Holiday decorating starts long before the holidays. The most beautifully decorated homes don't come together overnight. They begin with a little planning. While it may feel too early to think about holiday decorating during the summer months, it's actually the perfect time to gather inspiration, choose your style, and secure the pieces you'll use year after year.
Many of the season's most-loved faux trees, wreaths, garlands, and greenery sell out well before the holidays arrive. Planning ahead means you can decorate at your own pace, avoid the rush, and enjoy a home that's beautifully styled from the moment the season begins.
Start With the Spaces That Matter Most
Rather than thinking about individual decorations, think room by room. Your front porch creates the first impression. Your entryway welcomes guests inside. The living room becomes the gathering place for family traditions, while the dining room sets the stage for holiday meals. Working through your home one space at a time makes decorating feel intentional and cohesive.
Room-by-Room Checklist:
Welcome guests with seasonal style, create warm first impressions and lay greenery throughout your space.
☑ Front Door & Outdoor Spaces
- Holiday Wreath
- Lush Garlands
- Outdoor Potted Evergreens
- Urn Fillers or Topiaries
- Porch Planters
- Hanging Baskets
- Lantern Greenery
- Outdoor-Safe Greenery
☑ Entryway/Foyer
- Seasonal Console Arrangement
- Vase with Seasonal Branches
- Small Evergreen Tree
- Decorative Bowl with Pinecones, Ornaments, or Dried Accents
☑ Living Room
- Christmas Tree
- Faux Tree Topper or Decorative Picks
- Mantel Garland
- Candles
- Seasonal Accents
- Coffee Table Arrangement
- Side Table Greenery
- Shelf Styling
☑ Dining Room
- Dining Table Centerpiece
- Buffet Arrangement
- Garland Runner
- Place Setting Accents
- Candles
- Seasonal Accents
☑ Kitchen
- Island Arrangement
- Open Shelf Greenery
- Countertop Arrangements
- Wreaths
- Range Hood
- Barstool Backs
- Kitchen Windows
☑ Bedrooms
- Wreath Above Bed
- Dresser/Nightstand Arrangement
- Small Evergreen Tree
- Cozy Winter Greenery
☑ Powder Room
- Small Holiday Arrangement
- Wreath
- Candles
☑ Stair Rail
- Garlands
- Ribbon
- Seasonal Accents
☑ Doorways
- Garlands
- Seasonal Accents
Measure Before You Shop
A few quick measurements now can save time and make holiday decorating effortless later.
Wreaths
☑ Measure your front door.
☑ Measure windows for matching wreaths.
☑ Measure mirrors or interior spaces where you'd like to hang a wreath.
Planning Tip: Think about how you'll hang your wreath. A ribbon, wreath hanger, or over-the-door hook can change the final placement, so factor in a few extra inches before choosing a size.
Garlands
☑ Measure your mantel.
☑ Measure stair railings.
☑ Measure door frames.
☑ Measure dining tables, consoles, or shelves.
Planning Tip: If you love a full, draped look or plan to layer garland with ribbon, ornaments, or swags, order a little extra length. It's much easier to style a garland that's slightly longer than one that's too short.
Accent Trees
☑ Measure your pot height and opening.
☑ Measure your tabletop or surface.
Arrangements & Stems
☑ Measure your vase opening.
☑ Measure your tabletop or surface.
☑ Note the height and width you'd like your finished arrangement to be.
Planning Tip: Consider the scale of your arrangement. Dining tables often work best with lower centerpieces, while entry tables and consoles can accommodate taller, statement-making designs.
Choose Your Holiday Style
Before you shop, decide on the overall look you want to create. Choosing a palette first makes every purchase feel intentional and ensures your home feels beautifully coordinated. Some favorite holiday aesthetics include:
- Classic Red + Green
- Woodland Evergreens
- Winter White
- Moody Holiday
- Natural Neutrals
- Modern Metallic
Build Your Holiday Collection
Professional-looking holiday decorating is all about layering. Instead of relying on one arrangement, combine different textures and heights.
- Evergreen branches
- Cedar and pine
- Magnolia leaves
- Eucalyptus
- Berry stems
- Statement branches
- Pinecones
- Ribbon
- Dried accents
- Seasonal picks
- Faux flowers for added softness and color
These elements can be mixed and matched year after year. Remember, faux pieces are a lasting investment.
The Afloral Holiday Formula
Every professionally styled holiday home includes five simple elements:
- A Statement Piece: A holiday tree, oversized arrangement, or dramatic wreath.
- Greenery: Garlands, cedar, magnolia, pine, or eucalyptus that creates fullness throughout the room.
- Seasonal: Accent Berries, ribbon, ornaments, bells, or pinecones that bring personality to your style.
- Warm Lighting: Candles, lanterns, or string lights that create an inviting glow.
- A Beautiful Vessel: The right vase, planter, urn, or basket that elevates every arrangement.
When these five elements work together, even simple holiday decorating feels thoughtful and complete.
A Simple Holiday Planning Timeline
July
Browse the collection, explore new arrivals, and save your favorite ideas.
August
Purchase seasonal best sellers, including garlands, wreaths, and greenery before inventory becomes limited.
September
Style permanent greenery and begin building your indoor arrangements.
October
Add berries, ribbon, ornaments, and seasonal accents.
November
Decorate your home, relax, and enjoy the season without the last-minute rush.
Decorate Once. Enjoy All Season.
Planning ahead isn't about celebrating the holidays early. It's about giving yourself time to create a home you'll love all season long. With timeless faux greenery, realistic stems, and thoughtfully designed décor, you can enjoy beautiful holiday styling year after year while spending less time decorating and more time making memories. Explore our All Holiday Collection for more holiday decorating.
