Best Christmas Decorations to Buy and What to Skip

Your guide to which Christmas decorations are the best to buy and what you should skip this holiday season to create the most cozy and festive home.

The most wonderful time of year is right around the corner, and that means the stores are stocking their shelves with loads of gorgeous Christmas decorations. 

And I don’t know about you, but when I see those fully stocked shelves, I literally find myself oohing and ahhing over all of it. 

The sparkling ornaments, cozy wreaths, Christmas lights…it’s hard not to want to grab everything and toss it all in the cart! 

But as tempting as it is, I’ve learned over the years that not every piece of holiday decor is worth your money. 

Some items might look beautiful in the moment but end up being clutter in the closet or low quality pieces that don’t last beyond one season.

Trust me, I know with so many options available, it’s easy to go overboard on decorations (I’ve done it so many times).

The truth is, not everything on the store shelves deserve a spot in your home. 

Thoughtful choices can make all the difference, helping you create a timeless, inviting living space without clutter or overspending.

So, to help you avoid some of the shopping mistakes I’ve made in the past, here’s my guide on what to buy and what to skip when it comes to cozy Christmas decorations.

What You Can do Before You Begin Shopping for Christmas Decorations

Before we talk about which festive decorations to buy or avoid, it’s important to have a plan before you begin shopping.

I talk about this subject a little more in depth in this Christmas planning blog post.

By taking these few steps ahead of time, you’ll save time, money, storage space (after the holidays), and your home will look beautiful & cohesive during the entire Christmas season.

Decide on a Color Scheme

An easy way to create a cohesive look for your holiday decor is by choosing a color scheme. 

It doesn’t matter if you love a pop of color with reds and greens or a soft neutral color palette, picking a color scheme helps you stay focused and prevents impulse purchases that don’t fit the overall look you want to achieve.

Take Inventory of What You Already Have

This is one of the things I am most guilty of! 

I have a tendency to start buying things before I take stock of the Christmas decorations we already own.

Don’t make the same mistake!

Pull out your storage bins and assess what you have. 

• Do your Christmas lights still work? 
• Are your favorite ornaments in good condition?

This will prevent you from accidentally purchasing duplicates or items you don’t actually need.

Consider the Spaces Your Decorating

Think about the spaces in your home that you’ll be decorating.

• Do you have a large living room that can handle oversized garlands and a big Christmas tree, or are you working with a small space? 
• Are you decorating your entryway table for Christmas or just leaving it styled with year round decor?

Knowing your home’s layout helps you choose the right size and scale for your decorations.

Set a Budget

It’s easy to get carried away when shopping for Christmas decorations, but setting a budget beforehand will help you stay on track. 

Determine how much you’re willing to spend and focus on high-priority items first like a Christmas tree, wreaths, or garlands. 

This way, you can make purchases without the stress of overspending.

Best Christmas Decorations to Invest In

Ok, so now that you know what your holiday color palette is, you’ve gone through the decor you already have, know the spaces you’re decorating for Christmas, and have a budget set…here are the decorations you should focus on buying. 

One. Classic Ornaments

When it comes to Christmas decorating, it’s worth investing in classic, high-quality ornaments that you can use season after season. 

Glass ornaments are one of my favorite options because they come in all sizes, shapes, and colors allowing you to mix and match while keeping your tree looking elegant & timeless.

Think about choosing a set of simple ornaments in neutral tones like gold, silver, or white which can easily adapt to different styles and color schemes year after year. 

Two. Neutral Colors & Versatile Pieces

One of my favorite ways to decorate for Christmas is by choosing decor that can easily transition between seasons. 

Neutral and versatile pieces not only make your home feel festive during the holidays, but they also have the flexibility to be used throughout winter or even year round with a few simple adjustments.

Think of items like natural garlands made from greenery, pine cones, or wood beads. 

These can be dressed up with ribbon or other embellishments for Christmas, and then easily simplified for a more subtle winter look after the holidays. 

Neutral colored throw pillows and blankets in cozy fabrics like wool, flannel, or boucle are perfect for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, and they can stay out well into the colder months without feeling overly festive.

Three. High Quality Greenery

I think one of the best tips I can give you is to invest in good, faux Christmas greenery. 

I have faux greens that I purchased years ago that I still use in our Christmas decorations. It’s something I know I don’t have to look at or buy when I’m out shopping.

What I love about faux greens is that unlike natural greenery that may wither after a few weeks, high-quality artificial garlands, wreaths, and trees can be used season after season, which will save you money in the long run.

One of the best parts about artificial greenery is its versatility. 

You can dress it up with seasonal accents like ribbons, berries, or pine cones to fit your holiday decor, and easily remove those elements to keep the look fresh throughout winter. 

