Hello friends! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. I had fun celebrating with my family and friends and now I feel refreshed and ready to tackle some projects. The first project being transitioning my decor from Christmas to Winter. Do you struggle with winter decor after Christmas? If so read on for my best tips!
How to Decorate for Winter Not Christmas
Decorating for winter allows you to capture the serene beauty and cozy ambiance of the season without relying on traditional Christmas elements.
Embrace a color palette inspired by the winter landscape, incorporating cool tones such as icy blues, soft whites, and muted grays. Integrate natural elements like pinecones, bare branches, and birch logs to evoke the crispness of winter.
You can also layer textures with plush throws, faux fur, and chunky knit blankets to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Consider adding subtle hints of metallic accents in silver or gold to bring a touch of sophistication to your decor. Candles and soft lighting can enhance the cozy feel, while strategically placing mirrors can reflect natural light and make your space feel brighter during the shorter days of winter.
Incorporate seasonal greenery, such as eucalyptus or holly, to add a touch of freshness to your winter decor. Overall, aim for a balanced and calming aesthetic that celebrates the beauty of winter beyond the holiday season.
When to Transition Decor from Christmas to Winter
Now I know there are two camps when it comes to “un-decorating after Christmas”…the first one being those who leave Christmas up until after the New Year/Epiphany and the second being the group that takes it down immediately.
I’d like to think of myself as somewhere in the middle.
Last year I started taking down most of my Christmas decor the first of January! This was a first for me and for some reason I had the itch to switch. However, I have decided to leave my trees up and my steps decorated until sometime in January.
How to Transition Your Decor from Christmas to Winter
Really transitioning your decor from Christmas to winter is quite easy. I did most of mine in one day and bought absolutely nothing. Below are the steps I used:
1.Remove All the Red
The first step to removing any signs of Christmas is to remove all the red, all the signs that say Christmas and anything that feels Christmasssey.
I went around my house and took down the red bows and berries that were previously all on my garland. But I left up the greenery stems and garland.
Come February I will remove it.
This wasn’t too hard for me since I tend to use a lot of blue and green, but the touches of red I did have were easy to pack away. I decided to stick with winter whites, blues and greens and natural wood tones. So anything in this color scheme I left out!
2. Non Christmas Winter Decor
Winter decorating in January doesn’t have to mean leaving up your Christmas decorations until spring. There are plenty of non Christmas winter decor ideas that will make your home cozy and inviting while still being entirely seasonally appropriate.
If you find the traditional holiday colors a bit overwhelming this time of year, consider going for more muted shades, such as whites and greys with accents of light blue and green. Bring the outdoors in by adding touches of natural elements like branches, feathers, or stones within centerpieces and garlands to hang on walls or doorways.
Keeping it light with subtle textures like wire or twine can give any room a festive touch without screaming “Christmas”.
Finally, throw in a few flameless candles for an added luminous touch that captures the spirit of winter. With these non Christmas winter decor ideas, you are sure to find a way to make your home feel fresh yet inspiring this January!
3. January Decorating Ideas
January can be an excellent time to give your home a cozy winter transformation. After taking down the Christmas decorations, January is the perfect time to embrace winter decorating ideas.
Adding winter-inspired elements like cozy blankets, furry textiles or a scent of pine can create an inviting atmosphere for you to enjoy during the long January months.
January decorating doesn’t need to be just about cool tones though – consider adding life and texture with some greenery like evergreen wreaths, branches and natural materials like fir cones and twigs. Whatever January decorating ideas you use in your home, make sure it reflects your own personal style!
4.Keep out all the Cozy Pillows and Blankets
Our family LOVES blankets and pillows and so does our Wheaten Terrier, Kona! I put away the red ones and kept out the navy, fur blankets and gray ones. The snowflake pillow and fur throw are both from JOANN!
I have all of my winter favorites saved HERE over on my Amazon Storefront if you want to take a peek!
5. Keep Using Greenery and “Winter” Trees
Just so you know all three of my indoors trees are still up! I plan to leave them until February unless I get the itch to take them down sooner. I adore the glow of their lights and how they make our home feel cozy on cold Colorado nights.
Plus, most of us aren’t ready to put our trees away and I say leave some out! The greenery brings some color and warmth to a room! A bare tree is winter decor in my book.
I have read some research that lighted trees help keep away those winter and post holiday blues. I am all about keeping those type of blues away and brining joy where ever I can. Plus, if it makes you happy I say do it. It’s your house and there really aren’t any rules when it comes to making it feel like YOUR home!
6. Candles Make it Cozy
I love candles. You will find them all over my home. They bring instant warmth and a beautiful glow. I group them on trays, bedside tables and my kitchen counter. Basically anywhere I can!
