We put together this quick and easy holiday decorating video before our tree was completely finished (we shared the tree last week), but since we like to keep things in order, we thought it made more sense to publish this follow-up decorating video after the first tree installment. Good things come to those who wait, right? So here’s a short video (with plenty of belly for those on bump watch) showing how to decorate every nook and cranny of your home for the season on the cheap and in no time. Best part: we used items we already had around the house, so we spent nothing extra this year on these holiday accessories. You can watch it in the embedded player below:
If you can’t watch the video right now, here’s a concise recap. We started with the mantel: inexpensive stocking holders paired with neutral stockings customized with simple DIY name tags, then flanked the arrangement with silver candlesticks topped with shiny ornaments. This keeps the mantel festive without crowding the fireplace with too many lit candles.
Instead of lighting many candles in the fireplace, we added color and sparkle by placing ornaments on top of candlesticks. It’s an easy swap that reads elegant and requires no flame.
For the stockings, we hung neutral Tar-jay stockings on inexpensive $5 stocking holders and attached a 20-cent sparkly green snowflake ornament with a homemade name tag. I cut cardstock into tags, punched a hole, tied a loop of twine, and hand-lettered each name. It’s quick, inexpensive, and avoids costly monogramming.
On the sofa we swapped ivory and cream pillows for green silk ones we already owned (picked up at TJ Maxx previously). The green ties into the mantel and nearby console and complements our citrus-themed tree. We layered a green throw with playful fringe and a faux sheepskin rug over the back of the sofa to add plush texture—decor that feels luxe without being overtly Christmassy.
We’re also not above stuffing ornaments into any glass vessel we own. Filling glass-based lamp bases with silver ornaments creates a simple, stunning effect and is a low-effort way to brighten a room.
A practical tip: store the specific ornaments for each lamp in labeled zip-top bags—e.g., “lamp base #1” and “lamp base #2”—so decorating becomes autopilot each year. You can also fill lamp bases with painted pinecones, faux snowballs, black-and-white photos, or clipped pine boughs to change the look seasonally.
We enjoy giving our faux animals a seasonal touch, so we tied a ribbon from a previous gift around Mr. Dog’s neck—about thirty seconds and he’s holiday-ready. The same idea works on ceramic deer heads, antlers, or concrete statues to add a whimsical festive detail.
We even decorate our iron bull for the holidays—ornament “earrings” add a playful touch. Little humorous details like this keep the season lighthearted.
In the kitchen we moved everyday fruit to a different bowl to free up a large faux clam shell, then filled it with mixed silver, frosted ivory, and gunmetal ornaments. The result looks like oversized pearls in a shell and makes a striking tabletop or counter display for guests.
On the console table we swapped seasonal accessories: a feather tree centered on a green tray, a cylinder filled with green ornaments, and a bit of real greenery to reinforce our green-accented theme. This keeps the look cohesive without buying new items.
The small green feather tree came from Target last year and was picked up on sale—an inexpensive way to add height and whimsy.
In the den we refreshed another mantel with a neutral wreath accented in green. Layering the wreath in front of a large framed piece created depth and kept the arrangement from feeling fussy. A few green glittery vase filler orbs in hurricanes finished the mantel with symmetrical sparkle, especially pretty when the candles and gas fireplace are lit.
The wreath was a birthday gift scored at a deep discount after the holidays, proving that after-Christmas sales are perfect for picking up decor for the following year.
To summarize, most of the seasonal accents we used were neutral—silver ornaments and candlesticks, tan stockings, an ivory wreath—with pops of green to tie everything together. Our bright citrus-themed tree provided bold color that lifted the whole room and inspired a few last-minute additions like orange ornaments on the mantel.
From the bottom of our orange-, lime-, and lemon-loving hearts, we hope you have fun decorating your home this season.
We’d love to hear how you decorate beyond the tree. Do you pick up a fresh wreath each year, set out holiday treats, or string lights around the exterior? Share your traditions and tips for creating a festive atmosphere.
* A quick note: in hindsight there are two unintentional “that’s what she said” moments in the video for fans of The Office.
Update: You can view a curated list of favorite holiday decor finds on our site—many items are under $15 and are great for recreating similar looks at home.