Easy Christmas Decorating Hacks & Christmas Movies

Is your December being gentle with you? As the weather grows cold here, I am feeling relieved that we recently made changes to our bedroom to keep it toasty. It is becoming the retreat we need it to be, but there is much work to do. (The bath has been gutted, and I am busy painting trim in the bedroom.) Oh that there were a quick hack for house remodeling! Let’s start things off with the easiest hack of all hacks: LIGHT CANDLES. I lit candles today as morning was breaking and the first snow fell. (See a short video I took this morning below.) Candles elevate everyday moments, bring a sacredness to the ordinary, and they make any and every room feel cozier. Pin the ideas you favor below for easy Christmas decorating hacks to save for future reference.

Christmas cozy tablescape - @liekes_world. #romanticchristmas #rusticchristmas
@liekes_world

Christmas Decorating Hacks & Silly Christmas Movies Now

Light the Candles

Peek inside our home as the snow fell this morning:

Everlasting Topiary With Real and Faux

I love how Amber of Follow the Yellow Brick Home studded faux clementines with cloves for this sweet topiary arrangement. Wonderful with real tangerines, but if you need it to last for photoshoots, holiday parties, or just because…give it a whirl.

Christmas topiary with clementines (faux!) studded with cloves and attached to a cone - FollowtheYellowBrickHome. #christmascitrus #christmastopiary #christmascenterpiece
followtheyellowbrickhome – Christmas decorating hacks as well as Christmas movies

That same idea was also applied to Amber’s Christmas wreath in the kitchen below:

Christmas farmhouse kitchen with white cupboards and wreath with citrus slices hanging from ribbon on glass door - Follow the Yellow Brick Home. #christmaskitchen #countrychristmas #christmascitruswreath
@followtheyellowbrickhome – Christmas decorating hacks in case you love easy ideas to add charm

Dried citrus slices were added to the everlasting wreath which is suspended on the cupboard door with ribbon.

Add Romantic Lighting With a Chandelier & Without an Electrician

Not sure if you spied my sconces in our entry in my video above, but even though they are electric, I chose to insert real candles and not use them as light fixtures. I just wanted the glow. Don’t forget about the magic of real candelight!

Cozy fireplace in Old World style kitchen - via @aquietlifeathome. #kitchenfireplace
via @aquietlifeathome – Christmas decorating hacks as well as Silly Christmas Movies

Please Pin this Post to save it for future reference!

Restraint With Mercury Glass

For an elegant monochromatic look, mass the mercury glass and skip the other metallics and traditional Christmas colors.

Beautiful holiday decor inspiration from interior designers and bloggers. Come discover 28 Amazing Christmas Decorating Ideas! #christmasdecor #holidaydecorating
Photo & Design: Corner French Cottage…see more French Country Christmas inspiration HERE.
Inspirational Ann Voskamp faith quote relevant for Christmas on Hello Lovely Studio. #annvoskamp #faithquotes #christmasquotes #christianity
Holiday Decorating Tips & Quotes…hello lovely indeed.

Embellish a Wreath With Sheet Music

I love a hood wreath! But if it seems too bare for your taste, embellish it simply like this:

Beautiful holiday decor inspiration from interior designers and bloggers. Come discover 28 Amazing Christmas Decorating Ideas! #christmasdecor #holidaydecorating
Photo & Design: Corner French Cottage. See more French Country Christmas inspiration HERE.

Here’s a printable if you decide to do something similar with sheet music:

Vintage Silent Night sheet music to print and frame - Hello Lovely Studio. #sheetmusic #christmasdecor

So Much Beauty Here:

Inspirational Ann Voskamp faith quote relevant for Christmas on Hello Lovely Studio. #annvoskamp #faithquotes #christmasquotes #christianity #gratitudequotes #thanksgiving
Holiday Decorating Tips & Quotes…hello lovely indeed.

Paper Ornaments and Window Decor

Scandi style is so charming for Christmas decorating ideas, and don’t you love how the paper ornaments are simply hung from branches in this vase?

Lovely handmade paper Scandi ornaments dangle from bare branches in a vase for this holiday moment by Herzenseinrichtung.
@herzenseinrichtung…in case you love Scandi style!
Encouragement quote and tweet from @jonathanldent. #encouragementquotes

Let Food Be a Decoration

Buy the donuts and decorate them!

Encouragement quote reminding us we have struggled and overcome - Hello Lovely Studio. #encouragementquotes #strugglequotes #overwhelmquotes

Snow Globe Placesettings

How special to include a sweet simple snow globe at each place as a favor and decoration.

Atlanta Home for the Holidays Designer Showhouse Christmas placesetting by Liz Williams Interiors with a lovely snow globe at each plate.
Breakfast room place setting by Liz Williams Interiors – tour the 2021 Home for the Holidays Showhouse HERE

Rustic Wooden Bowl & Sparkly Ornaments

Whether it’s a rustic wood dough bowl or something thrifted, create a centerpiece with plain ol’ bulbs.

Set the Table & Leave it Set

Should you have a dining table that isn’t used every single day, leave it decorated and pretty in between occasions!

Pretty Raspberry Accents

Consider delicious colors beyond the typical crimsons like this yummy hue for ribbon:

Atlanta Home for the Holidays Designer Showhouse bedroom by Kristin Kong with Christmas tree. #christmasdecorating #pinkchristmas
Kristin Kong designed Sugar Plum Suite bedroom in the 2021 Atlanta HFH Showhouse

Isn’t all that plum romantic?

Swag Simple Lights in a Rustic Bedroom

It can be tricky to decorate a bedroom for Christmas, but for the easiest hack – add twinkly lights.

Inspirational Ann Voskamp faith quote relevant for Christmas on Hello Lovely Studio. #annvoskamp #faithquotes #christmasquotes #christianity

Paint Your Front Door Green

It’s kind of a thing now to paint your front door…with the season! If you don’t mind a little labor and like changing it up, go for it.

But which green? See THIS and THIS and THIS.

Preserved Boxwood Wreaths

If you have never lived with preserved boxwood, ooh la la – I do love it. I spritz mine occasionally with water, but talk about no fuss!

Simple wreaths hung on from kitchen cabinets by solid red ribbon in a showhouse for Christmas decor. Beautiful holiday decor inspiration from interior designers and bloggers. Come discover 28 Amazing Christmas Decorating Ideas! #christmasdecor #holidaydecorating
2018 Atlanta Holiday Home – photo: Sherry Hart of Design Indulgence

Tone on Tone With Green

We get so used to combining red and green during the holidays that it is rather remarkable to see shades of green combined!

Elegant Christmas decor planters at Atlanta Home for Holidays Designer Showhouse 2021 - Boxwoods Gardens & Gifts. #outdoorchristmasdecor
See more of the 2021 Home for the Holidays Designer Showhouse HERE
Inspirational Ann Voskamp faith quote relevant for Christmas on Hello Lovely Studio. #annvoskamp #faithquotes #christmasquotes #christianity

Isn’t it interesting to see the green tree against a green wall?

Christmas tree topped with feathers and adorned with colorful modern pops of color and sophistication in an Atlanta home for the holidays showhouse. Beautiful holiday decor inspiration from interior designers and bloggers. Come discover 28 Amazing Christmas Decorating Ideas! #christmasdecor #holidaydecorating
2018 Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Home for the Holidays Designer Showhouse
Heartwarming winter quote about squirrels and mushroom jerky on Hello Lovely Studio. #winterquotes #squirrelquote #animalquotes

Combine Pink With Red

It’s such a cheerful combination that isn’t just for kids rooms!

Inspirational Ann Voskamp faith quote relevant for Christmas on Hello Lovely Studio. #annvoskamp #faithquotes #christmasquotes #christianity

Bring Out A Collection

Incorporate a favorite collection or start a new one this year. (A few years back, for me, it was all about my pointe shoe collection and the sugarplum fairy cozy vibes!).

Pink pointe shoes and fluffy white pom pom wreaths for rustic pink Christmas vignette by Hello Lovely Studio. #pointeshoes #pinkchristmas #pompomwreaths
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Don’t Hide the TV

Does the big black box above the fireplace have potential to be a star?

Inspirational Ann Voskamp faith quote relevant for Christmas on Hello Lovely Studio. #annvoskamp #faithquotes #christmasquotes #christianity

Accent the Kitchen With Festive Linens

Mine truly are useful as dish towels, casual napkins, and even guest towels in the bath at Christmastime.

Simple and rustic layer cake on a wood slice decorated for Christmas with cherries. Plaid linens from Urban Farmgirl. Beautiful holiday decor inspiration from interior designers and bloggers. Come discover 28 Amazing Christmas Decorating Ideas! #christmasdecor #holidaydecorating
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Go Fuzzy Wuzzy Wonderland in a Bedroom

You can leave the cozy to linger all winter long!

Funny cat quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #catquotes #cathumor
Christmas quote: May your heart be warm, your holidays grand...Irish Saying on Hello Lovely Studio. #christmas #quotes #hoildayquotes

Message on a Mirror

This message was handlettered over a mirror, but you can also skip the chalkboard paint and paint directly on the glass for an etched look. (Wash it off later!)

Rustic farmhouse Christmas decor at Urban Farmgirl. #farmhouse #christmasdecor
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Vintage Tree & Retro Color

Folks are so creative with their tabletop trees, and for a country look, the proportions here are just right.

Beautiful sage green country cabinet and Christmas decorations with vintage style at Trove in Rockford, Illinois. #countrychristmas #rusticdecor #christmasdecor #holidaydecor #vintagestyle
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I know it’s tricky to find these oversized Christmas bells which I find locally.

Oversized galvanized Christmas bell suspended from green vintage door at Trove Vintage. #holidaydecor #christmasdecorating #bell #vintagestyle
Hello Lovely Studio. See more inspiration from this shop (Trove) RIGHT HERE.
Funny quote with humor: If your mom doesn't have an old gift bag filled with other old gift bags, is she even a mom? #funnyquote #holidays #humor #momhumor #quotes

Mums & Lemony Cypress in a Window Box

I snapped this of a window I passed by in London and loved the combo.

Beautiful and elegant greenery and white flowers in a window box in London - Hello Lovely Studio. #windowbox #cypress #ivy
Photo: Hello Lovely Studio. I snapped this in London – see more pretty exteriors HERE.

Delicious Candy Stripes

I love these stripes especially when they are softer reds and raspberry!

Grand and tall elegant Christmas tree in an entry with magnificent architecture by The Fox Group. #christmastree #entry #christmasdecor #thefoxgroup
Photo & Design: The Fox Group. See more inspiration from this architect HERE.

Candlelit Path on the Stair

Let’s face it. Candles everywhere are my all-time favorite holiday decorating tip!

Simple glass hurricanes and whtie candles line a staircase with fresh greenery garland in a French inspired home. #christmasdecor #simplechristmas #frenchcountry #frenchnordic
Photo & Design: The French Nest Co. Interior Design

Don’t Forget the Citrusy Scents!

If citrus aromas lift your spirits (they have a profound mood altering effect on this girl), do indulge.

Bold color from fruit, evergreens, and cinnamon in a simmering stovetop potpourri - Hello Lovely Studio. #christmaskitchen #potpourri #holidaystyle #cozykitchen
Hello Lovely Studio – find my favorite simmering recipe RIGHT HERE
Inspiring New Year quote to promote hope, peace, love, and encouragement in the days ahead - Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #newyearquotes #encouragementquotes

Silly Movies

Is it really possible we are 22 days from a new year?

I hope December is being extra gentle with you, friends. We need lots of time to just BE or to escape in stories and movies. Every family has their favorite holiday movies, and what an eclectic genre it is!

I’m sure you’re familiar with these:

Christmas movies grid
Scroll to the bottom of the post for the movie titles…how many of these have you seen?
Funny Christmas humor and holiday quote. #quotes #funnyquote #christmas #humor

That English Cottage in THE HOLIDAY!

The Holiday is one of my favs, and this tent scene will usher us right into cozy loveliness:

Kate Winslet's cottage in The Holiday movie - where they filmed in Shere, Surrey in the English countryside. #theholiday #englishcottage #moviehouses
The English cottage in “The Holiday” doesn’t really exist since it was built as a set for the film!

You’ll find favorite Christmas movies from last year spotlighted below.

My own favorite? It was released the year I started writing (and did you know I started a now-defunct blog, two years before Hello Lovely debuted in January of 2010???)

Christmas Movie Favorites

Take these Christmas movie snippets for a spin to remember, to laugh, discover, and to support this site (time spent on Hello Lovely = support to keep it afloat).

Love Actually

It’s a Wonderful Life

A Christmas Story

White Christmas

The Family Stone

While You Were Sleeping

Christmas Vacation

From the Christmas movie scenes above, No. 5 is my favorite…yours?

Funny Christmas humor and holiday quote. #quotes #funnyquote #christmas #humor

Winter Cozies to Wear

Whimsical HOLIDAY Finds

Pillows With Whimsy

Son of a Nutcracker Elf Holiday Accent Pillow
Whimsical Holiday Pillows, DesmondBrownDesign on Etsy
Looks Great Little Full Lotta Sap SVG Christmas Vacation Svg image 1
Looks Great Little Full Lotta Sap design – ALANandAMELIA on etsy
Christmas Story Leg Lamp Holiday Accent Pillow
Leg Lamp Holiday Accent Pillow, DesmondBrownDesign on Etsy

Christmas Tree Topper

Glitter Angle Star Tree Topper
Tree Topper: FIND HERE.
Green Fir 7.5' Hinged Green Artificial Christmas Tree with 750 Clear Lights
Christmas Trees: FIND HERE.
Funny Christmas humor and holiday quote. #quotes #funnyquote #christmas #humor

Christmas Wreaths

Sleigh Bells

vintage sleigh bells
Vintage Sleigh Bells (Photo: Cricketcapers on Etsy)

For Holiday Mantels & Windows

White wood Swedish electric candelabra.
White wooden Swedish electric candelabra: FIND HERE.

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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2 Comments

  1. Marilyn S.
    December 10, 2022 / 5:56 am

    Stop the press !! This just in – A local home designer ,Lucy Small of State and Season in GA is currently building a replica of the Honeysuckke Cottage as seen in the Holiday. It will be called the Rose Hill cottage and will be available as an Air BNB type rental . Here’s an excerpt from the article –

    The cottage won’t be ready to visit until fall 2023, but you can book your reservation starting Dec. 1, 2022 at this link. The home officially opens Oct. 1, 2023, the ideal time of year to enjoy colorful fall foliage, and is open for reservations throughout the holiday season. The Rosehill replica contains three bedrooms, starting at $290 per night, serving as a romantic getaway or festive family setting to soak up the season.

    I don’t live far from there , so I’m thinking it would be the perfect place next year for a girls Rom Com binge watching , wine drinking, happy holiday weekend .

    Check it out.

    • Michele
      Author
      December 10, 2022 / 7:04 pm

      Hahaha – they contacted me a few weeks back sharing the news, and I thought “well it’s about time someone replicated that cottage!” Yes – a perfect place to gather, and I would love to visit too. 🙂

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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