With Halloween officially in the rearview mirror and Thanksgiving meals stepping up to the plate soon, it's hard to overlook the fact that Christmas is close.
If you've been caught up in the many posts flooding your feed with décor to shop — you're not alone. Our editors' social media pages have been filled with items from Target, Pottery Barn, Anthropologie and more.
It's easy to romanticize the holidays in a place like New York City, however our apartments and homes are a different story. How do you make a space evoke feelings of warmth and coziness? How do you tap into the nostalgia we all yearn for this time of year?
We spoke with interior designers Phoebe Kut and Kate Marker on the best ways to decorate for the holidays, whether you're aiming for a nostalgic feel or just looking to add to an existing collection of ornaments.
Things to keep in mind | Target | Williams Sonoma | Pottery Barn | Michaels | Kohl's | More decor to shop | How we chose | Meet the experts
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What should shoppers keep in mind when starting to decorate for the holidays?
Marker has three key tips:
- Start with one focal point. "Like a mantel or entryway and build from there. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, so focusing on one area first helps create cohesion throughout the home.”
- Keep it personal. "Incorporate items that have meaning to you or reflect your family traditions. At the end of the day, it’s about creating a space that feels warm, inviting and true to who you are.”
- Repurpose what you already have. “Like glass vases filled with ornaments or candles grouped together on a tray for a cozy centerpiece,” she says. “A little goes a long way when you focus on texture and layers.”
Holiday décor to shop
Target
Hearth and Hand with Magnolia Christmas Stamp Mug
Nostalgia and the holidays go hand in hand. This mug features a vintage-inspired, postal stamp-style print sure to stir up such feelings.
Wondershop Featherly Friends Mini Fabric Christmas Bird Figurines
These adorable figurines have captured the hearts of many (Shop TODAY editors included) and are available in a pack of three perfect for holiday decorating.
Outfitted with a unique headpiece and scarf combo each, they will spruce up any mantel or side table. These furry friends sell out fast, so be sure to snag them now while you still can.
Hearth and Hand with Magnolia Home for the Holidays Doormat
Don't neglect the exterior of your house when decorating! This doormat will greet your guests a warmly for the entire season before you can even open the door.
Wondership Ceramic Tabletop Christmas Tree
In recent years, my grandparents downsized to a smaller tree to accommodate a smaller space. While this tree is smaller than the one they use each year, it may be just what you need for a college dorm room or first apartment.
Eddie Bauer Skier Flannel Sheet Set
Hosting over the holidays? Guests will stay warm and cozy all night with these flannel sheets decorated with skiers. This set comes with a fitted sheet, a flat sheet and two pillowcases.
It's currently only available for full-sized mattresses but there are a plethora of designs to explore for other twin, queen and king.
Williams Sonoma
Williams Sonoma Velvet Bow Napkin Rings
Kut says she typically incorporates more earthy, jewel tones when it comes to decorating for the holidays like the darker forest green on these velvet napkin rings. This simple yet elegant décor piece can elevate any tablescape.
Le Creuset Noel Mini Cocotte with Star Knob
Le Creuset has been a staple in countless kitchens throughout the years. Add to your collection with thismini Christmas tree-inspired pot. You can use it to prep dozens of dishes ranging from cobblers and sourdough to chicken pot pie and cheesy potatoes.
Williams Sonoma Noel Floral Table Runner
Dress your table to impress this holiday season! This table runner is machine-washable so you can eat, drink and be merry without worrying about long-lasting stains.
Williams Sonoma Dregano Candle Arch
Putting tea lights to good use doesn't have to be boring — this holder brings some light to the subject, giving them a more festal spot to sit.
Williams Sonoma Red Velvet Quilted Tree Skirt
No tree is complete without a tree skirt! This quilted style from Williams Sonoma can be customized with a monogram, initials or even a full name in a number of different fonts and colors.
Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn Elf Knit Beverage Jacket
Beautify any bar cart with this humorous "outfit" for your wine to wear. Designed after the movie "Elf," this knit set comes with a sweater and a cap worn by Buddy himself.
Pottery Barn Lit Faux Juniper Branch
"For small spaces where you can’t have a full tree, try adding a little juniper branch to an existing vase you may already have," recommends Kut. This one even comes pre-decorated with string lights, mimicking a much larger Christmas Tree.
Pottery Barn Handcrafted Gingerbread Tree
"I love the level of detail that went into this gingerbread tree and how apartment-friendly it is," senior editor Jess Bender says of this pick from Pottery Barn's gingerbread collection.
Their collection features various décor from mugs to plush pillows adorned with gingerbread-esque details.
12 Days of Christmas Tea Towels
This set of two tea towels (say that ten times fast!) is decorated with designs inspired by the "12 Days of Christmas" carol. There's also a set of all 12 days available, perfect for setting the table when hosting larger groups.
Pottery Barn The Polar Express Stoneware Mugs
All aboard! Pottery Barn has collections inspired by holiday movies from our childhood from "The Polar Express" to "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas," "Elf" and more. This set of four mugs features elements from the movie, from a conductors hat to a jingle bell.
Michaels
Michaels Make Market DIY LED Wood Village A-Frame House
We found your next seasonal pick for family craft night! These wooden houses double as décor that can be used for years to come. It comes with the batteries and supplies needed to help give it a warm (albeit LED) glow.
