Avoid These Holiday Decorating Blunders: Tips From the Experts

Transforming your home into a festive wonderland doesn't have to be a stressful ordeal. With some forethought, you can ensure your holiday decorating is enjoyable and uncomplicated.

To help, we consulted with interior design professionals who shared insights on frequent decorating pitfalls. Their advice will help keep your home organized, safe, and brimming with holiday cheer.

The Pitfall of a Missing Theme: Creating a Cohesive Look

Collecting new decorations is exhilarating, but without a unifying theme, your decor might lack harmony. Avoid overwhelming your space by selectively choosing pieces that fit a clear vision.

Designer Linda Hayslett advises against displaying all decorations annually. This strategy not only keeps your space curated but provides flexibility to refresh your look in subsequent years.

Lack of a System: Organizing for Effortless Decorating and Cleanup

A strategic approach to storing decorations can streamline both the decorating and takedown phases. Consider clustering similar ornaments by category, such as color, and labeling them for easy access.

Hayslett emphasizes the ease of retrieval with color-coded storage: green and red for Christmas, black and orange for Halloween, and brown and yellow for Thanksgiving.

Fireplace Hazards: Keeping Decorations Safe from Flames

Positioning decorations like live trees and garlands too close to a working fireplace poses a fire risk. To mitigate this, designer Jennifer Beget suggests using battery-operated candles for ambiance without danger.

Outdated Decor: Recognizing When It’s Time for Retirement

Distinguish between cherished vintage pieces and outdated decor past its prime. Faded ornaments can make your space look tired. Beget advises acknowledging when an item has reached the end of its lifecycle.

Pet Safety: Protecting Your Furry Friends During Festivities

Pets are naturally curious, and holiday ornaments can be irresistible. To prevent accidents, adapt your decor strategy, such as placing pet-friendly ornaments lower on the tree or setting up a mini tree elsewhere as a diversion.

Hayslett also suggests distributing decorations evenly to avoid toppling hazards, especially for pets prone to mischief.

Light Timers: Saving Time and Reducing Energy Costs

Manually managing holiday lights can be cumbersome. Beget recommends using timers to automate lights, offering convenience and cutting energy costs.

This method not only eases the burden during inclement weather but also contributes to a lighter utility bill.