This post is all about last-minute holiday decor hacks for your apartment this Christmas 2021.
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I know seasonal décor is so fun and festive to add to your apartment, but it can be a HASSLE. Having to decorate for every season and purchasing new décor every year is definitely not easy and NOT CHEAP.
That’s why I’ve created some décor hacks to make seasonal decorating so much easier. You won’t need to stress about decorating your apartment or going shopping for tons of holiday décor this year. Follow these hacks for a seamless transition between your fall and winter décor ON A BUDGET.
1. Winter Prints Hack
Having some seasonal prints displayed around your apartment is the easiest way to decorate for the holidays. But cute, aesthetic prints that aren’t too tacky can sometimes be super difficult to find. Instead of having to search high and low for holiday prints that fit your interior design style…
Apartment Hack #1: Use Wrapping Paper!
This hack is INSANELY budget-friendly and so easy to do (it’ll take you minutes).
- Head over to your local Target (linked a cute one here for example), HomeGoods, or any craft store to look for wrapping paper that fits your apartment aesthetic. You’re probably already going to do this anyways as the holiday season is approaching and it’s gift wrapping time!
- Choose one that fits your apartment style and one that you wouldn’t mind displaying.
- Cut out a piece of the wrapping paper to fit your frame.
- Place your wrapping paper in your frame and display!
Prop these up on countertops or console tables and layer with other frames, such as family photos. This hack works best in floating frames as you could rip the wrapping paper to create a serrated edge instead of a clean-cut line with scissors. This could totally add some texture and uniqueness to your framed display!
It is so budget-friendly and you can change out what’s in your frames for each season.
2. Vase Filler Hack
On the topic of easily switching out décor items based on the seasons, vase filler is another one of those! Quickly and easily switch out what’s in your vase to match the current season and BOOM, you are set and you barely had to spend any money as the vase can stay year-round.
Some vase fillers that you’ll love for the holidays are…
Apartment Hack #2: Bells, Pinecones, and Ornaments (to fill vases/bowls you already own)
These would all be a super cute yet subtle way to decorate for the holidays (without screaming Christmas).
Easily grab a clear vase or a large wooden bowl (that you probably already have within your décor collection) and fill it with one of these vase fillers.
Here are links to some bells, pinecones, and ornaments. They’re all from Target so they’re insanely affordable compared to other décor stores. If you are interested in my other Target budget-friendly holiday finds, check out my blog post What you need from Target: Holiday Décor Edition for more products.
3. Mini Trees Hack
This one is perfect if you are living in a small apartment and you don’t have the space or budget to get a large tree (or you just don’t have the time and energy for that this year).
Apartment Hack #3: MINI TREES instead of purchasing a full-sized one with ornaments (to save time, money, and some space!)
Mini trees are a simple yet effective way to get FESTIVE without breaking the bank and spending TONS of money buying + decorating a full-sized tree.
Plus, mini trees can easily be placed on countertops, console tables, dining tables, etc., and then easily be put away in storage after the holidays are over. No need to worry about finding a place to store a full-size tree and all the decorations they come with!
Here are a few of my favorite mini trees that you absolutely NEED to add to your holiday décor collection for 2021.
- Large Gold Antique Tabletop Tree – Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee
- Set of 2 Natural Bottlebrush Trees – Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee
- Faux Pine Tree in Textured Cement Pot – Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia
4. Candy Hack
Now all the ones I’ve discussed so far are easy, but this one is BY FAR the EASIEST and the most crowd-pleasing.
Apartment Hack #4: Holiday candies (to fill vases/bowls you already own)! This includes all things Candy Canes, Holiday Hershey Kisses, and Ferrero Rochers.
Pop these candies into a clear vase or bowl (so the colors can show through) and you are set! This is also a very functional décor hack as family or friends that come over to your apartment can have a nice treat while they’re visiting. Totally a crowd-pleaser and such an easy, budget-friendly way to decorate for the holidays.
5. Christmas Florals Hack
We’ll just get right into this next one…
Apartment Hack #5: Christmas Florals (but adding them to arrangements you already have!)
Now, this doesn’t mean florals that scream Christmas in an obnoxious, tacky way. But rather florals that add muted Christmas colors into your space. To get that feeling of the holidays and coziness!
When I think of Christmas florals, I think of moss greens and burgundy. This would be super easy to add into your space, especially if your year-round décor is very neutral and minimalistic. I’ve linked a few of my favs from Afloral below:
- Real Touch Faux Juniper Holiday Greens – 28″ Tall
- Artificial Pine Cone Branch Winter Decor – 28.5″ Tall (this one would be IDEAL to add to your year-round floral arrangements)
- Preserved Seeded Eucalyptus in Burgundy – 18-28″ Tall
You can even add your Christmas stems of choice into the floral arrangements you already have around your apartment. That way your vases can look full, yet you don’t have to purchase a ton of stems for the holidays.
6. Anything Faux Fur Hack
This one would be great, especially if you already have these items within your year-round décor collection. Once again, it doesn’t scream Christmas or the holidays but adds that seasonal feel and coziness that is to-die-for.
Apartment Hack #6: Faux Fur Pillows or Blankets
Layering faux fur pillows or blankets on your couch or bed can add texture and warmth necessary for the winter season. But the great thing is, these décor items can be out for as long as you desire!
What’s amazing about faux fur pillows or blankets is that they are at almost all décor/furniture stores (especially during the wintertime) and they can vary in price. You can find super high-quality items from places like Pottery Barn, yet you can find cheaper alternatives on the shelves of HomeGoods NOW. Whatever fits within your budget!
7. Christmas Scents – easiest way to get that Christmas/Holiday feel without breaking the bank
Lastly, we have something that isn’t necessarily décor to look at but to smell. Scents are the easiest way to add to your visual décor without breaking the bank, which is why I added…
Apartment Hack #7: Christmas Scents
I’m talking candles and reed diffusers. These items can be super budget-friendly if you look in the right places. HomeGoods has some amazing soy candles, especially holiday scents that come out right after Halloween. They also have some really cheap reed diffusers, as low as $7.99! And of course, we can’t forget about Amazon too!
But if you’re looking for something a little more high-end, my go-to of course is Pottery Barn. Their candles last forever and they come in super cute packaging. Additionally, their reed diffusers are AMAZING. They literally spread the scent throughout your entire home so easy and you can definitely tell the difference in quality (compared to cheaper ones).
But candles and reed diffusers come in all different sizes, price ranges, scents, etc. so there is one to fit every budget and personal preference!
In conclusion…
If you’ve made it all the way to the end, I hope you found this list helpful! Check out my previous blog post, 30 Gifts for Your Dad That He Will Love, for more of my content. Happy Holidays everyone ❤️.
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