No Tree? No Problem. Try These Fast and Festive Holiday Decorating Tips

We were all warned: the current holiday season, the stretch between Thanksgiving and Christmas, is the shortest in two decades – a full five days less than last year.

Last weekend, it really hit home. With only two weeks to go, I still haven’t unpacked my tree or decorations. Turns out, I’m not alone. According to online designer Michael Helwig, scaled-back Christmas décor is trending in 2024.

“Let me say, I’m kind of feeling the minimal vibe this year,” he said. “If you’re on board too, I think we’re in great company.”

The good news is decorating for the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. Here’s how to simplify the process and still create a festive atmosphere.

Tip #1: Head to your nearest Trader Joe’s – stat.

For starters, their selection of seasonal plants and flowers is off the charts (and reasonably priced to boot). We’re talking wreaths, mistletoe, garlands, and poinsettias in myriad holiday hues. My top picks: the Double Rose White Amaryllis box (a great gift) and Cypress Grump Tree.

But don’t stop at foliage. Toss a tin (or ten) of Jingle Jangle in your cart, aka Christmas Crack. This Trader Joe’s exclusive is an addictive mix of a whole bunch of things that taste terrific, bathed in chocolate – an instant reminder that the season is all about indulgence and joy.

Tip #2: You don’t need a giant tree to get into the holiday spirit.

Tiny ones can be just as festive. These mini trees come in a slew of traditional and fun colors – not to mention they can be at your door as soon as tomorrow.

Glass trees are a chic and collectible alternative. We found a gold and clear Murano glass one in designer Jan Shower’s gift guide and a colorful five-piece set at Neiman Marcus. Display throughout the house – table centerpieces, hallway consoles, mantels, or even bathroom vanities.

Tip #3: Use ornaments as décor.

A vessel full is a quick and inexpensive way to dress up your space. Swap out the contents of a favorite bowl, or fill various sizes of vases and cloches with brightly hued baubles. (Talulah and Hess has some of the best.)

You can also decorate garlands, wreaths, and centerpieces. Or hang clear or metallic ornaments from a chandelier to catch the glow of overhead lighting.

Tip #4: Candles are a multi-sensory way to jeuje up your space.

Create clusters in different sizes and heights, mixing in natural elements like greenery or pinecones. Scatter votives, best used en masse. And make it feel effortless by gathering mismatched candlesticks filled with colorful tapers.

And never underestimate the power of a fabulous, scented candle to enhance the mood.  

With wafts of fresh pine and resin, the Diptyque Sapin (Pine Cone) classic holiday candle is “quite possibly the most luxe evocation of walking through a Christmas tree farm imaginable,” according to Town and Country magazine. Snag one for yourself (and your entire gift list) at the Parisian brand’s new NorthPark Center flagship.

Tip #5: Smellabrate the Season.

We wish we would have written that tagline ourselves, but it’s the insanely clever marketing of Dallas-based Poo-Pourri. Their Deck the Stalls Holiday Set – which traps bathroom odors before they begin – promises to keep the season smelling merry and bright.