This post was first published on coldwellbankerelite.com
No matter what holidays you celebrate this time of year, it’s a wonderful season of lights and love around the world. Our favorite way to savor the season is to make home a cozy sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Here are a few of our best tips to make your space one that you love to be in during this time of year
1. Clean and Declutter
We get it – cleaning and decluttering are not the most fun or glamorous part of getting ready for the holiday season. But hear us out – this step will absolutely improve your overall experience for this festive time of year.
First, you’ll want to go through your home – or even just the most highly trafficked spaces in your house – and get rid of trash, unused items, and things you simply don’t need around anymore. When you do this, you open up more space to store and organize the things that you love and use. Additionally, you’re able to better clean your home after decluttering.
Next, you’ll be ready to do a more thorough cleaning. We’re talking about dusting, vacuuming, wiping down surfaces, etc. This step is significantly easier once you’ve done the decluttering, and it leaves your home fresh and ready for Christmas decorations as well as any holiday hosting you plan to do.
2. Lighting and Candles
There is simply nothing more festive during the holiday season than candles and cozy lighting. Even if you were to add no other decorations, these elements will make your home feel like an inviting retreat from the cold.
This can be achieved by putting up traditional Christmas lights, candles of any kind, lit snow globes, and so many other festive lighting options which will dramatically improve the ambiance of your home during the holidays.
Whether you choose to pick up real candles, battery-operated candles, fairy lights, or additional lamps, adding secondary lighting to your home will enhance the cozy holiday spirit with the flick of a switch – literally!
3. Festive Aromas
No one wants their house to smell less than fabulous – hence the deep cleaning of your home is tip number one – but adding fragrances to your home during the holiday season can be the icing on top of creating a festive vibe this time of year.
Seasonal candles are a great easy option, but also consider choosing a real Christmas tree, a cinnamon broom, or a festive simmer pot to incorporate cozy aromas into the home.
4. All Things Cozy
Even if you still decide to go all out with holiday decorations, the best place to start is by swapping out your pillows and blankets with festive versions. Some people choose to use completely different decorative pillows, but another great space-saving option is to have themed pillow covers to swap out on your throw pillows rather than having to change out and store an entire extra set of pillows for your couches and beds.
This can mean fun prints or designs for each holiday, or even just a change of colors to transition from normal life to a season of holiday celebration. Whatever this change means for you and your family, it’s a great first swap to make as you usher in the festive season!
Prepare for the Season
However you choose to set up your home for the season, we highly recommend doing whatever makes your home feel like a cozy and comfortable place to relax and unwind.
This time of year can be overwhelming, and your home should serve as a place to get you in the mood for the season and be the backdrop for your family’s memories!