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The Ultimate Christmas Decorating Checklist Part 1 – Indoor Locations

Angela Rogers

Now that the holidays are here, Christmas decorating is in fully swing. We know from personal experience how easy it is to lose track of everything between wrestling trees around, replacing bulbs on light strings, and bringing countless boxes down from storage. But it doesn’t have to be all frustration and tangled wires. Let us give you a helping hand this year with the ultimate checklist of all things Christmas decorating related. In this first part, also available as a printer friendly PDF, we’ll cover everything need to get the inside of your house in the holiday spirit.

Living Rooms

Living rooms are the main focal point of Christmas decorations in the home. It’s where everyone gathers on Christmas morning to see what Santa brought. The Christmas tree will be center of attention. If you don’t have the space for a tree, there are several alternative ways you can decorate.

Helpful Tip – If you have decided to flock your tree this year, set up outside or in a space that is large enough to allow you to easily move around the tree. Work from top to bottom, coating small sections at the time to ensure a more natural looking appearance.

Mantels

After the Christmas tree, mantels are the next focal-point of a room. If you don’t have a fireplace, don’t worry. Mount garland to the wall to hang stockings from or decorate floating shelves.  If you don’t have outlets nearby, take advantage of battery operated lights. 

  • Greenery

  • Props

    • Stockings

    • Decorative Stocking Hooks

    • Mantle Scarfs

    • Ceramic Christmas Village

    • Nutcrackers and Soldiers

    • Snow Globes

    • LED Pillar Candles

    • Candle Holders

    • Candle Lanterns and Cages

  • Lights

    • LED or Incandescent Mini Lights

    • C6 or C7 Christmas Light Strings

    • Battery Operated Christmas Lights

    • Lighted Ribbon

    • Micro Light Stringers

  • Snow Flakes

  • Snow Blankets

Helpful Tip – Ornament hooks aren’t just for trees. These hooks can be used to secure ornaments and other decorations to wreaths and garland. Just make sure you hang from the greenery and not the string lights’ wire.

Stairs

Another beautiful focal point is your stairs. Garland and lights draped along banisters brings out a timeless look that makes an excellent backdrop for family photos. Reduce tripping hazards by limiting the number of decorations sitting on the steps. Incorporate larger decorations by setting them off to the sides of the stairs or hanging them on the wall.

  • Greenery

    • Christmas Garland

    • Christmas Teardrops Swag

    • Small Decorative Trees or Topiaries

  • Props

    • Christmas Bows

    • Candle Lanterns and Cages

    • Potted Poinsettias

    • Stockings

  • Lights

    • LED or Incandescent Mini Lights

    • C6 or C7 Christmas Light Strings

    • Commercial Stringers

    • LED or Incandescent C7 Replacement Bulbs

    • Battery Operated Lights

    • Lighted Ribbon

    • Micro Light Stringers

    • Rope Light

    • Spheres

  • Snow Blanket

Fun Tip – Look for festive stair stickers (a variation on wall stickers) to attach to your stair risers. These stickers can have joyful words or create holiday images.

Tables

Coffee tables provide additional surfaces that can be decorated in your living room. Avoid placing bulky decorations on tables that get a lot of use. End tables are good spots for ceramic villages, and other tabletop decorations that would be in the way on other tables.

  • Greenery

    • Small Wreaths

    • Miniature Decorative Trees

  • Props

    • Ceramic Christmas Village

    • Tabletop Decorative Figurines

    • Snow Globes

    • Candy Bowls

    • LED Pillar Candles

    • LED Tea Lights

    • Candle Holders

    • Candle Lanterns and Cages

  • Lights

    • Battery Operated Christmas Lights

    • Micro Light Stringers

    • Lighted Ribbon

  • Snow Blanket

  • Table Cloths

  • Table Runners

  • Centerpiece

Fun Craft Idea - Create a lovely centerpiece using a small wreath, battery operated Christmas lights, lighted ribbon, and battery operated candles.