The Old Field Farm candle above has been my all time favorite, and as you can see I’ve almost burned it down all the way! It is the Tree Farm scent and smells amazing! It’s from a small shop and I love supporting small businesses! You can see their website HERE.
7. Use Natural Decor and Accents
Looking for non-Christmas winter decor this season? Avoid the traditional holiday themed decorations and opt for a fresh twist on winter decorating.
Natural materials, like pinecones and greenery, are perfect for creating an aesthetically pleasing yet natural look in your home.
Not sure where to begin with January decorating? Just add some decorative branches to a large vase for a simple yet stylish centerpiece, scatter some smaller pinecones around candle-holders or wrap garlands of evergreen leaves around doorways and windows!
Natural winter decor will make your home feel cozy while keeping it seasonally focused.
Bring the outdoors in with a variety of pinecones and greenery. Frosty accents such as white berries will add sparkle to any room, and snowflakes made from paper or wood will bring an icy feeling indoors.
Maybe even try forcing paperwhite bulbs. They have the most beautiful white blooms!
If you find yourself stuck in January with little inspiration, look to areas like mantels, tables, or bare walls. With the right ingredients, even a simple arrangement can create a beautiful seasonal masterpiece. Natural decorations are an evergreen way to dress up any space without breaking the bank this winter season!
8. Add or Keep Out the Twinkle Lights
Twinkle lights aren’t exclusive to Christmas, and they can infuse your winter decor with a magical ambiance. Consider stringing fairy lights around windows, along staircases, or framing doorways to create a soft and enchanting glow.
White or cool-toned lights work well for winter, evoking a serene and calming atmosphere reminiscent of snowy evenings. Incorporate them into indoor potted plants or drape them across mantels to add subtle warmth to your space during the chilly season.
They are guaranteed to make you happy!
9. Declutter
Winter decor often benefits from a minimalist approach. Declutter your living spaces by storing away unnecessary items, allowing the beauty of your seasonal decorations to shine. Keep surfaces clear and organized, emphasizing simplicity to create a serene and peaceful environment that aligns with the calmness of winter.
10. Bare Trees
Bring the stark beauty of winter trees indoors by incorporating bare branches into your decor. Place them in vases or pots and adorn them with delicate ornaments or fairy lights. The simplicity of bare trees can evoke the tranquility of winter landscapes, making them a versatile and elegant addition to your seasonal decor.
Or do like I do an un-decorate your Christmas trees and just leave them lit and bare for a cozy warm vibe!
11. Winter Centerpieces or Vignettes
Create eye-catching focal points by assembling winter-themed centerpieces or vignettes. Arrange elements like pinecones, candles, and seasonal greenery on trays or in decorative bowls.
Consider incorporating natural textures and cool-toned colors to capture the essence of winter in a visually appealing arrangement that can grace your dining table, coffee table, or any other prominent surface.
TIP: Check out this post with 25+ Ways to Decorate with Pinecones for easy and affordable winter decor!
12. What to Hang on Your Door after Christmas
After the festive holiday wreaths come down, consider hanging a winter-themed alternative on your door.
Adorn it with items such as pinecones, berries, or even a simple wreath made of eucalyptus. Opt for neutral colors and textures that reflect the season without the overt Christmas symbolism, ensuring your door remains welcoming throughout the winter months.
This year I kept our bare boxwood wreath that I picked up at Trader Joes and it looks beautiful. It dried beautifully!
13. Using Baskets for Winter Decor
Incorporate baskets into your winter decor to add warmth, texture and functionality. Fill them with cozy blankets, plush throws, or firewood for both aesthetic appeal and practicality.
Baskets can be strategically placed near seating areas or fireplaces, inviting a sense of comfort and organization into your home during the colder months.
Below you can see the basket I used between our two white chairs.
14. Winter Mantel Ideas
Transform your fireplace mantel into a captivating focal point with winter-themed decor. Arrange a combination of candles, seasonal greenery, and decorative items such as pinecones or birch logs.
Consider incorporating a mirror to amplify light and visually expand the space. Keep the color palette harmonious with the winter season, embracing cool tones and natural textures for a sophisticated and inviting mantel display.
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Winter Decor After Christmas
I hope you found this helpful when the time comes for you to transition your Christmas decor to winter. My other hope is that you will find some time this week to slow down, cozy up with a loved one, sip a warm drink from a Christmas mug if you still have them out, cuddle in a soft blanket and just relax and prepare your heart for the New Year ahead. That’s my plan and my wish for you.
I’d love to have you hang out with me some more! Feel free to follow along with me on any of the platforms linked below.
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xoxo,
Kelly
