DIY Decoration Ideas and Home Preparation Tips to Jazz up Your Christmas

'Tis the season to be jolly! Yuletide season is just around the block, and you know what that means… Jingle bells in the air and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” on repeat everywhere you go! 

Getting ready for the holidays can be overwhelming, especially when you’re expecting guests over at your humble abode. But with proper planning, holiday preparations will be a breeze! Here are some cool DIY decoration ideas and home preparation tips to kickstart a merry Christmas:

Tip 1: Get into Cinderella mode and declutter your home

That’s right ladies and gents, it’s time to get your hands dirty. Get your mops and pails and clean up common spaces that are often frequented by visitors, including the front porch, the entryway, the living room, the dining area, the bathroom. These are hotspots that are visible to the guests; we wouldn’t want your guests to stumble into that pile of dirty dishes that had been sitting in your sink for a week now, would we?

Decluttering tip: Let go of the things you don’t need. That dusty stack of magazines that’s been hiding under your bed for the last decade – into the bin they go! 

Tip 2: Recycle old glitz and glam to save some quick buck

Giving your home a 360-degree makeover for Christmas could burn a huge hole in your pocket, but you don’t need to splurge on decorations that you’ll only be using once a year. Reusing your old Christmas tree and decorations will do just the trick! Dust off the cobwebs on your old Christmas tree and dress it up with last year’s glittery decorations – and voila, good as new!

Tip 3: Get creative with DIY decorations and ornaments

Let your Christmas tree be the talk of the town as you spice it up with one-of-a-kind, handcrafted ornaments! You’d be surprised by what you can make out of the things lying around your house – like making wreaths out of ribbons and sewing threads, or origami ornaments out of coloured papers and jute ropes, or even mistletoes from felt. Go crazy with fairy lights, santa hats, garlands, and a gingerbread house and have fun decorating the house with your family – after all, that’s what Christmas is really all about.

Tip 4: Decorate your sacred space with scented candles 

Nothing says Christmas more than the smell of cookies, cinnamon, and fresh pine! Fire up your festive spirits by placing seasonal scented candles across your hallways or your bathroom to create a cosy ambience. You can find these holiday-themed fragrant pieces at your local stores in Publika such as Claire Organics and Lilin + Co via their stockist RE:HEALTH.

Tip 5: Fill up your kitchen with ‘yums’ for the ‘tums’ 

Always remember to keep your food inventory on the high, especially if you’re going feed a family during holidays. Clear the expired items off your shelves and stock up the fridge with festive-themed snacks. If you’re planning to whip something up for dinner, be sure that you’re not low on ingredients. While you’re at it, stock up on other supplies too such as tissue rolls and make sure you have enough glasses and plates for your guests (Yes honey, it’s time to bring out those expensive Chinaware you’ve been saving in case the Queen of England comes to visit). 

Preparing for the festive seasons may give you the jitters, but as long as you keep this basic guide in check – you’re ready to host a dinner party, champ. For more house decoration tips, be sure to head over to our blog page and learn cool hacks to get you through the festive season, such as tips on repainting your house or managing pest control at home.