One of the most special days of the holiday season is when I get to break out my three huge Tupperware containers stocked with holiday and seasonal decor. (Note, that does not include my two separate containers filled with ornaments, all of which must make it onto one of my two trees. Check out the photos below from our “Griswold-style” hunt at a local tree farm!)
I’ve been accumulating my holiday favorites for over a decade when I first began decorating my college apartments for Christmas. I do my best each year to stop myself from spending more and more, but it can be tough with how festive, fun and bright the options have been!
I’ve combed several stores to find my favorite picks for this year’s Christmas pieces to make your holiday gathering sparkle and shine. I have options for those looking to decorate on a budget and pricier alternatives meant to last for years to come.
Happy Holiday Decorating!
FABRIC and TEXTILES
STOCKINGS–SPLURGE
I first purchased Pottery Barn’s velvet stockings when C.D. and I moved in together in 2010. Since our family has grown, we’ve added plaid stockings for each of the girls (Mizzy included). These stockings are a perfect size, come in a thick fabric and feature each of our names for personalization.
STOCKINGS–SAVE
These classic plaid stockings from Target’s “Hearth and Hand” line (yes, that’s Chip and Jo Jo’s Target exclusive) are of good quality, feel traditional and are more affordable than Pottery Barn’s line.
TOSS PILLOWS–SPLURGE
Crate and Barrel’s holiday toss pillows provide equal parts coziness and cuteness. This snowman pillow can be used for the holidays and into the remainder of the winter season.
TOSS PILLOWS–SAVE
Target’s holly, jolly Snowman pillow has retro styling with a soft texture. AND, it’s nearly a fourth of the price of the C&B pillow.
ENTERTAINING
WINE GLASSES–SPLURGE
It wouldn’t be the holidays without a little imbibing. I mean, who can really make it through the mess of Christmas morning without a mimosa or early start on your favorite wine? I digress…
These hand-painted wine glasses from Hallmark are fun and festive and worth “testing out” for years to come.
WINE GLASSES–SAVE
Pier 1 has always been my go-to for darling Christmas entertaining glassware, including those I gift to others. This Pier 1 stemless wine glass series features cheeky Santa-esque sayings.
PLATTER–SPLURGE
This platter from Nordstrom keeps it clean and simple, putting the focus on the dish. Its simplicity also makes it nice and complimentary to any existing seasonal dishware.
PLATTER–SAVE
At Home’s “Happy Holidays” platter is cheery and contemporary. The gold accents would be a nice addition to anyone’s holiday tabletop.
KITCHEN TOWELS–SPLURGE
Crate and Barrel has a great range of seasonal towels to choose from, but I’ve always enjoyed the retro holiday cars series. For $7.95, you’ll get one kitchen tea towel.
KITCHEN TOWELS–SAVE
Kohl’s is always a great place to check out for reasonably priced Christmas items. Kohl’s set of retro Christmas car towels comes with a set of five kitchen towels for $9.99.
CANDLES–SPLURGE(ISH)
Whether you have a real tree in your home or not, it wouldn’t feel “Christmas” without the scent of fresh pine. My absolute favorite places to shop for the most true-to-life scented candles is Yankee Candle or Bath & Body Works. Both candles aren’t exactly “cheap,” but they are worth their prices. The candles last and their smells create a sense of warming invitation when you step through the door.
MUSIC–SPLURGE
No holiday gathering would be complete without the sounds of classic Christmas songs playing in the background. The Sonos PLAY:1 Compact Speaker belts out the tunes without any harsh acoustics.
MUSIC–SAVE
Want a more compact music option that does more than just fill your room with holiday cheer? The Amazon Echo Dot (second generation) is now available at a price you can’t beat ($30!). This mini version of the Echo comes standard with the “Alexa” technology, allowing you to order from Amazon, make calls, create shopping lists, check the weather and more.
Looking for more holiday decor ideas or perhaps giftables? Check out these other goodies that shouldn’t be overlooked!
Keep the kiddos on their best behavior and entertained at the dinner table with this paper Snowman table runner.
Don’t just whip up the tried and true cocktails this holiday season. Check out the “Cocktails for the Holidays” book for seasonally relevant libations.
I love wine. I love being gifted wine. And I’d REALLY LOVE getting a gifted bottle of wine in this adorable, lighted Reindeer wine bag from Pier 1.
Speaking of wine, jazz up your bar display with this LED Santa Wine Bottle Stopper.
Let your little ones have some fun by calling Santa directly from his Candy Cane Telephone.
Help the kids wind down for the night or set a holiday party atmosphere with classic Christmas movies.
