The holiday season is fast approaching, and there’s no better time to transform your Gerstad home into a festive haven. Whether you’re a proud new homeowner or have been with us for years, decking the halls can bring the magic of the holidays right to your doorstep.

In this post, we’ll share creative and easy holiday decorating ideas that will inspire you to make the most of your space and embrace the spirit of the season. From classic touches to modern twists, these tips will help you create a warm and inviting atmosphere for you to enjoy all season long.

Front Porch and Entryway

Festive Wreaths and Garlands

There is no better place to “deck the halls” this Christmas season than the entryway of your home! Festive wreaths and garlands are sure to showcase cheery spirit as you welcome guests for holiday gatherings. A classic evergreen wreath or garland never goes out of style and will add warmth and nostalgia to your front door. Wreaths and garlands can be attached with a magnetic wreath hanger or 3M hook product for easy removal and no damage to your home. For a modern touch, look for options made with ribbons, ornaments, lights and other whimsical items.

Welcome Mats and Door Décor

Winter weather is a bit messy, but a holiday-themed doormat can help! Coir, jute and rubber materials are all popular choices for outdoor mats. Their abrasive textures keep snow and mud outside as guests step into your home. Find a doormat that reflects the holiday spirit at your local home store.

Lighting the Way

Bright, colorful string lights, lanterns and battery-operated candles bring a cozy, welcoming glow to the front of your home. For a cohesive look, select lighting with similar warmth or colorway amongst warm white, cool white, multi-colored and other offerings.

Living Room Décor

Christmas Tree Styling

Decorate your living room with the pinnacle of holiday spirit: a Christmas tree! It’s important to choose one that fits the layout of your home, considering the height of your ceilings and current furniture configuration. Whether your family visits the tree farm or pulls an artificial tree out of the attic, make plans to decorate it together!

Ornaments come in all shapes and sizes from monochromatic to rustic or traditional, so think about your holiday theme and find what fits your style best. Many families pass ornaments down from generation to generation, so it’s a great time to hang them up and make lasting memories with loved ones.

Mantlepiece Magic

Showcase your collection of merry treasures with a decked-out mantle, layered with stockings, garlands and holiday figurines. It’s also a great spot for scented candles that are sure to captivate the senses during your wintertime gatherings.

Cozy Textiles

As you transition your home for the upcoming season, take time to swap out throw pillows and blankets for ones with festive colors and patterns. Not only will they provide comfort for holiday guests, the pillows and blankets are cozy for late-night Christmas movie marathons and enjoying a cup of eggnog by the fireplace.

Kitchen and Dining Room

Holiday Tablescapes

The dining room is the hub for holiday dinners and the perfect place to incorporate your favorite candles, centerpieces and table runners for guests to admire. With a festive table setting, your dinner party or family gathering will be talked about for years to come. One of the best methods for creating seasonal flair is to use decorative items like poinsettias and holiday-themed dishware. You can even bring out ornate mugs or patterned cloth napkins for a cozy feel.

Bedrooms

Subtle Festive Touches

As you doze off into winter slumber, small, cozy touches like holiday-themed bedding, throw pillows and mini trees on the nightstand add festivity to your bedroom. If you have overnight guests, string fairy lights across the headboard and add flameless candles to the nightstand or candle to provide a peaceful atmosphere that mimics the warmth of home.

Outdoor Spaces

Decorating with Nature

There are so many ways to incorporate an eco-friendly touch with your holiday decorations. Utilize natural elements from your backyard like pinecones, greenery and berries for a pop of color and festive textures on your porch, in the four-seasons room or in entryways.

Light Displays

Looking to win the neighborhood Christmas lights contest? Focus your lighting efforts on trees, bushes, pathways and the exterior edges of your home. Whether you choose classic white lights or go big with color, the front of your home is destined to shine bright this season!

Personalized Touches

DIY Decorations

What better time to DIY than the holidays! The internet is exploding with ideas for easy DIY projects like making ornaments with kids and crafting garlands and wreaths to decorate your foyer and porch. There are also kits at your local arts and crafts store that take away the guesswork of shopping for materials.

Family Traditions

As we mentioned before, the holiday season is best celebrated with family and friends. As you decorate the Christmas tree and gathering spaces, don’t forget to include family heirlooms and homemade crafts for a more personal feel. If your family has any seasonal traditions, embrace them and be sure to share the joy with others, whether it’s caroling, ice skating or attending your city’s Christmas parade.

Sensory Elements

Engage all five senses this season with nostalgic scents and holiday music favorites. For creative centerpieces in the dining area or living room, select natural elements like cinnamon sticks, pinecones or dried oranges that are both visually and aromatically pleasing. Fill your home with hints of peppermint, pine and cinnamon for a warm, festive atmosphere.

Holiday music and sound elements like bells and wind chimes further elevate your home with soft, wintery ambience.

Interested in finding a new place to call home for the holidays? Contact us or call 815- 385-4495 to learn more about our communities in Illinois and Wisconsin.