Christmas

Cozy living room with a decorated fireplace, antlers, gifts, and a chair draped with a plaid blanket.
12 Holiday Decorations to Spread Cheer to Every Room of the House
Even the bathroom!
Zoë Roscoe
Oct 16, 2020
Home Depot’s Christmas Palm Trees Mean You Don’t Have to Say Goodbye to Summer
There’s a Christmas decoration that will make you feel like you’re on a tropical vacation all year round.
Inigo Del Castillo
Sep 6, 2020
This Maryland Mansion Has a Full Holiday-Themed Village In The Basement
There are vintage cars parked along the "streets," and 15 storefront facades with Christmas decor in the windows.
Arielle Tschinkel
May 27, 2020
Idea Exchange: What’s Your Christmas Present Opening Tradition?
Growing up, I had a pretty well defined gift opening tradition: go see a movie Christmas Eve (to pass the time for my sister and I anxiously waiting for Christmas Day), then open one gift when we returned home that night. Then, Christmas morning, we’d wake up, sort our gifts, and then each take turns to open one gift at a time while the others watched.
Rachel Wray Thompson
Mar 11, 2020
Kris Jenner Surprised Granddaughter Stormi with Her Own Tiny House for Christmas
What do you get a toddler who has everything?
Mia Nakaji Monnier
Dec 29, 2019
Amazon Announces Its Best-Selling Products of This Holiday Season
Including Amazon devices and a treat-dispensing dog camera.
Mia Nakaji Monnier
Dec 29, 2019
How to Handle Unwanted Christmas Gifts, According to Reddit
It's okay to return or regift. It's not okay to be a jerk.
Mia Nakaji Monnier
Dec 29, 2019
Ugly Christmas Sweaters Are Contributing to Plastic Pollution
There's nothing uglier than pollution.
Mia Nakaji Monnier
Dec 26, 2019
Dachshunds in Holiday Outfits Gather for Christmas Sausage Dog Walk
What's cuter than a dachshund in a Christmas sweater?
Mia Nakaji Monnier
Dec 26, 2019
These Photos Show a Prank War Between an Elf on the Shelf and Two Golden Retrievers
Elf on the Shelf is way cuter with dogs involved.
Mia Nakaji Monnier
Dec 26, 2019
Here it is: The Most Festive Christmas House We’ve Ever Seen
Every year Jennifer Perkins REALLY goes for it with holiday decorating...and every year is different than before!
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 16, 2019
An Unapologetic Pink Rental Apartment Looks Pretty for the Holidays
Pink and colorful isn’t just a trend for this renter, it’s a way of life.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Dec 25, 2019
Glittering Gold Transformed This Chicago Apartment into a Holiday Wonderland
You won't find any multicolored Christmas lights in this apartment — Revae's color scheme is strictly white and gold with roses all over.
Kristan Lieb
Dec 17, 2019
A Chic Austin Bungalow Is Decked Out in Cheery Christmas Decor
Live greenery, luxe gold touches, soft textures, and cheery pops of color characterize this home's festive holiday decor.
Reagen Taylor
Dec 16, 2019
You Can Book a Stay in a ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’-Themed Hotel Suite
Ugly sweaters and Christmas dinner included.
Mia Nakaji Monnier
Dec 22, 2019
Mall Santas Share Kids’ Weirdest Christmas Wishes
They've heard everything.
Mia Nakaji Monnier
Dec 21, 2019
This Chicago Loft Masters Classic, Elegant Christmas Decor
This warm, industrial modern Chicago loft is beautiful any day of the year, but decorated for the holidays it's even lovelier.
Emma Fiala
Dec 17, 2019
Here’s Why Messily Wrapped Presents Are Sometimes Better Than Neat Ones
Good news for those who feel like they can never get the folds right!
Mia Nakaji Monnier
Dec 21, 2019
A Renovated Condo Features the Perfect Mix of Scandi Boho Christmas Decor
Holiday decorations stick to a neutral color palette of soft colors derived from the outdoors, and dominant materials are natural, too.
