The Best Understated Holiday Decor for the Less Enthusiastic Decorator, Starting at $10

I’m not the biggest fan of seasonal decor, but there’s something about Christmastime that makes me crave a little bit of holiday cheer in my home. When you live in a small space or are on a tight budget, it can be tough to justify a large collection of objects that are only on display for a month or two.

Your holiday style is totally up to you: You can deck the halls of every room of the house or you can be a little more subtly festive. If the latter, more understated route is closer to your speed, then these 10 pieces might be just the seasonal magic your home needs right now.

This votive holder, adorably cast in the shape of an A-frame house, would honestly look great on a mantel or shelf long after the holiday season ends. Snag just one or buy a set for a little bit of eye-soothing symmetry right above your hearth.

Buy: Wondershop Galvanized Metal A-Frame House Decorative Figurine, $10.00 from Target

These impossibly chic resin objects look like marble and would add a touch of elegance to any home. And while they appear super high-end, even the larger size rings in at under $40. Set a couple of these trees on your dinner table or near your entryway for a touch of holiday cheer.

Buy: Swirl Trees, Starting at $24.95 from CB2

If you plan to have a Christmas tree in your home this year, a few of these carved wooden ornaments, which are in the shape of evergreen trees, might be the organic, woodsy embellishment your tree needs. Add a string of white lights for a simple-but-beautiful look. But if you, less enthusiastic decorator, have no plans to decorate a tree, suspend these wood ornaments from the ceiling using clear fishing line in a doorway or empty corner.

Buy: Farmhouse Pottery Handcrafted Woodland Ornament Gift Box Set (Set of 5), $125.00 from Food52

For instant holiday vibes with nearly zero effort, try this throw pillow that looks like a snowball. The faux fur texture will cozy up your bed or sofa in an instant. This is another one of those pieces that will continue to look great in your home long after the Christmas trees are picked up from the curb.

Buy: Round White Snowball Throw Pillow, $24.99 from World Market

It wouldn’t be a holiday decor roundup without a garland, right? This one strings together cozy and cream-colored wool beads. With its delicate gold floral embroidery, this 72-inch garland is boho and neutral enough to hang in your home beyond the holidays, too.

Buy: Botanique Wool Ball Garland, $48.00 from Anthropologie

Plaid for winter? Groundbreaking. This chenille throw is from H&M’s conscious line and is made from recycled polyester. It’s the kind of piece that will serve decidedly understated holiday vibes to your space. It would also make a great gift for anyone in your life who might need a little extra holiday cheer this year.

Buy: Chenille Throw in Dark Gray/Plaid, $24.99 from H&M Home

If you love Christmas trees but hate the mess of needles, may I suggest a few pine branches? Arrange a couple of these stems in vessels around your home for some instant cheer and a festive, fresh, piney smell.

Buy: Fresh Eastern Pine Bough Tips, $11.99 for 12 Boughs from Etsy

This object gets bonus points for being both beautiful and functional. What looks like a lovely ceramic tree sculpture is actually two stackable candles plus an incense holder. To top everything off, the candle fragrance is called Cypress & Fir, so the scent is festive, too.

Buy: Large White Tree Stack, $38.00 from Paddywax

Sure, pampas grass looks great as part of dried floral arrangements, but it looks even better as a wreath. This is another one of those decor pieces that would continue to look great long after the holiday season ends. This design’s pretty big, though, so just make sure you have the wall, window, or door space for something with a 36-inch diameter.

Buy: Faux Pampas Taupe Wreath 36”, $79.95 from CB2

There’s just something about twinkle lights that scream holiday cheer. Add a few of these around your home—on your stair banisters, on your mantel, above your bed even—for instant ambiance and magic.

Buy: Mason Jar Lights, Starting at $13.50 from Etsy