Whimsical Holiday Decorations: How to Get a Quirky Boho Look?

Whimsical Holiday Decorations: Get a Quirky Boho Look is a treat for all who appreciate a bit of child-like, imperfect, playfully pleasing joyfulness. As a bonus, this lighthearted loveliness is beamed to you from a merry Sugarplum Fairy on the Prairie with a wicked sweet tooth. Find all the inspiration sealed with a wink, a prayer, and a snowy white wish for whimsy von whimsy wonder to forge a path to you.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Whimsical Holiday Decorations: How to Get a Quirky Boho Look?

Darling pink Christmas decor accents with fresh greenery in an all white entry and living room with cottage style. #whimsicalchristmas #christmasdecor #shabbychic #countrychristmas
Good Housekeeping/Photo: Mike Garten – Whimsical Holiday Decor Inspiration, and Ideas as well as Christmas Decorating Finds!

On this crisp morn in Northern Illinois, it only seems fitting to gaze in the direction of holiday cheer and Christmas decor.

Berry Leaf Wreath with ivory felt leaves and pink and red berries - Anthropologie. #christmaswreath #shabbychic
Berry Leaf Holiday Wreath – Whimsical Holiday Decorations: Get a Quirky Boho Look as well as holiday decor shopping resources!

Christmas miracles have already begun to bloom ’round here.

7’ Belgium Fir “Natural Look” Artificial Christmas Tree with 500 Clear LED Lights
Belgian Fir tree – in case you like my tree.

Last night, I put up a new, everlasting, prelit Belgian Fir tree, and the miracle is it took less than 30 minutes (including zhushing branch tips).

No apologies for the early start with Christmas decor since it is never too soon to see twinkling white lights. The weather outside is not frightful in the slightest as turning leaves (not snow) are falling. However, it grows dark so early now, and I’m one of those souls sensitive to ambient light.

Whimsical decor in particular, may feel perfectly natural and appropriate given the ongoing peculiar nature of recent years.

Lightening up our holiday homes and hearts is surely good medicine.

MirrorMeg Collection  'A La Folie' White Embroidered tshirt replica of one seen on Meghan Markle.
A la folie tshirt, MirrorMeg on Etsy – in case you wish to sport a tee like Meghan Markle.

Bold Color or Understated?

Whimsical decor need not encompass bold color or kitsch if neutrals are your happy place…and I admire how Dreamy Whites imagines a French pot, a wee tree, and pie.

French farmhouse Christmas decor vignette on a buffet with whimsical fresh tree, vintage cutting boards, and white shiplap - Dreamywhites.
Dreamy Whites Atelier – Whimsical Holiday Decorations: Get a Quirky Boho Look as well as Decor Finds!

However, nothing wrong with bold color for whimsy! (If you have a Norway Spruce in the yard as I do, droopy branches (like below) in simple glass jars may bring smiles.

Charming and whimsical farmhouse Christmas decor with droopy evergreen branches decorated with colorful bulbs in simple white bottle vases.
Good Housekeeping/Photo: Seth Smooth – Whimsical Holiday Decorations: Get a Quirky Boho Look as well as Christmas Decorating Finds!

You may have spied this adorable Santa doormat at Anthropologie…

Santa Claus Doormat…in case you love merry and whimsical holiday doormats.

But look what happens when you use it as a springboard for inspiration and create one in your own favorite color palette…

Pink Santa whimsical doormat with boho, shabby chic farmhouse style - Amanda Escoe. #christmasdecor #doormats #pinkchristmas
Amanda Escoe – hello darling indeed!

Whimsical Christmas Tree & Wreath Ideas

Oh, the inspiring ideas for whimsical Christmas trees around the internet! Who can resist a pom pom tree created from handmade or storebought pom poms. (NO ONE HAS TO KNOW!)

Darling colorful boho popm pom Christmas wreath on a candy pink door for the holidays - Rachel Jacks/Curbly.
Curbly – in case you want to make this DIY wreath!

BTW, your resident 70’s crafty flower child here has always had a thing for pom poms so find a crafty story here with more DIY!