Michaels Ashland Red Felt Pom Pom Garland
Get the most bang for your buck with this garland that can be used for more than just Christmas. Pull it out of storage for Valentine's Day, Fourth of July and other holidays where red is a common color.
At six feet long, you can place it on a mantel, in a door frame or across a dining room table.
Michaels Disco Ball Snowman with Red Santa Hat
Get the party started with this statement piece, that’s sure to make the whole place shimmer.
Michaels Ashland 12-Inch Gingerbread House Tabletop Décor
Following suit with the gingerbread house theme that is seemingly taking over the holiday décor space, this set is from Michaels' "Sprinkle Shop" collection that associate editor Kamari Stewart calls "adorable."
It comes with three different gingerbread houses to display around your own house and is currently on sale for less than $25!
Michaels Ashland Pine, Red Bow and Bell Half Wreath
Add some flair to your front door with this wreath that features all the (literal) bells and whistles, including a velvet bow, pine leaves, bells and faux berries.
Kohl's
St. Nicholas Square Holiday Container
Store Santa's cookies somewhere safe this Christmas Eve — like this jar designed to look like a candy cane.
St. Nicholas Square Yuletide Salt and Pepper Shaker Set
Petite, sure, but they're more than likely to earn a giggle or a compliment from guests. Made out of ceramic, this seasoning holder set belongs on any decorative tablescape or side table.
Cuddl Duds Cozy Sherpa Throw
This ultra-soft throw blanket can serve as décor draped over the arm of a couch or hung on the rung of a blanket ladder. If neither of those are your vibe, it's also perfect for just snuggling up to watch holiday movies.
Fitz & Floyd LED Snowman Flameless Candles
These adorable snowmen contain remote-controlled LED candles that you can keep on throughout the holiday season for a bit of light on top of a mantel.
It comes with three snowmen, each donning a hat, scarf and mittens.
St. Nicholas Square Merry Sentiment Porch Leaner
This decorative sign leans up against any front porch or door, giving off festive vibes to anyone who walks by — from postal workers to holiday guests.
More decor to shop
Crate & Barrel Pine Tree Candle
We'll admit — the holidays are an expensive time of year! Affordable decorations like this candle are a budget-friendly way to decorate for the season. They're available in three different sizes, perfect for adding texture and layers like Marker recommends.
Anthropologie Festive Icon Glass
Anthropologie has mugs with icons for each holiday — rainbows and shamrocks for St. Patrick's Day, hearts for Valentine's Day, bats for Halloween and now penguins, Christmas trees and the like for Christmas.
The brand advises that these glasses aren't made for hot beverages, though, so your hot chocolate might be served best in another cup!
Rifle Paper Co. Picture Frame Ornament
Kut says that adding personal ornaments to your tree is a good way to incorporate more meaningful décor around your house that can be enjoyed for years to come.
"Print out photos in black and white (could be a polaroid picture) to create cute, easy ornaments," she suggests.
L.L. Bean Personalized Christmas Needlepoint Stocking
Personalized holiday décor doesn't have to be expensive! L.L. Bean proves that with these needlepoint stockings, that are available in a handful of designs (so everyone can have their own, unique one), complete with their initials or first name monogrammed on.
Kut says "meaningful" décor such as these have a chance to evoke the feeling of nostalgia we all get during the holidays.
Anthropologie Winnie Dog Coir Printed Doormat
Guests will feel more than welcome when they're greeted by this mat that features a dog carrying a Christmas tree on its back. It's important to note that the brand recommends placing it in a sheltered outdoor area where it won't be exposed to water or sunlight.
LEGO Poinsettia Building Set
In lieu of real plants (that never make it out alive), Stewart was recently gifted this faux poinsettia by the brand to build and use as décor for the holiday season.
Anthropologie Paint Anywhere Christmas Holiday Paint Kit
Partnerships editorial assistant Erica Marrison is resisting the urge to shop this paint-by-number kit that she says would be fun to complete while having a holiday movie marathon, then display as décor afterwards.
It comes with everything you need from start to finish from the print itself to paint and brushes.
Bergdorf Goodman Hot Dog Stand Ornament
Whether you live in New York City or just love to visit around the holidays, one thing remains a constant year-round: the hot dog carts in Central Park.
This glittery, shimmery ornament is a splurge but is sure to remind you of times spent walking through the park with a hot dog or soft pretzel in hand.
LEGO Holiday Main Street
Banners stating "hard to find" and "retiring soon" appear on the page of this building set, meaning you better shop it this season before it's gone forever.
Stewart is planning to purchase this set for that exact reason, after not indulging last year.
Ruggable Dress Stewart Tartan Rug
"I always think in terms of layers — adding soft throw blankets, extra pillows and textured rugs instantly makes a space feel more comfortable and inviting," Marker says. This aptly-patterned rug is washable so you can make it look good as new if Santa tracks snow through the house.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers searched the internet to find the best holiday décor finds. We combed through customer reviews and even used our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers. For this story, we leaned on experts such as interior designers and Shop TODAY editors to provide insight into décor trends and the qualities of curating a comfy and cozy home for the holidays.
Meet the experts
- Phoebe Kut is an illustrator and interior designer.
- Kate Marker is an interior designer and founder of Kate Marker Home, a home décor brand. She also offers interior design services local to her area in Illinois, or virtually to meet you wherever you may be.
