10 Christmas Decorating Ideas

This list of 10 Christmas decorating ideas will help you enjoy the spirit of the season without spending hours or busting your budget. You'll be surprised at just how classy and inviting your newly-decorated home looks after following these simple tips.

1. Creative use of ornaments. They're not just for trimming the tree anymore. For a sophisticated look, place identical or mixed ornaments in a box, bowl or vase. For an even easier decorating idea, simply tuck them into niches or display individually on a table or counter.
2. Mini Christmas trees. During the Christmas season, stores will offer a variety of miniature potted Christmas trees ranging in size from eight inches to a couple of feet. If you don't have space for a full-sized tree, these make a great substitute. To decorate, buy a package of tinsel, or cut out pictures from a magazine.
3. Red ribbons. Another great Christmas decorating idea is to tie red ribbon or string onto random objects. This works especially well with house plants; the red and green combination instantly transforms that lowly spider plant into a testament to the holiday season.
4. Perfect pillows. You may not be a big fan of decorative pillows, but adding a couple  (one in dark green, one in dark red) to a sofa can provide a subtle, sophisticated Christmas decoration. They can also be saved and used throughout the year as long as you don't put them in the same place.
5. Gorgeous garlands. You can purchase garlands (anything from a length of faux-holly to a string of red beads) anywhere Christmas decorations are sold. Garlands add instant cheer wherever they are placed. Simply drape a garland along a mantle, or wrap one around a banister, and you're done.
6. Old school style. It isn't necessary to fill your house with figurines, but placing one or two in strategic locations can make a big difference to the overall level of Christmas cheer. Buy quality, and choose something old-fashioned over something gaudy and plastic.
7. Warmth of the Christmas spirit. Nothing says "Christmas" quite like a cozy fire. If you don't have a fireplace, don't despair. Set up candles on a decorative tray in a safe location. To get extra festive, add a scented one in pine or spiced apple to the mix.
8. Sweet tooth. This decorating idea delivers a double whammy. Not only can you make your place look festive with a bowl full of candy in colorful Christmas themed wrappers; you also have a tasty treat to offer surprise visitors (or keep to yourself, if you prefer).
9. Don't go nuts. Well, actually, do go nuts. Sticking to the food theme, nuts in the shell become available during the holiday season. Buy a bunch and put them out on display. You can entertain yourself for hours cracking open these tasty morsels. And don't forget a signature nutcracker.
10. It's in the card. Even if you don't want to display the fuzzy kitten card your aunt sent you, you can still decorate with cards. Stop by just about any store during the Christmas season and, for a couple of bucks, you can have a work of art that suits your taste. No assembly required.