Sweet and cheerful pom pom Christmas tree in bright vivid colors - Awwsam.
Colorful whimsical pom pom tree – Awwsam: Whimsical Holiday Decor Inspiration, and Ideas as well as Christmas Decorating Finds!

Peppermint Stripes Whimsical Tablescape

A peppermint candy cane themed tablescape has just the right balance of whimsy, and I bet many of you could run with this theme in mind for your Christmas table!

Cheerful and cozy red peppermint pinstripe theme tablescape for Christmas and holidays.
Good Housekeeping/Photo: Brian Woodcock – Whimsical Holiday Decor Inspiration, and Ideas as well as Christmas Decorating Finds!

Darling Gingerbread Gift Boxes

This is a promising DIY from Awwsam to try (every one of my gingerbread houses in the history of my holiday baking has sadly been condemned!). Lord have mercy, it would be a gift if these gifts were a saving grace.

Gingerbread gift boxes with fondant ribbon and pink accents for a cheerful whimsical Christmas - Awwsam. #christmasbaking #pinkchristmas #gingerbread
Holiday Gingerbread Present Boxes – Awwsam: Whimsical Holiday Decor Inspiration, and Ideas as well as Christmas Decorating Finds!

Psst. Ginger is good for you. Here’s how I have been beating the 2 pm slump and smartly satisfying my craving for cookies:

Scandinavian Christmas Decor Whimsy

It can be the little things. Good Housekeeping demonstrates how simple Scandi straw ornaments freshen ordinary garland strewn on a staircase. I grew up with these ornaments on our tree every year so they also deliver a nostalgic squeeze directly to my heart.

Charming Scandinavian Christmas straw ornaments and fresh garland on white staircase in a cottage style home.
Good Housekeeping/Photo: Michael Partenio – Inspiring Christmas Trees and Colorful Crafts as well as Festive Rooms with Holiday decorations.

And look no further than the Swedish dala horse for the sweetest Nordic nod to whimsical holiday decorating.

Farmhouse Christmas decorated shelves with bottle brush trees and Swedish dala horses.
Good Housekeeping/Photo: Mike Garten – Inspiring Christmas Trees and Colorful Crafts as well as Festive Rooms with Holiday decorations.

French Country + Whimsy Wonder

I like whimsy decor best when it feels non-contrived and effortless. Shabbyfufu’s fresh greenery paired with an enamel pitcher and rustic box captures such ease.

It’s simple, wabi sabi, slow living, Christmas zhushing von zhushing at its farmhouse finest.

Fresh evergreen branches in a vintage enamel pitcher and rustic wood box make a charming vignette for a Christmas dining room by Shabbyfufu.
Shabbyfufu – Inspiring Christmas Trees and Colorful Crafts as well as Festive Rooms with Holiday decorations.

One Image, 100 Whimsical Moments

Sometimes just one corner of a holiday decorated space will spoil you with lovely whimsical holiday splendid-awesomeness.

Casual living room with cheerful boho whimsical holiday decor and mini Christmas tree.
Good Housekeeping/Photo: Sian Richards – Inspiring Christmas Trees and Colorful Crafts as well as Festive Rooms with Holiday decorations.

Go ahead and expand the image above on your screen to see what I mean, and I bet you’ll experience a few merry aha’s. (Who is sprinting to the thrift store for easy to find brass candlesticks, and who agrees a fun-sized fresh Christmas tree is delightful?)

Merry and bright Christmas fireplace mantel decorated with red polka dot stockings and whimsical trees and greenery - Plaidsandpoppies.
PlaidsandPoppies…hello cheerful Christmas indeed.

Serenity, Simplicity and Stripes

While you might expect to see a plain ol’ burlap skirt or a French linen sheet draped round this tree’s base, what a sweet sight to spy stripes!

French farmhouse Christmas tree with red and pink skirt, vintage door, and bulldog in cape! Dreamywhites.
Dreamy Whites Atelier – Inspiring Christmas Trees and Colorful Crafts as well as Festive Rooms with Holiday decorations.

Come to think of it, why do we settle for one tree skirt per season when the tree skirt fashion possibilities are endless and easy peasy to change!?!