Doorways, Entryways, and Lobbies

Decorated doors and entryways provide a welcoming feel during the holidays and can give visitors a small preview of your decorations inside. Mistletoe and holly make great additions to greenery. Tie cinnamon sticks or vanilla beans into garland and wreaths for a delightful smell. Hang sleigh bells to door handles to jingle whenever someone enters.

  • Greenery

    • Wreaths

    • Christmas Garland

    • Christmas Trees

    • Mistletoe

    • Poinsettias

  • Props

    • Nutcracker and Toy Soldier Props

    • Sleigh Bells

  • Lights

    • LED Mini Lights

    • Incandescent Mini Strings

    • C6, C7, and C9 Christmas Light Strings

    • Novelty Light Strings

    • Commercial Stringers

      • LED or Incandescent C7 and C9 Replacement Bulbs

    • Battery Operated Christmas Lights

    • Micro Light Stringers

    • Rope Light

    • Light Curtain Strands

Helpful Tip – Not sure which lights to use with your tree, wreath or mantle? Read through our six-part Ultimate Christmas Light Guide!

Windows, French Doors, and Sliding Glass Doors

Decorating windows and glass doors can be a lot of fun. Mount garland over the top or place on outdoor sills and windows boxes. If you have over-the-window shelves or an enclosed valance, place smaller props like nutcrackers along with your regular decorations. Window clings and other decorations can be attached to directly to the glass. Another quick decorating idea is to use ribbon to hang ornaments or snowflakes from your curtain rods.

  • Greenery

    • Wreaths

    • Christmas Garland

  • Props

    • LED or Incandescent Window Silhouettes

    • Window Candles

    • LED Pillar Candles

    • Candle Holders

    • LED Cages and Lantern

    • Window Projectors

    • Christmas Bows

    • Nutcrackers and Soldiers

  • Lights

    • LED or Incandescent Mini Lights

    • C6, C7, and C9 Christmas Light Strings

    • Novelty Light Strings

    • Commercial Stringers

      • LED or Incandescent C7 and C9 Replacement Bulbs

    • Battery Operated Christmas Lights

    • Micro Light Stringers

    • Rope Light

  • Spray Snow

  • Spray Ice

  • Window Clings

  • Window Covers

Helpful Tip – Take some of the mess out of spray snow by using stencils. After the holidays, use a windows scraper to remove as much of the snow as possible before spraying glass cleaner. Soapy water and a bristle brush will help remove any snow stuck to concrete and other surfaces.

Kitchens and Dining Rooms

Kitchens and dining rooms are fun areas to decorate since you are most likely creating a beautiful table display with the centerpiece as the focus. For an extra splash of holiday cheer, decorate around your cabinets. Go for a quirky look by hanging chili pepper lights or try the more traditional route with garland.

  • Greenery

    • Christmas Garland

    • Wreaths

  • Props

    • Tinsel Garland

    • LED Pillar Candles

    • Candle Holders

    • Candle Lanterns and Cages

    • Centerpieces

  • Lights

    • LED Mini Lights

    • Incandescent Mini Strings

    • C6, C7, and C9 Christmas Light Strings

    • Novelty Light Strings

    • Commercial Stringers

      • LED or Incandescent C7 and C9 Replacement Bulbs

    • Battery Operated Christmas Lights

    • Micro Light Stringers

    • Rope Light

  • Table cloths

  • Table runners

  • Placements

  • Napkins

  • Decorative Napkin Rings

  • Chair Covers

Fun Tip – Decorate your boats, campers, and cars too with 12 Volt LED Christmas lights! These lights plug into a 12V DC power outlet or cigarette lighter.

Accessories

Now that you have all of the lights and decorations out of the way, make sure you have the clips, timers, and cords to make them work. These are all the little items that you don’t realize you’ve forgotten at the very last minute.

Are there decorations that we left off the list? Leave your suggestions and tips in the comments below. Find more Christmas decorating tips by following our Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Pinterest pages.