If you’ve been around for a while, you know that in years past I’ve generally been a grinch when it comes to getting into the holiday spirit! (But, to be clear, I’ve never had trouble getting into the FALL spirit … because who doesn’t love fall?!?) It also doesn’t help that in December the weather is still quite often in the 70s… but I’m not complaining about that!

Well, this year, I decided I could induce some holiday spirit by going HAM buying all of the decor. Guess what – IT WORKED. So, without further delay, I present to you: my house, no longer the home of a grinch!

So, step 1 for de-grinching: find the perfect tree! I try very hard to be a conscious consumer, and I swear it is almost impossible to figure out if a real tree or a fake tree is better. I read a bunch of articles and eventually concluded that a fake tree – if I kept it for 7+ years (which I plan to do) is better than a real tree, due to how many chemicals/pesticides/fertilizers are used on Christmas tree farms. (PS – I tried asking my super active neighborhood facebook page if anyone knew where to find an organic tree… and I got torn to shreds for being “privileged” With my “ultimate first world problems”… PEOPLE – I’M TRYING TO MAKE IT SO WE STILL HAVE A WORLD!)

Anyway, moving on. I looked online for weeks – probably like 20 hours – and finally settled on what is literally THE MOST PERFECTLY FLOCKED, LIGHTED, REALISTIC AND AMAZING TREE EVER.  Seriously, the flocking on this tree is insane and looks so natural – complete with bigger piles of snow on some branches (just how it would be in real life!)!

Next step was ornaments – I bought all of my ornaments except for my family’s pickle ornament (anyone else do that pickle tradition?) at Target.

The most awesome find I had was this owl tree topper! It isn’t even supposed to be a tree topper, just a random piece of decor. But it sits on my tree perfectly and I love it! I found it at T.J. Maxx, but I’ve linked a similar one 🙂

Next stop – accent pieces! Including my buddha statue (that I just move around my house all year and that I love so so so so much)! I’m a huge fan of seasonal decor that still fits with my general “aesthetic” (i.e., no crazy red santas, no extra-Christmassy things, just subtle seasonal pieces that match what my room already has going on. For example, that cable-knit throw blanket with faux fur pom poms is PERFECT.  I also tend to embrace metallic decor as “christmas/holiday” decor, because lots of gold or silver things can double as non-Christmas decor in smaller doses or out of the “Christmas” context.  More bang for your buck! And the pine needle throw underneath of the pom pom blanket… spoiler alert – it is technically a tablecloth, but it makes for a great throw blanket! It’s the perfect weight! Both “blankets” are super reasonably priced from H&M!

Also, I can’t believe I’ve made it this far down into my post and haven’t unveiled the BEST HOLIDAY DECOR ITEM EVER: FAIRY LIGHTS (aka “twinkle lights“)! I keep buying more — they are literally the best way to add some holiday vibes to literally anything. I have them on plants, cacti, mixed in on tables… and I’ve ordered some more already and I’ll figure out where to put them when they arrive.  I”m maybe going for a slight Stranger Things vibe 🙂

One of my fave holiday plants? Amaryllis! I start a bunch of bulbs at different times so I have a few around the house always in bloom… this one bloomed a little too early, though (see the dead flowers? Haha!). Also, side note, I bought a big box of 40 little pinecones with wire stems for $6 on a whim at Target for super cheap, and thought I was going to return them because I didn’t know what I was buying them for.. well… they turned out to be one of my favorite purchases! I just threw them everything (see, ex., this tray!) and they added an extra little hint of Christmas/fall/winter! Woot!

One of my favorite trends this year is collections of trees! I scoured TJ Maxx, HomeGoods and Target for this awesome collection on my mantel! Sadly, those absolutely adorable little Hearth & Hand with Magnolia (that’s Chip and Jo’s new Target line – SWOON… because it is all absolutely incredible!) are sold out. Wah! I’ll update this post if they come back in stock, though.

Here is an alternate bit of mantel inspo (this is what I had up before I found that baller collection of mercury glass trees). P.S., that deer is my fave decor item for Christmas. His name is Sven. There are so many deer figurines, but this one looks like he is the nicest, friendliest deer of them all. So calm and peaceful! Sven is from Target last year, so unfortunately, no link.

In my back living room, I wanted to go a little more funky and retro with my holiday decor! So, insert black and white with hints of green (plants) and red! It also doesn’t ever hurt if you insert one or more cats. Especially when said cat(s) have vampire teeth and happen to match your black and white color palate!  (More fairy lights on this cactus!) P.S. – Literally every single one of these pillow covers is from H&M! So cheap!

Finally, set the table! I am NOT a fan of having different sets of plates.  In fact, for our wedding, we didn’t go the traditional “one set of casual and one set of fancy plates” route – we got only one set of plates that seemed to fall somewhere in the middle.  I”m so glad we did that – I hate clutter and “extra things” (and my husband hates them about a billion times more than me!), so I’m really happy we have one more versatile set of plates that work for every season. They are a really beautiful pistachio color that literally can be made to match any decor and any season! I love them and they are so unique and gorgeous! Because of this, I don’t feel guilty splurging on other seasonal table items… like this GORGEOUS poinsettia platter from Target! (Which is currently sold out.)

Next, add wine, if you haven’t already. Preferably in a gold-rimmed glass.

And finally, PEACE OUT with this adorable Hearth & Hand dish towel – which is still not tooooooooo Christmassy.  And my current favorite item that I use for jewelry, snacks, to put my wine glass on as a giant, luxe coaster, etc. etc. etc. – this gold-rimmed agate platter (which comes in a few colors!).  

Let me know your favorite holiday decor tips, strategies, items, etc., in the comments below!

This post is part of a collection of holiday home tours from the below bloggers – check out all their tours for even more inspo!

Shining on Design| Home with Keki | What a Difference a Day Makes | The Project Pile

Lisa Designs Life | The Farmhouse Addict | Pearl Street Designs | EH Design

An Eclectic Twist | Momma Can | The Holtz House | Franc & Eli

Semigloss Design | Beauty For Ashes | Jenron Designs | At Lane and High