The Ultimate Christmas Decorating Checklist Part 1 – Indoor Locations
Now that the holidays are here, Christmas decorating is in fully swing. We know from personal experience how easy it is to lose track of everything between wrestling trees around, replacing bulbs on light strings, and bringing countless boxes down from storage. But it doesn’t have to be all frustration and tangled wires. Let us give you a helping hand this year with the ultimate checklist of all things Christmas decorating related. In this first part, also available as a printer friendly PDF, we’ll cover everything need to get the inside of your house in the holiday spirit.
Living Rooms
Living rooms are the main focal point of Christmas decorations in the home. It’s where everyone gathers on Christmas morning to see what Santa brought. The Christmas tree will be center of attention. If you don’t have the space for a tree, there are several alternative ways you can decorate.
Greenery
Christmas Trees
Ornaments
Beaded Garland
Tinsel Garland
Tinsel
Tree skirt
Tree flocking
Candy Canes
Tree Topper
Christmas Teardrops Swag
Props
Christmas-themed Canvas Prints
Holiday Wall Stickers
Advent Calendar
Christmas Card Holder or Display
Decorative Pillows
Decorative Throws
Cardboard Painted Fireplace
Lights
Helpful Tip – If you have decided to flock your tree this year, set up outside or in a space that is large enough to allow you to easily move around the tree. Work from top to bottom, coating small sections at the time to ensure a more natural looking appearance.
Mantels
After the Christmas tree, mantels are the next focal-point of a room. If you don’t have a fireplace, don’t worry. Mount garland to the wall to hang stockings from or decorate floating shelves. If you don’t have outlets nearby, take advantage of battery operated lights.
Greenery
Bows
Ornaments
Poinsettias
Bells
Candy Canes
Holly Branches
Pine Cones
Wreath Hanger
Bows
Ornaments
Bells
Holly Branches
Candy Canes
Pine Cones
Props
Stockings
Decorative Stocking Hooks
Mantle Scarfs
Ceramic Christmas Village
Nutcrackers and Soldiers
Snow Globes
LED Pillar Candles
Candle Holders
Candle Lanterns and Cages
Lights
LED or Incandescent Mini Lights
C6 or C7 Christmas Light Strings
Battery Operated Christmas Lights
Lighted Ribbon
Micro Light Stringers
Snow Blankets
Helpful Tip – Ornament hooks aren’t just for trees. These hooks can be used to secure ornaments and other decorations to wreaths and garland. Just make sure you hang from the greenery and not the string lights’ wire.
Stairs
Another beautiful focal point is your stairs. Garland and lights draped along banisters brings out a timeless look that makes an excellent backdrop for family photos. Reduce tripping hazards by limiting the number of decorations sitting on the steps. Incorporate larger decorations by setting them off to the sides of the stairs or hanging them on the wall.
Greenery
Christmas Garland
Christmas Teardrops Swag
Small Decorative Trees or Topiaries
Props
Candle Lanterns and Cages
Potted Poinsettias
Stockings
Lights
LED or Incandescent Mini Lights
C6 or C7 Christmas Light Strings
Commercial Stringers
LED or Incandescent C7 Replacement Bulbs
Battery Operated Lights
Lighted Ribbon
Micro Light Stringers
Rope Light
Snow Blanket
Fun Tip – Look for festive stair stickers (a variation on wall stickers) to attach to your stair risers. These stickers can have joyful words or create holiday images.
Tables
Coffee tables provide additional surfaces that can be decorated in your living room. Avoid placing bulky decorations on tables that get a lot of use. End tables are good spots for ceramic villages, and other tabletop decorations that would be in the way on other tables.
Greenery
Small Wreaths
Miniature Decorative Trees
Props
Ceramic Christmas Village
Tabletop Decorative Figurines
Snow Globes
Candy Bowls
LED Pillar Candles
LED Tea Lights
Candle Holders
Candle Lanterns and Cages
Lights
Battery Operated Christmas Lights
Micro Light Stringers
Lighted Ribbon
Snow Blanket
Table Cloths
Table Runners
Centerpiece
Fun Craft Idea - Create a lovely centerpiece using a small wreath, battery operated Christmas lights, lighted ribbon, and battery operated candles.
