Holiday Decor Checklist

One of the most important parts of holiday decorating is the Christmas tree. First, you must decide if you want a natural or artificial tree. Natural, live trees bring a nice smell to your home. However, they also require watering and picking up loose needles. Artificial trees last multiple holiday seasons and look very realistic. But you'll be deprived of that fresh tree smell. Be sure to pick the tree that's right for you, your home and your family.

You need to figure out what size, shape and variety of tree you want. Before you start shopping, be sure to measure the space where the tree will be located. For an accurate measurement, account for both tree height and diameter. Review lots of images to get a sense of what will work best before you shop.
And you don't need to stop at one tree. Add trees, full or mini, to different areas of your home to elevate your holiday decorating.

• Full-size tree (natural or artificial)
• Porch tree
• Potted tree
• Pre-lit Christmas trees (incandescent or LED)
• Faux snow-flocked tree
• Different-colored tree (white, pink, rose gold and more)
• Twig tree

Selecting a Christmas tree is only the beginning. To display the tree and make sure it lasts the season, you'll need some accessories. Some help care for the tree, while others add style. There are many types of tree accessories, including stands, skirts, collars and more.

• Christmas tree stand
• Christmas tree collar
• Christmas tree skirt
• Christmas tree storage

Plan out your light displays on paper first to estimate the number of lights you need before you shop. Remember to measure the distance to your electric source. Also, be sure to test lights from past holiday seasons to see if you’ll need to replace them.

Look for maximalist light shows. The more shine, the better. This goes for indoors and outdoors, depending on your taste, budget and time. Sustainability is another popular lighting trend. You'll find eco-friendly decorations, ornaments and even Christmas trees.

When shopping for outdoor lights, look for outdoor-rated products. They're typically tested and verified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a third-party company. This means products meet safety standards. Look for labels like “UL-certified,” “UL-listed” or “commercial grade,” found within the product description. These ensure lights are waterproof and will prevent electrical shock and fire hazards. They won't rush, spark or burn out when used on the outside of your home.

As for LED lights, they use significantly less energy. This means you can connect more strands together. They stay cooler to the touch. This improves safety when used next to flammable objects. LEDs are more fade-resistant than incandescent bulbs. They're also more likely to last longer, more than a single holiday season. Here are popular lighting options:

Indoor:

• LED light strings
• Replacement bulbs
• Adjustable LED bulbs
• Rope lights
• Battery-operated lights
• Curtain string lights

Outdoor:

• Outdoor-rated string lights
• Icicle lights
• Net lights
• Solar Christmas lights
• Projection lights

Ornaments are a big part of the fun of tree decorating, and styles and designs vary widely. A set of ornaments is a snazzy way to showcase your personality. Try out colorful baubles, novelty pieces and shimmering stars. You can also buy personalized, individual ornaments. Most stores sell matching sets to show off your decorative style. Or you may prefer to craft handmade trinkets.

When shopping for new ornaments, consider your current decor and color themes to create a cohesive look. If your home is rustic, try vintage or old-style designs. Deep reds, greens and golds are a classic look. For modern homes, try simple ornaments with more neutral colors. Mix and match styles to add character and charm. Shatterproof ornaments are also a major trend. In homes with children or active pets, they are a great way to improve safety.

Remember to factor in your tree's size and branch strength. This will determine the number of ornaments you need. Take their weight into account if your tree is sparse.

• Ball ornaments
• Shatterproof tree ornaments
• Icicle ornaments
• Candy canes
• Festive bows
• Mini stockings
• Festive berry branches
• Tree topper
• Tree tinsel
• Burlap garland
• Treat-filled cornucopias

Natural elements are heavily associated with the holidays. You can add some festive winter plants and decorative herbs. Some can bring the added element of scent to your rooms. Pine green and deep berry tones give a warm pop. Or introduce natural accents with pinecones, flowers or dried fruit. You could hang a natural wreath on your door to welcome guests. And cinnamon stick bundles can add a sweet smell to your tree.

• Mistletoe
• Poinsettias
• Christmas cactus
• Spruce, pine or fir branch wreaths
• Fire log piles
• Cinnamon sticks
• Pear, orange or pomegranate centerpieces
• String-dried fruit
• Pinecones
• Cranberries
• Rosemary

Tip: Unless you are an experienced forager, purchase your natural accents from a reputable shop. Do not attempt to gather plants in the wild.

The lights and tree serve as the foundation of holiday decoration. However, layering in seasonal accent pieces can take things to the next level.

Indoor:

• Garland
• Decorative wreath, fresh or artificial
• Stockings
• Holiday signs with ribbon hangers
• Candles (real or flameless)
• Advent calendar
• Christmas/winter-themed bedding
• Ribbons/bows
• Holiday-themed couch pillows
• Snow globes
• Christmas/winter-themed tableware
• Holiday towel sets
• Centerpieces
• Holiday table runners

Outdoor:

• Yard signs
• Inflatables
• Window clings and decals
• Doorknob hanger sets
• Porch decor (snowmen, Santas and more)
• Holiday statues
• Hanging plant baskets with wintry plants
• Monogram door hanger

Tip: Remember to practice safety when using real candles. Never leave a lit candle unattended. Always adhere to the recommended burn times.

Christmas inflatables turn an ordinary yard into a festive holiday landscape. You can choose a single outdoor centerpiece or a cast of cheerful figures to light up your lawn. Easy to move and store, they bring the spirit of the season to your outdoor Christmas decorations.

Favorite holiday mascots, like Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman, bring Christmas to your doorstep. You can also go bigger with your outdoor display. Showcase Rudolph and his reindeer friends as they embark on their journey, surrounded by inflatable Christmas trees. You may prefer to animate your holiday decor with cartoon classics. A larger-than-life Mickey and Minnie Mouse, or a Minion or two, are sure to make the little ones smile.

Create a fun and inviting space for your family and guests this season with the magic of animatronics. Jolly figures like Santa tell holiday stories and sing Christmas songs. Look for licensed characters, such as the Grinch, Yoda and Mickey Mouse, all in detailed costumes. Their animatronic servo motors provide lifelike movement for the characters.

As you begin your decorating projects, it can be helpful to build a small supply of utility items. These items will help you to hang, anchor and power your decorations. Include special storage containers that are built to protect your decor. This ensures your decor will last for seasons to come.

• Light timers
• Mounting clips
• Extension cords
• Power strips
• Light spools
• Hooks
• Extension pole
• Glue gun
• Yard stakes
• Wires
• Mounting adhesive
• Holiday storage containers