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 16, 2019
How To Make a Recycled Sweater Ornament
There’s definitely no shortage of holiday ornaments out there to buy, but there’s something so satisfying about making a few. It’s always nice to give/receive something handmade—and one-of-a-kind—and by making a few for yourself, you get to create a little memory that you can revisit every year when you pull them out to decorate the tree. These ornaments are fairly easy, adorable, and—bonus!—you’re recycling.
Melissa DiRenzo
Dec 19, 2019
How To Make A Filipino Christmas Star
Stars are a major theme at Christmastime. Crafted after the Star of Bethlehem, the star-shaped, ornamental parol is said to encourage hope and goodwill during the season. Hope and goodwill? We can totally get behind that theme, so we decided to make ours in the most colorful papers and maybe even keep it up in the house throughout the new year.
Ashley Poskin
Dec 19, 2019
Winter Wonderland: How To Make A Paper Snowflake
Ready to up your paper snowflake game? We’re going to let you in on a little secret: it’s all in the fold. No more of that “fold any old piece of paper in half one time and cut” business. If you want a really intricate, graphic design just follow our easy step-by-step guide to get on the path to paper snowflake glory. Lightweight craft paper Sharp scissors Bone folder (optional) 1. To make your snowflake you’ll need to start with a perfectly square piece of paper.
Ashley Poskin
Dec 19, 2019
This Rustic English Home Has the Coziest Christmas Decor
Designer Kay Prestney and her family celebrated the festive season in their cozy country home.
Cathy Pyle
Dec 17, 2019
This $9 Trader Joe’s Buy is Perfect for Procrastinators and Tiny Homes Alike
Cheap, easy, AND adorable? The holiday trifecta!
Megan Baker Detloff
Dec 16, 2019
My New Favorite Christmas Tradition: Buying Presents from Black-Owned Brands
It all started with a pocket square.
Danielle Deavens
Dec 13, 2019
How to Fake a Department Store-Worthy Christmas Tree With Thrift Store Finds
Upcycling never looked so chic.
Megan Baker Detloff
Dec 13, 2019
Buying a Christmas Tree? Here's Every Measurement You Need to Know
For the best-looking Christmas tree on the block, a tape measure is your best friend.
Megan Baker Detloff
Dec 12, 2019
One Easy Way to Score Free Holiday Decorations (and How to Use Them)
Check decorating off your list (and then check it twice, because this is THAT simple).
Megan Baker Detloff
Dec 3, 2019
Have a Very Hyggelig Holiday: 65 Scandinavian Decorating Ideas
If your love for all things Scandi is still going strong, these ideas are for you!
Tess Wilson
Dec 3, 2019
Trader Joe’s Sells Grinch-Inspired Mini Christmas Trees
Like the Grinch's heart, it may grow with love and care.
Mia Nakaji Monnier
Nov 25, 2019
These Are the Best Times to Book Holiday Travel
Here's how you can save money on flights.
Gina Vaynshteyn
Nov 22, 2019
How To Make a Succulent Wreath
I took a trip to the craft store a couple of weeks ago with the intention of picking up a few Christmas decorations. On a whim I decided to DIY my own succulent wreath, and walked out with my arms filled with supplies. I love the idea of decorations that can easily be modified and used year round. When the season is up I plan to remove the bow and hang my wreath outside.
Kim Lucian
May 5, 2019
Christmas DIY Craft Project: How To Make an Etched Snow Globe
Has it snowed yet where you live? No? Then here’s a quick and easy project to create your own Winter Wonderland, using glass etching cream and some tape. Faux snow globes are great for mantel decorations or the table. You get all the snowfall, without the boots or mittens! Here’s how to make one yourself… Materials Glass dome or cloche Etching cream Paintbrush Painters tape Hole punches (at least two sizes is ideal) Instructions: 1.
Dabney Frake
May 4, 2019
How To Sew a Reversible Christmas Tree Skirt
When we decided to have our first Christmas tree above 18″ this year, it seemed the right time to make a tree skirt. It’s not difficult, and making your own means it can be made out of any fabric you choose. Here, I share how to make a reversible one so if your preference changes from year to year it’s as easy as a flip of the fabric: (2) contrasting 1.
