Winter Decor Inspiration

The temptations at Hobby Lobby are almost unbearable! ALL that beautiful Christmas decor pulls me into imaginative thoughts of turning my home into a scene from a Hallmark movie! I recently had to talk myself out of purchasing a giant, adorable sign that was shaped like a cocoa mug with cute wording on it.

“This would be so cute on the back porch near the fire pit!”
“We aren’t out there that often in the winter.”
I could put it on the front porch, too!
It’s not Christmas decor – I could use this all winter.
“Then where will I store this giant sign after winter is over?”

At that point the sign was placed back into its spot on the shelf. The thought of having to find space for storage was all I had to consider. I don’t want to keep buying stuff to make my home feel wintery and/or Christmas-y. I want my decor to be more conducive to the season of winter, adding little touches of Christmas and the birth of Christ. But we all know that the pull to keep buying pretty decor is strong and real! I have learned in the last few years that the best way to decorate is to decorate for whatever season it is and engage all the senses.

I add layers to warm up the room. Rugs, velvety throws, and sheep skins, and fluffy pillows all give layers of coziness. It looks warm and also feels warm!

I like to add elements from outdoors. Greens, branches, and pine cones are all things we find outside in winter. I make arrangements with those outdoor elements. Though my fireplace is gas, I added the basket of firewood beside it.

I also love getting a cheap garland and then intertwining fresh greens into it to make it look full and real! In the mantle above, I added holly branches from our yard to a Dollar General garland. A fire gives the crackling sounds, the smell of the firewood, and in my case, the flickering of the flame. Wood wick candles are also a favorite of mine. They crackle like a fire and also give a wonderful fragrance – another important element.

Lighting is also key in creating an inviting atmosphere. In the mantle decor I added votives. While I will sometimes light them, I made sure there was a white light from the light strand behind each candle, giving the effect that it is burning inside. I was surprised at how the twinkling light really made it look like a candle was burning! The candles on each end of the mantle are the battery operated ones, so they also add to the ambiance without a flame.

I also like to use Christmas colors of things I already have. Red and green mugs by the coffee maker, a red saucer for a spoon rest, green kitchen hand towels, etc. I want to be able to leave most of my things out after Christmas is over. Once the tree goes down, it should still feel winter, cozy, warm and inviting.

These are all tips I’ve learned from Myquillin Smith, from The Nester. I love all her books and wise insights for decorating my home for each season. Another tip she gives is to create a playlist – not for Christmas, but for winter. One set of songs I’m adding is the music from Little Women! What songs would you add that make you think of cozy winter days? I’d love some good suggestions for my playlist!

Fill you home and the winter season with all the things that make you feel warm and cozy!