Vivid red accents on a cheerful Christmas tree in a whimsical family room decorated festively for the holidays - PlaidsandPoppies.
PlaidsandPoppies – in case a vivid red is calling your name.

When Whimsical Christmas Decor Finds Are Also Quite Functional

I’m in love with Rifle Paper Co’s holiday designs, and I bet the color palette will appeal too since it is such a freshened, cheerful Christmas rainbow. (Their Nutcracker designs sell out quick.)

Ski Girl
Ski Girl Card – Hello lovely whimsical holiday ineed.
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Nutcracker Holiday Tea Towel – Delightful Christmas kitchen finds for a touch of merry as well as childlike wonder!
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Tap for buying info
Nutcracker Wrapping Sheets
Nutcracker Gift Wrap – Delightful Christmas kitchen finds for a touch of merry as well as childlike wonder!
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Holiday Tea Towel – Delightful Christmas kitchen finds for a touch of merry as well as childlike wonder!
Winter Berries Gift Tag
Winter Berries Gift Tag – Darling Nutcracker themed holiday decor to lighten the mood in case you love colorful Christmas whimsy!
Festive Stripe Wrapping Roll
Festive Stripe Wrapping Roll – Darling Nutcracker themed holiday decor to lighten the mood in case you love colorful Christmas whimsy!
Nutcracker Ballet
Nutcracker Ballet Card – Nutcracker themed holiday decor to lighten the mood in case you admire colorful Christmas whimsy!
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Rifle Paper Co Holiday Tea Towel – Christmas kitchen finds for a merry mood as well as childlike wonder!

When is a Whimsical Gnome Cushion Functional Decor?

Can a decorative throw pillow embellished with playful bells and sherpa ever be deemed functional? Will the first internet global discussion forum on the topic commence here?

*shakes Magic8ball… “Cannot Predict Now”*

But seriously. If said pillow evokes a smile from you and others in the nest, I would argue the answer is OUI (or at least a wee oui…hahahahaha).

Velvet Sherpa Tree Applique Pillow Cover
Pottery Barn – tap image for buying info
Funny holiday quote about food, puppy chow and crying - Hello Lovely Studio. #christmashumor #holidayhumor #funnyquote #foodquotes

Lovely & Whimsical Christmas Decor Finds

Don’t miss the whimsical Christmas offerings HERE, and do a little Christmas box opening by clickety clicking ON THE TITLE OF THE ITEM within these boxes below…

Funny Christmas quote from Buddy the Elf (Will Ferrell). #holidays #christmas #quote #humor #funnyquote

In Case You Are Still With Me…Let’s Giggle With Gosling

Funny Christmas quote and holiday humor. #holidayhumor #funnyquote #holidays

Thanks so much for being fun as well as fabulous!

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
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Highback Armchair
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Cashmere Throw With Fringe
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Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
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16 Comments

  1. Joanna
    October 31, 2019 / 11:46 am

    I’m gathering up my Fall decor and tucking it away today, readying for Winter decor. I’m in the mood! 😀
    I hope your snow doesn’t amount to much, so the little ones can get out trick or treating. They are so cute!
    Happy Halloween!

    • Michele
      Author
      October 31, 2019 / 3:32 pm

      I think we have 4-5 inches, and I’m not sure if there’s more coming. We don’t get too many trick or treaters, and I am always gone on Halloween since I don’t enjoy it at all. 🙂 Merry Halloween!

      • Joanna
        October 31, 2019 / 5:33 pm

        I used to love Halloween. Getting dressed up, and in character, was so much fun. But as I got older, it became a bother. Now, we go out for dinner with friends. Halloween Grinches we are my friend!

        • Michele
          Author
          October 31, 2019 / 8:48 pm

          I’m a total halloweenie grinch and had enough issues to work out with therapy beyond halloween so they live on! Ha!

  2. Carol
    October 31, 2019 / 1:35 pm

    Hi ….I love this post….just wondering where the bells might be available?