Regina Yunghans
May 4, 2019
How To Decide Whether Christmas Lights Are Worth Fixing
Without fail, every year I end up with half lit (no, this has nothing to do with egg nog) strands of christmas lights. It doesn’t seem to matter if I safely store them away, or throw them haphazardly in a bag, they refuse to ever be on the same work schedule. Repairing Christmas lights is not particularly difficult, but I wouldn’t say that it’s easy either.
Ashley Poskin
May 4, 2019
The Best Christmas Music You’ve Probably Never Heard (or Have Forgotten About)
It seems like every year, droves of new holiday albums come out—so many that it’s hard to keep track of them all. Sometimes the best Christmas songs are right under our noses, we just have no idea because there’s too much to choose from.
Brittney Morgan
May 3, 2019
An Alternative Christmas Playlist for People who Hate Holiday Music
Maybe it’s not that you hate all holiday music; it’s just that you’re sick of hearing the same peppy-on-the-verge-of-cheesy songs with the same message year after year. You’re tired of hearing “Jingle Bell Rock” at every single Christmas party (and really, everywhere you turn) and getting “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” stuck in your head for weeks on end.
Brittney Morgan
May 3, 2019
13 Cheap, Easy and Remarkably Ugly Christmas Sweaters You Can Totally Make
Like the ongoing pumpkin spice latte craze, the ugly sweater trend isn’t going anywhere. Chances are, you will get invited to an ironic Christmas sweater party, and you will be socially shamed if you don’t wear something appropriately ugly. If the thought of spending money on an item you’ll only wear once makes your wallet cry, here are 13 DIY ways to ugly-up an inexpensive thrift store sweater. Leave it to Studio DIY to craft the cutest ugly sweater ever.
Katie Holdefehr
May 3, 2019
10 Holiday Decorating Tricks to Steal from this Tiny Apartment
If you think you can’t fit Christmas decorations into your small space—we’re here to show you that you absolutely can. To prove it, we transformed designer Akhira Ismail’s 288-square-foot Brooklyn apartment into a Scandinavian-inspired winter wonderland using ten design tricks for small spaces. Yes, you can have a merry little Christmas, even in the tiniest of apartments. 1. Style a holiday shelfie.
Katie Holdefehr
May 3, 2019
The Movie Homes That Seriously Upped My Holiday Decorating Expectations
As a child, I took decorating for Christmas far, far too seriously. Every year, I’d wrangle some twinkle lights out of the outdoor-designate bin in the garage to hang all throughout my bedroom. I made every red-and-green construction paper countdown chain you could imagine. I strong-armed my parents into buying a real tree every single year while I still lived at home when what they really wanted was a simple, mess-free artificial tree. And you know what I blame?
Arlyn Hernandez
May 3, 2019
The Hardware Store Houseplant That Makes a Perfect Small Space Christmas Tree
I’m both unwilling to store artificial christmas tree supplies, as well as insecure about going out to buy a live tree. Past years, I’ve either foregone holiday decorating, or DIYed some sort of makeshift faux tree. While those choices may work for some folks, it’s always left me wanting. That’s why when I came across this houseplant at the hardware store a couple of years ago, I knew it would be the perfect “Christmas tree” for me and my small space.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
A Neighborhood Guide to The Nightmare Before Christmas
“Twas a long time ago, longer now than it seems, in a place that perhaps you’ve seen in your dreams,” opens the 1993 classic The Nightmare Before Christmas. Going opening night as a kid felt like a dream; seeing it at 10pm and getting the Kids’ Combo blurred reality’s edges in the best sugar high, up past my bedtime kind of way. For some people, Die Hard is their edgy holiday movie.
Rosamund Lannin
May 3, 2019
You Can Celebrate the Winter Holidays At Hogwarts This Year
Turns out that Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London’s ‘Hogwarts After Dark’ isn’t the only festivity we get to look forward to this year. From November 17 to January 27, 2019, muggles and wizards alike will get to witness the Studio transform into a winter wonderland for the second year in a row, thanks to ‘Hogwarts in the Snow.
