15 Cringeworthy Holiday Decorating Mistakes to Avoid
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Holidays are the most magical time of the year, with twinkling lights, warm cocoa, and the occasional family squabble on whether or not the tree should be decorated with lights, ornaments, or candy canes. However, it’s no secret that holiday decorating can also become a comedy of errors. With tangled lights and ornaments that don’t quite match, it’s easy to get it wrong and instead end up with a Pinterest fail for a winter wonderland.
Here are some common pitfalls to avoid whether you’re decking the halls for the first time, or you’re a seasoned decorator looking to up your game.
Inflatable Overload
Fun with inflatable decorations, but too many in one yard can seem like more of a crowded carnival than a festive display. If you can’t get enough of the inflatables, keep it simple —one or two standout pieces rather than a sea of blow up stuff all over your lawn.
Skipping the Testing Phase
There are few things more annoying than stringing up a set of lights only to find that they don’t work. Test first each strand before you drape them over your tree or house. A little bit of prep work can save you from having to climb up the ladder in freezing temperatures and change out a dud bulb.
Skipping the Clean-Up Plan
Decorating can be exciting, but the dread of the clean up can be just as strong. Procrastinating the takedown process, however, can have your home feeling cluttered. According to USAFacts, over 18000 people are injured by Christmas decorations yearly, now you don’t want to be a part of that figure, right? Make a place to put your decorations, like bins with labels or organizers. Your future self will thank you.
Ignoring Proportions
Your decorations can look out of place, a giant wreath on a tiny door, or a miniature garland on a massive staircase. Watch out for the size of your space and the scale of your decorations. A balanced, intentional feel, not like you got the first thing you saw at the store, is what a well-proportioned setup should feel like.
Overlooking Safety
A trip to the ER kills the holiday spirit fast. Take care with electrical outlets and don’t plug too many lights or inflatables into them. More than two in five Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical issues, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Double-check connections and keep your live tree well watered—it’s as important for your safety as it is for aesthetics.
Going Overboard With Themes
In theory, a candy cane theme sounds sweet, but unloading a peppermint explosion on your living room feels overwhelming. Rather than making a go big or go home decision with a huge theme, take it down a notch and mix in neutral or complementary decorations. You don’t want your home to resemble a Santa-themed fever dream — you need balance.
Decorating with Old, Worn Out Decorations
Many families have a box of ornaments that’s seen better days. Sure, there’s nostalgia, but faded, broken, or frayed decorations don’t exactly scream festive — they scream shabby. If it’s too far gone, it needs to be given up. Some new pieces invested in each year can keep your collection fresh without going broke.
Neglecting Outdoor Décor
Don’t forget the exterior of your home! It’s nice to have a beautifully decorated interior, but a bare front yard feels like a missed opportunity. Even a simple wreath or a couple of lights or porch decorations can go a long way in spreading holiday cheer to your neighbors.
Using Too Much Glitter
Glitter, the herpes of the crafting world. A little sparkle can add a lot of pizzazz to your decorations, but too much glitter will make your home a sparkly mess that will stick around until Easter. If you’re worried about cleanup, use it sparingly, or go with glitter-free alternatives instead.
Crowding Every Surface
It’s easy to fill every available inch with holiday décor, making your home feel cramped. Instead, pick out a few key areas to focus on such as the mantle, dining table, or entryway. It gives your decorations room to breathe so you don’t overwhelm the space.
Leaving Cords Exposed
Not only do dangling extension cords and visible power strips look bad, but they’re also an invitation for disaster: trips and falls. Keep your space looking polished and safe by using cord covers or hiding them behind furniture. It’s one less thing for guests or pets to trip over during the holiday rush.
Ignoring Color Clashes
The red and green with the blue and silver might be festive, but if you mix colors that clash, you could wind up with visual chaos. Don’t go too crazy with colors — stick with one or two schemes and keep things cohesive. I promise, when it all works together rather than fighting for attention, your décor will look more polished.
Overloading the Tree
A tree laden with ornaments sounds festive, but it looks cluttered. You can over-decorate your tree to the point that it hides the natural beauty of the tree and actually makes the tree look smaller than it really is. Select a theme or a color palette and stick to it. You don’t have to hang every single ornament from the last decade. Less is sometimes more unless you’re trying to go for a tree-exploded aesthetic.
Using Lights That Don’t Match
Warm white lights and cool-toned LEDs just don’t work together; it’s a fashion mistake for your tree. Mismatched lights can completely throw off the entire vibe of the room. Pick one type of light and stick to it (classic white, colorful strands, or funky twinkling stars). Your tree will thank you for the consistency.
Forgetting the Personal Touch
Your holiday decorations should reflect your family and traditions. If your setup is more like a department store than a home, put some personal touches in. Handmade ornaments, family photos, a DIY garland—little things can make your decorations feel just a little warmer and a little more inviting.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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