Four. Scented Candles & Flameless Candles

Candles are a Christmas staple…well in our house anyways!

The warm glow of flickering candlelight instantly creates a cozy atmosphere, perfect for holiday gatherings or quiet winter evenings at home.

Scented candles are the perfect way to fill your home with festive fragrances like pine, cinnamon, and vanilla. 

For areas where you want candlelight without the risk of open flames, flameless candles are a great option. 

Battery operated candles look incredibly realistic and can be placed in hard to reach spots like mantels, bookshelves, windowsills, or holiday centerpieces. 

Plus, many flameless candles come with timers, so you can enjoy their glow without having to remember to turn them on or off.

Five. Nostalgic Christmas Decorations

Nostalgic Christmas decorations remind us of past holidays, family traditions, and the joy of the season. 

Investing in nostalgic pieces is a great way to bring warmth and sentimentality to your home decor.

When shopping for nostalgic Christmas decorations, it’s important to choose items that feel meaningful, whether they remind you of holidays from your childhood or are heirloom quality pieces that can be passed down through generations. 

Think of ornaments that tell a story. Maybe ones that represent a favorite vacation or a special family milestone. 

Ornaments, along with items like vintage style stockings or classic nativity sets, add a personal touch to your decor while also standing the test of time.

The beauty of nostalgic decor is its ability to grow with your family. 

Unlike trendy items that may only last a season or two, these pieces have a timeless appeal that can be used year after year.

Other Christmas Decorations to Consider Buying

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Christmas Decorations You Shouldn’t Spend Your Money On

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of holiday shopping, but not all Christmas decorations are worth the investment. 

Here are the decorations you should avoid buying…

One. Overly Themed or Gimmicky Decor

I know it might be tempting to scoop up that “Santa Stops Here” sign or a flashy outdoor display, but stay strong and resist the urge. 

These types of decorations are often overly themed, take up too much storage space, and only work for one season. 

Instead, choose more versatile items that bring holiday cheer in a subtler, longer lasting way.

Two. Cheap, Low Quality Items

It can be tempting to fill your Dollar Store cart with loads of budget friendly decor, but cheap doesn’t always mean cheerful. 

Low quality pieces often break easily, and before you know it, you’ll be tossing them out by the end of the season. 

Instead, focus on buying a few durable, high quality items that will last for many years to come.

Three. Too Much Seasonal Decor

Don’t get me wrong…I love me some seasonal decor! 

However, it’s important to remember not to go overboard with too many seasonal specific items that only come out for a few weeks each year. 

This type of decor can clutter up storage space and often feel like it’s too much stuff. 

Instead, focus on a few key pieces and mix in items that work for multiple seasons.

Four. Trendy Decorations

Every year, there’s a new “it” trend in Christmas decor like a bold color scheme or a quirky theme. 

But trends come and go, and what’s popular this year might look outdated the next. 

Instead, stick to timeless styles that fit your personal aesthetic instead of chasing fleeting trends.

Five. One Time Use Items

Avoid buying decor that can only be used one time, like disposable tableware or paper stars. 

They might seem like an easy solution, but those items don’t offer great value in the long run. 

Instead, opt for reusable or more durable decor that can be stored and used for more than one single year.

Other Christmas Decorations to Stay Away From

When is the best time to start shopping for Christmas decorations?

I’ve found that the best time to begin shopping for Christmas decorations is as early as possible. That means sometimes as early as September or early October.

Starting early allows you to grab the items you want before they sell out. 

Retailers begin stocking their shelves with holiday decor during this time, and shopping early not only helps you avoid the November/December rush, but also gives you the opportunity to get into the holiday spirit and thoughtfully plan your budget.

What decorations are needed for Christmas?

When it comes to holiday decorating, there are what I consider 10 essential items that you’ll want to create that festive and cozy atmosphere in your home. 

What is the best way to store Christmas decorations so that they’re ready to use next year?

First, invest in sturdy, clear plastic bins with tight fitting lids to keep out moisture and dust.

Label each bin clearly to identify the contents easily, such as “Ornaments,” “Lights,” or “Wreaths”.

For fragile items like glass ornaments, use tissue paper or bubble wrap to wrap them individually. You can also place them in egg cartons or divided boxes for extra protection.

When it comes to string lights, wrap them around a piece of cardboard or a dedicated light storage reel to prevent tangling.

For artificial greenery, store it in specialized wreath storage containers to maintain its shape.

Finally, keep all your decorations in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, since heat and humidity can damage many materials.

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I look forward to sharing more of my home with you and inspiring you to have a well loved home! 

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xoxo, heidi

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