Minimalist Christmas
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Find creative ideas and tips to embrace a Minimalist Christmas in your home! Add cozy charm and tradition without the overwhelming addition of too much of everything.
A minimalist Christmas is exactly what you hope it will be: a low stress, high impact way to embrace the holidays!
Christmas decorating adds so much warmth but it’s also easy to become consumed with the addition of holiday decor. On Christmas morning you’re sure to be consumed with joy, gift wrap and if you have young children, an abundance of toys!
Embracing these Minimalist Christmas tips can keep the stress to a minimum while allowing your holiday decor to shine! It’s especially nice when entertaining extended family and making the most of your existing space.
I love chatting with you about minimalist home design, and I’ve written about this lifestyle frequently throughout the years. You can even learn about how to begin simple living – an anchor of the minimalist movement!
If you love simple, charming touches of Christmas, don’t skip my Scandinavian Christmas decorations!
Table of Contents
Minimalist Christmas Decorating Tips
Declutter
Before you start decorating, declutter! This will not only allow you to assess what you have to work with and prevent your home from becoming overwhelmed with stuff, but it will also allow your minimalist Christmas decor to shine!
You can get my decluttering checklist and tips here!
Paint
I would never suggest you paint over the holidays, but if you’re looking to prepare for next year, consider a neutral paint palette. I use a variety of cream color paints to set the tone. They’re warm and inviting, but provide a blank canvas that transitions easily from one season to the next.
Replace
When possible, replace rather than add. For example, replace art with a wreath or replace a photograph with a Christmas card. You can also replace existing art with a free printable!
Everyday Essentials
Stock your home with everyday essentials like basic white dishes, standard glassware and neutral linens that can be mixed and matched with serve ware. They transition from one season to the next seamlessly with the addition of a centerpiece and organic element to garnish.
Source Your Home
Shop your home first! Consider alternative uses for items you already have.
Utilitarian Approach
If you’re adding something to your home, consider whether you’ll be able to later consume it or integrate it into your everyday decor. For example, one year I filled our fireplace with wood that was later burned. Our platters hang on the wall and serve as decor when not in use. During the holidays, I add a swag to them to make them feel festive.
Tip 6: Use Fresh Greens
Use your fresh greens, they don’t require storage and can be composted.
Faux
When purchasing faux, select timeless garlands, wreaths and accessories.
Minimalist Christmas Decor
Easy minimalist Christmas decor to integrate into your home for the holidays!
Adding something organic brings a room to life. Just a touch - or a twig makes the entire room feel festive!
Forage your yard to create a simple wreath by tying both ends together.
Another idea that doesn't consume space! Update the art on your tv.
Thick ivory ribbon is a beautiful staple for wrapping gifts year round. Update it for Christmas by adding a sprig of juniper, rosemary, evergreen or pine.
Use the same nail hole for a no fuss update.
Classic dinnerware including white or cream plates, clear glassware and neutral linens transition as the seasons do with a simple centerpiece, cinnamon stick or sprig of greenery.
Replace a photograph or art with a Christmas tree printable.
Gong faux? This minimalist Christmas tree is pre-lit and sparse. It's beautiful alone, with a simple star or a few ornaments!
Fill your home with things you can use later.
An advent calendar is a fun activity the doubles as decor.
Fairy lights add so much magic for minimal effort. Integrate them in a wreath, under furniture or draped around a window frame.
Candles ar eanother favorite staple in our home we use all year. They offer instant ambience. They can be moved from one room to another with ease going from stair decor to the table without effort.
Minimalist Christmas Celebration Tips
What is the four gift rule for Christmas?
This rule of thumb is quite simple and can help simplify your Christmas. You’ll limit each person’s gifts to just five items: one gift they want, one gift they need, something to wear, and something to read.
How do you simplify Christmas?
First step: clean and declutter. Eliminate what you don’t need and organize the rest. Next, make lists and be prepared! Follow the four gift rule for holiday gifting. Focus on what’s important and a minimalist Christmas will be easier than you think!
How do minimalists decorate for holidays?
A true minimalist always begins with a clean slate!
1. This means cleaning and decluttering.
2. Replace artwork with decor, like a fresh wreath or free printables.
3. Use timeless everyday essentials that can transition for holidays.
4. Source your own home! Use pieces you already own that can create holiday flair without more clutter.
5. Use a utilitarian mindset. For example, firewood is cozy and gorgeous by your front door, your fireplace, etc… and can of course be used!
6. Fresh greenery is earth-friendly and doesn’t need to be stored after the holidays.
7. If you choose to purchase faux greenery, choose with care! High quality, timeless pieces are a much better investment for a minimalist Christmas aesthetic.
More Minimalist Christmas Decor Tips
- Replace a throw with a faux fur throw to make your home feel cozy for the holidays.
- Update pillow covers in your living room.
- Check out my creative Christmas ideas
Jeanne says
This post is an inspiration! Your home is lovely and makes me crave a more simple approach!
Julie Blanner says
Thank you, Jeanne!
Lisa says
A beautiful example of “Less is More” 🌲
Julie Blanner says
Thank you, Lisa!
Francie says
Pretty
Julie Blanner says
Thank you!
Karen Mary says
Oh, I absolutely love the simple Xmas decor you’ve shown us. So pretty and fresh and uncluttered. Thanks so much for the inspiration!
I love table setting, and last year I purchased all white dinnerware so that it would go with everything. It’s amazing how that one change has simplified our celebrations (we have lots of them at our home!). I change table linens and candles, and flowers. . . and the white plates are always still perfect.
Thanks for the other tips and the lovely blog!
Julie Blanner says
Thank you, Karen! Such a joy to entertain often…I’m glad you share my love for simplicity!
Pam says
Julie I love your home and light minimalist vibe. pretty is in!
Julie Blanner says
Thank you, Pam!