Nicoletta Richardson
May 3, 2019
You Need to See These Tiny Houses Decorated for the Holidays
The only thing better than a well-designed tiny home is one that’s dressed up in holiday decor. And thanks to the #tinyhousemovement—which advocates pared down living in small homes such as campers, Airstreams, and of course, tiny houses—sweeping social media, there’s no shortage of festively decorated mini-abodes to drool over on IG. Read ahead for seven tiny homes decked out in holiday decor we spotted on Instagram.
Caroline Biggs
May 3, 2019
10 Small Spaces with the Best Holiday Displays
‘Tis the season for holiday decorating! Year after year, I find myself wanting to spend a small fortune on mini trees, lights, and all things festive. But after the first year of going all out in my apartment, I had to pull back. Because there are only so many places you can add cheer to in 600-square-foot apartment, that is, without stumbling over faux reindeer or worse, blowing a fuse.
Danielle Blundell
May 3, 2019
The Cute Holiday Trend You Can Copy from Prince George & Princess Charlotte
When Prince George and Princess Charlotte head over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house, they hang out in some very fun digs. That’s because Carole Middleton, the mother of Kate Middleton, recently revealed some festive fun she likes to bright out for her grandkids during the holidays. Carole, a professional party planner, told The Telegraph that each grandkid gets their own Christmas tree in their bedrooms “so that they can decorate it themselves.
Megan Johnson
May 3, 2019
All “The Office” Christmas Episodes, Ranked from Worst to Best
While “Bob’s Burgers” and “Friends” maintains the monopoly on Thanksgiving stories, other shows crafted and perfected the sitcom holiday episode. Chief among them may be NBC’s “The Office,” which ran for nine seasons and celebrated Christmas for seven of them. It’s true that this show has not aged well since it aired.
Meryl Williams
May 3, 2019
5 Thoughtful Secrets of the Best Gift-Givers
Whether it’s a holiday gift or a way to say thanks, a good gift can leave a big—and lasting—impression on its recipient. That’s why knowing how to give a stellar gift is a skill that we can all stand to benefit from. Thankfully, we have Myka Meier, the etiquette expert behind Beaumont Etiquette to call upon for advice. We asked Meier for a few strategies for giving better gifts and she had lots to share. Read on for five ways to up your gift-giving game this year.
Caroline Biggs
May 3, 2019
5 Last Minute Decorating Ideas to Steal from Our Favorite Christmas Movies
This time of year, there’s really nothing better than channel surfing and landing on a Hallmark holiday movie marathon or spending a whole weekend streaming classic Christmas movies. But as many times as you’ve watched “Home Alone” or “Love Actually,” have you ever really taken notice of the films’ holiday decor? I mean, you can’t have a Hollywood Christmas without lights, a tree, and other festive flourishes, am I right?
Danielle Blundell
May 3, 2019
A Colorful, Kitschy Tour of a Home with 100 Christmas Trees
Not exactly known for her minimalist views on decor, Jen's holiday-ready home—and over 100 Christmas trees—is cheery enough to brighten even the biggest Grinch's day!
Adrienne Breaux
Apr 30, 2019
Make All-Natural, Great Smelling Orange Pomanders for the Holidays
Looking to add a festive vibe to your home, without all the glitter and lights? Orange pomander balls are quite possibly the quickest and best all-natural, great smelling, non-gaudy decoration you can make this holiday season. And according to our ancestors of yore, they ward off bad spirits and bring strength and fortune —a holiday bonus. Make them around Thanksgiving and, if dried correctly, they’ll last through the entire holiday season, and maybe even longer.
Ashley Poskin
Apr 30, 2019
Last-Minute Holiday Decorating Ideas For the Truly Uninspired & Lazy
By the time Thanksgiving dinner is over, I’m already spent. Which makes the quick pivot into Christmas a particularly tiresome prospect —especially because that holiday is, in turn, followed closely by New Year’s Eve and our huge annual party. Being wedged in between those two other major holidays means that poor Christmas gets a little neglected in our household — which is why these quick, easy decorating ideas are really appealing.
Dabney Frake
Apr 30, 2019
Mini Cocktail (or Mocktail!) Kits For Everyone On Your List
The more you give, the cheaper it gets.
Ashley Poskin
Apr 30, 2019
The 2-Ingredient Handmade Gift That’s As Beautiful As It Is Easy
Soap is one of those DIYs I thought would be more complicated than it turned out to be. All the soaps on Pinterest are so beautiful — there was no way they could be easy as well! But with my rapidly growing essential oil collection, and need for some quick holiday gifts, I thought this would be a good way to use them. Before even preparing the soap base, mix your essential oils to preference in a non-reactive container (like glass).
Cat Meschia
Apr 30, 2019
Homemade Holiday Gift Idea: Make A No-Sew Yoga Mat Strap
This simple little strap is just as useful as it is cute -and it takes just minutes to make. No sewing machine? No problemo! We constructed this beauty out of webbing found at the craft store and specialty fabric tape. So as long as you’ve got an iron and an embroidery needle, you can easily tackle this cheerful little stocking stuffer. Or combine it with a yoga mat for a more substantial gift.
Ashley Poskin
Apr 14, 2019
A Scandinavian-Inspired Apartment in a Vintage Vienna Building
Name: Svenja Bruecker Location: Vienna, Austria Size: 1300 square feet Years lived in: Renting 6 months Svenja is an interior design blogger and her boyfriend Jonas is a professional poker player, and they share a 1300 square foot airy apartment in a big old building in the heart of Vienna. It’s also the kind of all-white, Scandinavian-inspired dream holiday home that’s just perfect for kicking off this holiday season!
Adrienne Breaux
Feb 20, 2019
Tour Nick’s North Pole Toy-Lover’s Paradise
Name: Santa and Mrs. Claus Location: North Pole Size: 2,500 square feet, with multiple 150-square=foot cottages on 25 acres Years lived in: 195 years, owned Move over, Martha. When it comes to decorating inspiration for the holidays, there’s only one influencer who truly makes their mark on every home, and his name is Santa Claus. Santa, a toy company entrepreneur and delivery man, works one day a year. The rest of the time, you’ll find him — along with his wife, Mrs.
Taryn Williford
Feb 4, 2019
One Clutter-y Thing You Should Pack Away with Your Decorations
For those of us with limited kitchen space (or a penchant for minimalism), designer and blogger Melissa Coleman of The Faux Martha has a genius tip: When it’s time to put away holiday decorations, pack your specialty cooking supplies with them. The premise: Why take up valuable real estate in your home with cookware and gadgets that only get used twice a year, at best?
Ashley Abramson
Dec 30, 2018
11 Things You Really Can Get Rid of Between Christmas and New Year’s Day
The week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is usually a quiet one, so it’s the perfect time to go through your things and declutter. Between donating old pantry items and gently worn clothes, recycling gift boxes and catalogs, and tossing out old wine and leftovers, there’s plenty to clear out so you can make your home ready for the new year—and it’ll be conducive to helping you keep your resolutions.
Brittney Morgan
Dec 26, 2018
One Thing You Need to Know About Recycling Your Christmas Wrapping Paper
Few things inspire more joy than a collection of beautifully wrapped presents under a Christmas tree! The problem with gift wrap, though, is that it’s often not recyclable. Even though the base of most gift wraps is indeed paper, many have overlays like metallic foil or glitter, have tape stuck to them, are saturated with problematic inks or dye, or are so thin that the fibers aren’t useful for recycling.
Ayn-Monique Klahre
Dec 25, 2018
Why You’ll Love that Black Christmas Tree Trend (Trust Me, I’m 9 Years In)
This year, daring decorators are flipping the holiday decorating script and dreaming of a goth Christmas. Home decor site Wayfair is reporting a 70 percent increase in searches for black Christmas trees this year, and according to the artificial tree retailer Treetopia, black is the second most popular color (after classic green) in six locations: Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Delaware, and Washington D.C.
Taryn Williford
Dec 12, 2018
The Mistake All Fake Christmas Tree Owners are Making
As a big fan of friendly banter, I am always ready to throw down on a real vs. artificial Christmas tree argument. Team Real Tree love to wax poetic about the tradition of heading to the farm each year and the festive character that only comes from dressing a natural tree. While the artificial tree folks (of which I am one) like to tout the charm of colorful trees and the low cost and easy cleanup of bringing out the same tinsel shrub year after year.