    • Michele
      Author
      October 31, 2019 / 3:31 pm

      If you are referring to bells in those boxes of the gallery toward the end of the post, you can click on the title/name of the item in each box – unfortunately if you just click the box and not the name of item, it won’t take you to the item – I updated the post to hopefully make it more clear – thank you! 🙂

  3. Marilyn S.
    November 9, 2020 / 7:13 am

    Please include me in the pom pom pillow forum – I can debate in favor of those until the cows come home! I mean who wouldn’t find a million and one reasons to have at least 3?

    • Michele
      Author
      November 9, 2020 / 9:32 am

      Yes! They are retro yet still boho cool. They remind me of my Swedish gram knitting little slippers for us with pom poms. And unlike other wreaths, they beg to be touched and survive little squeezes. xox

  4. November 9, 2020 / 7:51 am

    Great post Michele 🎄 I’m in love with the holiday towel from Anthropology!!! So cute!!

    • Michele
      Author
      November 9, 2020 / 9:30 am

      Anthro always works with such fun artists, but they should definitely welcome some Southern Irwin Chic. 🙂 Happy Monday, beautiful.

  5. Amy
    November 4, 2021 / 8:09 am

    You’ve motivated me to get my tree up earlier JUST to enjoy the twinkling white lights longer! I’m not sure I’ve ever gotten it up before Thanksgiving. Meowy Christmas towel adorable for cat lover I know & love. Continue to appreciate your humor especially the crying/puppy chow quote…maybe best quote ever…definitely truest! Haha! We make puppy chow once/yr @ Christmas…but def gonna rethink that according to this quote! 😆Happy day to you!

    • Michele
      Author
      November 4, 2021 / 8:53 am

      Hahahahaha. Same here about the puppy chow once a year. I can only have a little, but with my restricted diet and limited ability to taste, recipes and family favorites take on new meaning. I remember the years of sharing family favorites and treats. I recall memories of introducing new deliciousness to my young sons. So I’m so thankful that my memory is still here, though my senses are quite dull. As long as I can keep laughing as my body and health fall apart, I know I’m muddling through it. It is when the laughter leaves that the hardest work begins. xox

  6. Amy
    November 4, 2021 / 7:12 pm

    I hate that you have not regained your ability to taste from Covid…ugh!! But you have such a great attitude! I’m gonna commit that to regular prayer…that God would restore that to you. HE IS ABLE! I prayed for your health issues this morning & will continue to. My best friend here has had chronic health issues just as you have & my husband battles diabetes which is ongoing. I count it a privilege to pray for each of you & battle with y’all in that way. Chronic health issues is one of the hardest challenges to face, but I’m praying that God will continually grant you supernatural grace & strength & hope & peace as only He can.

    • Michele
      Author
      November 6, 2021 / 3:57 am

      You’re such a faithful friend, Amy. Thank you. Hope you are feeling well and your husband is managing symptoms well. I need you to know I am feeling the power of prayer and the Presence working on my spirit and helping me cope. There is nothing like it, and the best word I can come up with is buoyancy – as if I am being carried over the stretch rather than slogging through the mire. The taste thing is okay – I have been through it before and believe it will return with time. It’s the new neurological symptoms and pain which are most troubling. Please pray for the brain disorder or movement disorder or circulatory disorder or scoliosis or Crohn’s complications causing the suffering. I see a neurologist soon and will hopefully be addressing skeletal issues in the next week. I am fiercely independent so the new developments are distressing as I want to be able to move my neck, hands, legs and feet normally again. He is able. He is good. He is on my side and with me, trustworthy and loving. xox

  7. Amy
    November 8, 2021 / 10:09 pm

    I will def be praying for all these things and for wisdom for the neurologist you will be seeing as well as the skeletal issues. Praying that God will heal all neurological systems & pain in His perfect way & time & that He will grant you relief very soon. I know this must be so faith stretching but grateful you are feeling the prayers and buoyancy is such an answer to prayer! Praying your neck, hand, legs, & feet movement will return to normal very soon as well. God is at work thru all of these things to accomplish His purposes for you for your good and His glory and He is in complete control even though at times things can seem out of control! Praying he meets your needs at every turn along this journey he had you on & that He will uphold you in His strong arms! ❤️

    • Michele
      Author
      November 9, 2021 / 12:05 am

      Thank you. He is able. I am able too. Trusting and hoping. xox

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing