10 5-Minute or Less Decorating Ideas: Christmas Magic In A Hurry

Are you feeling the stress of Christmas fast approaching? Maybe the house isn’t decorated, and time is running out. Don’t let the stress of decorating ruin your holiday season. I have 10 quick and easy ideas to make your home festive, but it will only take you 5 minutes or less. This year, skip the stress with these simple Christmas decorating ideas.

I know you are probably saying, but what about all the DIY Christmas decorations you’ve been sharing? Well, to be honest, I am running out of time too. I hope you’ve been able to make some of my ideas but as the time draws close, it’s more important to relax and enjoy the season than making another Christmas tree. Am I right? So as my annual Christmas party is fast approaching, I had to put away my hot glue gun and glitter and get this house ready for a festive party. So, let me share a few ways to add Christmas magic in a hurry.

(Posts on The Ponds Farmhouse may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See the full disclosure details here.)

1. Tie A Bow On It

This is the year of the bow. They are everywhere, and that’s good news for you! Grab some ribbon and tie a few bows to add a festive touch to your home. I’m using soft velvet ribbons around the farmhouse and on my packages. To add a splash of color and a festive touch, tie a bow on a lamp base, light fixtures, over the top of an art piece, etc.

The addition of the bow will instantly create a festive feeling to all areas of your home.

2. Add Candles For Simple Christmas Decorating Ideas

Candlelight is a great way to cozy up your home for the holidays. Scatter candles all around your house for simple Christmas decorating ideas. If possible, I recommend using battery-operated flicker candles for safety. There are so many options, from pillars to tea lights, that look authentic. Candles in safe jars are also an option. Plus, they come in holiday fragrances that make your home smell wonderful.

3. Dim the Lights

Another great idea is to dim the lights. Switch out light bulbs for a lower wattage, or use a dimmer. Keeping the lights low creates a warm atmosphere; your guests will only notice the flickering candles and twinkling lights. It will not matter if you have every surface decorated.

Did you know it’s super easy to add dimmers to your light switches? You just purchase one of these kits and remove the switch plate cover, follow the easy instructions, and ta-da, you have light dimmers.

• Light Switch Dimmer Kits

4. Put An Ornament On It

There is something about a simple Christmas ornament that will transform any ordinary item into a festive holiday decoration. Here are a few ideas for using ornaments to add Christmas magic in a hurry.

• Hang an ornament over a wall plate.
• Add ornaments to candlestick holders
• Put an ornament in a bud vase.
• Fill a bowl with ornaments
• Add ornaments to bows on garlands or anything you’ve tied a bow onto.
• Tuck a few ornaments into existing arrangements for simple Christmas decorating ideas.

5. Light A Bare Tree

Don’t have time to trim the tree? Leave it bare! Yes, a simple evergreen tree can look amazing with the right amount of twinkle lights—no ornaments required. Consider adding more lights or clip-on candle lights if you have a pre-lit tree. If you can’t help yourself, add just a few ornaments for a simple tree. It will only take you minutes to create a stunning tree.

6. Cozy Up Sofas and Chairs

Creating a cozy spot to sit and talk with family and friends is as easy as layering your sofas and chairs with throw blankets and pillows. They don’t have to be themed for a simple Christmas decorating idea. Consider using neutral beige, greens, or blues. If you don’t use pillows, layer two blankets together to give the sofa texture and color.

In addition to pillows, you can add soft snowmen or Santas to your seating area to instantly add a holiday touch.

7. Fill Vases and Containers With Natural Evergreens

The quickest and cheapest way to decorate for Christmas is with natural evergreens. They don’t have to be arranged perfectly or made into a wreath. Gather your clipping into vases, planters, baskets, and other containers to add a festive touch both inside and outside your home.

If you don’t have access to evergreens, stop by a local tree farm. Most will allow you to fill a basket with the trimming from the trees they have sold. Although I’ve heard of some charging for the clippings, it’s rare. Always check with the owner first.

These vintage ironstone pitchers look like Christmas when filled with evergreen boxwood clippings.

8. Gather From Nature

In addition to greenery, gather pinecones, berries and other items you find in nature to decorate your home for the holidays. Large pinecones look good standing along or grouped together. You can tuck them into baskets of greenery or fill a container with just pinecones. I’ve even added them to candlesticks to had holiday cheer.

9. Make Your House Smell Like Christmas

One of the simplest Christmas decorating ideas is making your home smell like Christmas. The scent of spices, evergreens, and baking cookies will instantly fill your home with a holiday vibe. So heat up the stove and create instant Christmas magic. Put a simmer pot on the burner with cider, cinnamon, cloves and oranges. Or buy some cookie dough and quickly bake up a batch. They don’t have to be homemade to make your home smell wonderful.

10. Bring Fresh Herbs Into The House

Finally, I always add fresh herbs to vases and tuck them into arrangements when I have company coming. They add an instant refreshing smell that will last for days when decorating for the holidays. I like rosemary and sage because they grow in my garden and stay looking fresh for weeks.

Pull out bud vases and fill them with water and herbs. Then, use them in bathrooms, bedrooms, and the kitchen to instantly refresh the air and add holiday charm.

Bonus Tip

Many stores have already started reducing their Christmas decorations. Now is a good time to pop in and grab some last-minute deals to add to this year’s decorations.

Simple Christmas Decorating Ideas To Reduce Stress

Today’s simple Christmas decorating ideas will help you to reduce the stress of the holiday season. Let’s remember what the season is about. So take a deep breath and embrace your home as it is. Add small touches where you can and enjoy time with your family and friends. Have a blessed and festive holiday!

Merry Christmas!