Taryn Williford
Dec 6, 2018
12 Things You Should Never Do With Your Christmas Tree
They may be pretty, but choosing and taking care of a Christmas tree takes more effort than you might think. Whether you go all out for a traditional Douglas Fir or opt for an artificial tree, planning ahead will make your holiday season far more festive—and, more importantly, safe. Time to deck the halls in your neck of the woods? Here are a few things not to forget as you purchase, set up, and care for your tree.
Ashley Abramson
Dec 4, 2018
One (Way Too Common) Mistake You Might Be Making with Your Holiday Cards
There's one very important element you're overlooking when sending holiday cards—your grammar.
Brigitt Earley
Dec 1, 2018
7 Hidden Ways We All Waste Money Over the Holidays
As magical as the holidays are, this time of year can also be a bit stressful—between handling a barrage of party invites, planning your own get-togethers, wrapping up the year, visiting family and getting all your holiday shopping done… well, it’s a lot. And then there’s the whole spending money thing. Shopping and celebrating add up, but it doesn’t have to be quite so painful.
Brittney Morgan
Nov 29, 2018
Gift Your Wizard This $12 Harry Potter Advent Calendar
If you need an excuse to incorporate Harry Potter into your life, there’s always going to be one. Need something to do for Halloween? Go dine at Hogwarts for a spooktacular feast. Yearning to transform your space? Decorate with this magical home collection. Looking for your next novel? New books galore! And with the holidays fast approaching, your latest excuse might be needing a gift for your fellow wizard (or yourself).
Nicoletta Richardson
Oct 11, 2018
Can’t Bring Yourself to Take Down the Tree? The Queen of England Keeps Her Christmas Decorations Up Until February
We probably wouldn’t have pegged the Queen of England as one of those holiday decor stragglers, but it turns out that Elizabeth II is a February type of gal. According to Architectural Digest, the Queen and Prince Philip keep their halls decked until February 6th every year. That means they’ve got tinsel and candy canes kicking around until almost Valentine’s Day!
Megan Johnson
Dec 29, 2017
A Classic, Cozy Oklahoma Home Ready for Christmas
Name: Serena Backues Location: Durant, Oklahoma “When we first saw the listing for our home, I fell in love, but Zach not so much,” describes Serena. “I saw this beautiful 100+year-old house with character and space for our growing family… he saw WORK. Looking back now we were both right. It needed a lot of work and our budget was very small, so it has been a true labor of love.” Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Family. livable. collected.
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 25, 2017
Before & After: This Costco Playhouse Got Customized for Christmas
If you’ve just spent hours assembling your child’s new dollhouse, or are still pulling things together for Christmas morning, then you might not want to see this. Because mom Melissa just turned this generic brown Costco playhouse into a winter wonderland of beauty.
Dabney Frake
Dec 24, 2017
All The Ways the Holidays Can Send You to the ER, According to New Studies
My mom ends every phone conversation with me “drive carefully.” I could be sitting on the sofa in my living room (frankly in most cases I am) and those will still be her parting words to me. On New Year’s Eve – and most other holidays—that salutation gets even more emphatic given all the alcohol flowing this time of year and the heightened potential to encounter drunk drivers on the road. In fact, a new analysis from Alcohol.
Marni Epstein-Mervis
Dec 22, 2017
15 Little Ways to Pay It Forward This Holiday Season
Amidst the planes to catch and parties to attend, it’s easy to forget what the holidays are really about—expressing appreciation and gratitude. Doing this is known to warm our hearts more than any gift under the tree, seasonal dessert, or festive fête. Getting in touch with the true meaning of the season doesn’t require a massive check or hours spent in a soup kitchen (though these are great options, too).
English Taylor
Dec 19, 2017
Easy Gifts to Make That Your Furry Friend Will Flip Out Over
Because face it: when they're happy, you're happy.
Cat Meschia
Dec 15, 2017