this so much. Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks, Rachel.
Do you know where I can purchase the green Christmas poster on your wall above a table, next to your Christmas tree?
Thanks for all of your creative works! Sandra
Sandra,
I got that at The Family Roost several years ago and haven’t seen one since.
I’ve already started ordering a few things- now you’ve given me more ideas! Thanks and have a great week.
Donna,
I’m so glad you found this helpful. It’s amazing how quickly summer goes by and in a flash, it’s the holidays. Thank you for stopping by.