November through January is really my favorite time of year to share content with you guys.  There is so much to write about.  I have been jotting down these Christmas tips all throughout the year.  Anytime I would think about something I do to help make Christmas decorating and entertaining easier, I made a point to write it down for you guys.  I hope you can use some of these tips this year and for many years to come.  If you want some more ideas check these posts: 3 Christmas game changers, Decorate by layering your mantel , and Holiday FAQ

Here are my best Christmas Tips

 If you are using lights down the center of your table, run the cord through the leaf so no one sees the cord and where you plug it in.

Battery operated candles are beautiful and safer this time of year, but I also love scented candles.  Especially the ones that smell like live trees and homemade baked goods. If you are using real candles don’t light one unless you can commit to keeping it on for a couple hours so it can burn all the way across.  This usually takes 1 1/2-2 hours.  You waste your candle if it burns unevenly.

Wreaths can make beautiful centerpieces.  Just add something cool in the middle to give you some height.  You have a gorgeous table design that took no time to make.

Start your Christmas decorating with your tree.  It’s the project that takes the longest and it will set your theme.  You will want to use some of the same elements you used in your tree to complete your decor in the rest of the house.

Work from the inside of your tree to the outer edges.  Bigger ornaments typically go on the bottom and work your way up the tree to the smaller ornaments.  I like to go color by color or if it’s a large tree I like to work on about a 3′ section and do that area completely and then move on to the next area.

I have a little organizational tub of important items and tools that I put right at the front of my Christmas decorations so when I get out my tubs it will be the first thing I come to.  I fill it with my remote control plugs, 1 tree stomper, an extension cord, pliers, floral wire, scissors, a glue gun, pens, ornaments hangers, tape, Christmas lights etc….. this really is the key to me getting started quickly and knowing where my stuff is.

Start from the beginning collecting neutral ornaments such as white, clear, silver, and gold, and mercury glass.  Then as you build up your collection you can add other colorful ornaments and ribbons to change out your theme if you choose.  I always get ornaments after Christmas.  This is the best time to shop for your ideas for the next year.

If you think you will need to move your tree for any reason try this. Put some felt floor protective dots on the bottom of your tree stand. I have found by doing this it protects your hardwood and makes the tree a little easier to move.

Fluff your tree one row at a time while leaving the other sections up.  We have used a bungee cord to keep the other branches in place.  It is a much easier process to fluff without branches hitting you in the head.

I hope you are well on your way to getting your home ready for the holidays.  If you missed my November ways to keep your stress level down this holiday season you can check that post out here.  Stay tuned for my holiday house tour soon!  If you don’t follow me on Pinterest or Instagram you are missing out on sneak peeks!