How to Prepare for Christmas Decorating Now (Including Early DIY Projects)
Although it’s early fall, now is the time to start preparing for Christmas decorating. If you love creating unique, handcrafted decor as I do, waiting until the last minute only leads to holiday stress. By gathering materials, prepping early DIY projects, and getting organized now, decorating your home later will be a breeze. Today, I’m sharing the exact lessons and planning tips that allow me to relax and enjoy the holiday season instead of frantically finishing decorating at the last minute! Let’s get prepared now.
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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? Don’t forget to get your craft supplies too.
If you are crafty, there are two reasons to plan any DIY decorations now.
- Holiday craft supplies sell out quickly.
- Completing your Christmas crafts now will allow you to enjoy the season and get your decorating done early.
Insider Tip – Helpful Storage Tip
Proper storage of seasonal decor will help you to quickly identify items in your storage bins. These Seasonal Storage Ideas can save so much time as you start planning this year’s decorations. With this storage solution, I can quickly identify what’s in each storage container without needing to pull everything out. In addition, you will avoid unnecessary or duplicate purchases.
Christmas Decor 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.
- Christmas trees, including twinkle lights and tree decorations
- Gift Wrap, Ribbons & Bows
- Christmas Pillow Covers
- Holiday Wreaths
- Greenery Garlands
- Christmas dishes and tableware
- Paper plates and napkins for entertaining
Christmas Trees to Buy Now
One of the fastest-selling decorations is artificial Christmas trees. The best quality trees for the best price will not be available in November. Many companies are selling at a discount now. Christmas lights are also selling fast. I just received these great mini-light strands and can’t wait to add them to my tree.
I just received my new tree for this year, and I’m loving the quality and size. You can see current sale prices at King of Christmas Trees.
In addition to full-size trees, small trees that are approx. 3- 4 ft. are snapped up in the blink of an eye. They are so popular because they can be used in many ways around the house.
You can see how I’ve used small trees to decorate my front porch, and here’s a look at my bare tree for this year.
Resources: Shop This Post
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.
Resources: Shop This Post
Some Favorites- Click here to Shop
Holiday Pillows, Wreaths, and Greenery Garlands
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 Holiday Pillows
Quality Christmas wreaths and garlands are going fast. Last year I needed an additional garland, and the one I had ordered earlier in the season was sold out. Shop early for the best quality.
Resources: Shop Christmas Wreaths & Garlands
Prepare for Christmas Dinnerware Now
This is my biggest weakness because I 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 Christmas Dinnerware
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 This Post
DIY Christmas Projects To Create Now
Before I can begin to decorate, I have to get my new DIY decor projects completed. Here are a few that you should start now so you are ready to deck the halls early this year.
How To Bleach Pinecones
One of my favorite projects from last year was bleached pinecones. I used them on my mantel, staircase banister, and dining table. Although I saved mine from last year, I am currently bleaching more for this year. Wait until you see how I plan to use them.
The process is easy, but a little time-consuming due to drying time, so I recommend getting started now. Here are the step-by-step instructions for bleaching pinecones.
DIY Clay Ornaments
I love making ornaments from air-dry clay. These projects also require drying time and can be a little messy. It’s a good idea to get them out of the way early, so they are ready to add to your tree.
The small clay gingerbread house ornaments were the perfect addition to the small tree on my kitchen island. See the full details at Air-Dry Clay Gingerbread House Ornaments
The Shiplap Tree
Our wooden shiplap tree has been decorated for all seasons, but it was originally designed for Christmas. Here are the instructions on how to make a shiplap tree, similar to the one you see here. Most of the tree décor is foraged, but a few items are more recent purchases.
How To Update Thrift Store Christmas Decor
Another great money-saving tip is to look for Christmas decor in thrift stores. However, some of the items may need some tender loving care or a full makeover. Start looking now for holiday decor so that you have time to update it and have it ready for decorating. Here are some items to look for.
- Old Holiday Wreaths
- Nativity Scenes
- Holiday statues or figurines
- Christmas Villages & Houses
- Vintage ornaments
- Small Christmas trees
Nativity Scene Makeovers
I’m always looking for more Nativity scenes to add to my collections. Here are a few that I updated recently, and I’m looking for more this year. See Give Thrifted Nativity Scenes A Modern Update for all three makeovers.
Outdated Snowmen Makeover
I found two snowmen that were in outdated colors, but with a little paint and glitter, they look like high-end, boutique-worthy holiday decor. See the full details at Easy Thrifted Snowmen Upcycle.
Resources: Shop Christmas Decor
Decorating With New and Thrifted Christmas Decor
My Christmas decorating style is a combination of new and old Christmas Décor with a lot of DIY projects. I strive for the old and new to blend perfectly, making it hard to tell what is vintage and what is new. However, cute vintage decor and unique pieces are trending now. These latest holiday trends are sure to sell out quickly, so be sure to grab your favorites before they are gone.
Thrift stores are beginning to add 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.
To see more about Christmas Decorating, see Christmas Past and 15 DIY Christmas Decorations!
Thanks for stopping by today
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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!
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.