Doorways, Entryways, and Lobbies
Decorated doors and entryways provide a welcoming feel during the holidays and can give visitors a small preview of your decorations inside. Mistletoe and holly make great additions to greenery. Tie cinnamon sticks or vanilla beans into garland and wreaths for a delightful smell. Hang sleigh bells to door handles to jingle whenever someone enters.
Greenery
Wreaths
Christmas Garland
Christmas Trees
Mistletoe
Poinsettias
Props
Nutcracker and Toy Soldier Props
Sleigh Bells
Lights
LED Mini Lights
Incandescent Mini Strings
C6, C7, and C9 Christmas Light Strings
Novelty Light Strings
Commercial Stringers
LED or Incandescent C7 and C9 Replacement Bulbs
Battery Operated Christmas Lights
Micro Light Stringers
Rope Light
Helpful Tip – Not sure which lights to use with your tree, wreath or mantle? Read through our six-part Ultimate Christmas Light Guide!
Windows, French Doors, and Sliding Glass Doors
Decorating windows and glass doors can be a lot of fun. Mount garland over the top or place on outdoor sills and windows boxes. If you have over-the-window shelves or an enclosed valance, place smaller props like nutcrackers along with your regular decorations. Window clings and other decorations can be attached to directly to the glass. Another quick decorating idea is to use ribbon to hang ornaments or snowflakes from your curtain rods.
Greenery
Wreaths
Christmas Garland
Props
LED or Incandescent Window Silhouettes
Window Candles
LED Pillar Candles
Candle Holders
LED Cages and Lantern
Window Projectors
Christmas Bows
Nutcrackers and Soldiers
Lights
LED or Incandescent Mini Lights
C6, C7, and C9 Christmas Light Strings
Novelty Light Strings
Commercial Stringers
LED or Incandescent C7 and C9 Replacement Bulbs
Battery Operated Christmas Lights
Micro Light Stringers
Rope Light
Spray Snow
Spray Ice
Window Clings
Window Covers
Helpful Tip – Take some of the mess out of spray snow by using stencils. After the holidays, use a windows scraper to remove as much of the snow as possible before spraying glass cleaner. Soapy water and a bristle brush will help remove any snow stuck to concrete and other surfaces.
Kitchens and Dining Rooms
Kitchens and dining rooms are fun areas to decorate since you are most likely creating a beautiful table display with the centerpiece as the focus. For an extra splash of holiday cheer, decorate around your cabinets. Go for a quirky look by hanging chili pepper lights or try the more traditional route with garland.
Greenery
Christmas Garland
Wreaths
Props
Tinsel Garland
LED Pillar Candles
Candle Holders
Candle Lanterns and Cages
Centerpieces
Lights
LED Mini Lights
Incandescent Mini Strings
C6, C7, and C9 Christmas Light Strings
Novelty Light Strings
Commercial Stringers
LED or Incandescent C7 and C9 Replacement Bulbs
Battery Operated Christmas Lights
Micro Light Stringers
Rope Light
Table cloths
Table runners
Placements
Napkins
Decorative Napkin Rings
Chair Covers
Fun Tip – Decorate your boats, campers, and cars too with 12 Volt LED Christmas lights! These lights plug into a 12V DC power outlet or cigarette lighter.
Accessories
Now that you have all of the lights and decorations out of the way, make sure you have the clips, timers, and cords to make them work. These are all the little items that you don’t realize you’ve forgotten at the very last minute.
Lights
Miscellaneous Accessories
Storage Spools for Lights
Tree Stand for Real Tree
Floral Wire
Zip Ties
Are there decorations that we left off the list? Leave your suggestions and tips in the comments below. Find more Christmas decorating tips by following our Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Pinterest pages.
