"In a perfect world, decorating for the holidays would be a magical experience. The tree would go up seamlessly, garlands would cascade perfectly across every surface, and all your wreaths would hang perfectly on the first try. But in reality, holiday decorating can often feel like the bane of your existence. Somehow, the lights on your tree are all wonky-looking, your garland keeps slipping off the mantel, and nothing seems to be working the way you planned. Trust me, I get it. One year while hanging ornaments, my Christmas tree literally fell on top of me. When holiday decorating starts to seem like more effort than it’s worth, it’s time to bring in reinforcement. In this case, reinforcement means the internet and its treasure trove of holiday decorating hacks that are pretty much guaranteed to make your life easier this season.
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Whether you’re looking to reinforce the holiday decorations you’ve already put up or you haven’t started decorating yet, TikTok is a treasure trove of ideas for your seasonal set-up. Here are 15 holiday decorating hacks we wish we’d known sooner—and that we’ll be using for years to come.
1. Hang a garland with a curtain rod
If you haven’t seen this viral decorating hack yet, you’re in for a treat. Simply purchase a tension curtain rod and tighten it to the width of your hallway or doorway. Then, drape a garland (or two!) around the rod and add some string lights or ornaments for an extra festive look. Once your garland is decorated to your liking, raise the rod up to your preferred height and tighten to hang. Important safety tip: Be sure to check the weight limit on your curtain rod to ensure you don’t load it down too much.
2. DIY a bow garland
Bows are a huge holiday decor trend for 2024, popping up on everything from stockings to tree toppers. Retailers like Anthropologie are even selling garlands made out of bows, but the $128 price point is a little steep. This holiday decor hack shows you how to recreate the look using inexpensive pre-made bows and a little hot glue. Hang the finished product across your mantel or down a staircase for a festive and on-trend accent.
3. String lights on your Christmas tree vertically
PSA: If you’re not stringing your Christmas tree lights vertically, you’re doing it wrong. This is one of those holiday decorating hacks that you’ll wish you had thought of earlier. Instead of wrapping lights around the tree in circles, string them vertically from top to bottom. This method takes way less time and is much easier to remove once it’s time to put the tree away.
4. Hang your garland with binder clips
Google “garland hanging hacks” and you’ll end up in some comments section or forum somewhere reading an extraordinarily heated argument about the merits and shortcomings of Command hooks. However, this particular garland hanging hack is as easy as it is practical: No matter what hooks you choose to use, secure your garland to the hooks using binder clips. This will add some extra reinforcement to prevent it from tumbling off the mantel and makes it easy to layer several garlands on top of one another for a fuller look.
5. Use inexpensive prints for holiday artwork
For an easy way to take your holiday decor up a notch, swap out artwork around your home with holiday-inspired prints. To make this as inexpensive as possible, download artwork from a site like Etsy and print it yourself. Then simply pop it into a frame—thrifted frames are great if you’re going for a vintage look—and hang.
6. Learn how to tie the perfect bow
Bows may be it this season, but tying them by hand can be tricky. This tutorial shows you how to tie a perfect bow every time (it’s different than how you tie your shoes!). Once your bows are all tied, attach them to your tree using floral wire or ornament hooks. The result is a trend-forward tree that still has that classic holiday feel—plus, it’s cheaper than buying regular ornaments!
7. DIY a dried orange garland
A dried orange garland is the perfect way to give your holiday decor a cozy, cottagecore touch. Follow this tutorial to get perfect dried orange slices using your oven, then use a yarn needle to poke small holes in each one and string some twine through. It’s an inexpensive and sustainable option for holiday decor, and the whole process will make your home smell amazing.
8. Set your Christmas tree in a basket
Christmas tree collars are a chic alternative to the more traditional tree skirt, but they can be quite pricey. This woven one from Crate & Barrel, for example, is nearly $130. For a similar look that’s much more budget-friendly, grab a large basket (you might already have one around the house!) and set your tree stand inside before setting up your tree as usual. You can also drape a throw blanket over one side of the basket for an extra cozy touch.
9. Hang string lights on the inside of windows
Lining your windows with string lights makes your home’s exterior look extra festive, but climbing on a ladder to do it can be dangerous and inconvenient. Instead, try hanging the lights on the inside of the window using Command hooks. The result will look similar from the outside, and it’ll save you from having to risk climbing on the roof. This holiday decorating hack is also a great solution for anyone who lives in an apartment without access to the exterior.
10. Decorate inexpensive wood houses with a gingerbread-inspired design
This holiday decor hack admittedly requires some painting skills (or at least a steady hand), but the results are absolutely adorable. Head to your local craft store and pick up some inexpensive decorative wood houses (you can often find these for around $5 apiece). To create a realistic gingerbread texture, mix some baking soda into your brown paint, then paint over the whole thing. To add detail that mimics icing, use puffy white paint to outline the windows, doors, and roof. The result will look just like a real gingerbread house but will last way longer with less mess.
11. Dress up plain wreaths with bells and ribbon
For a budget-friendly alternative to pricey wreaths, dress up a plain one by adding your own ribbon and other accents. Simply select the accessories that you prefer—we love the vintage look of these gold bells and velvet bows—and attach them to the wreath with twist ties, floral wire, or hot glue. The final look is a totally unique wreath that costs way less than similar options you’d find at a store.
12. Dress up an archway with hanging ornaments
Garlands and greenery not your thing? No problem. Instead of using foliage, dress up your doorway or archway with some hanging ornaments. To provide something to hang your ornaments on, attach some chicken wire to the ceiling using thumbtacks. Then use clear fishing line to hang ornaments at varying lengths and create a fun, arch-like effect.
13. Turn your kitchen cabinets into giant gifts
Since bows and ribbons are all the rage this year, why not put them on your kitchen cabinets? Make your kitchen look like it’s been gift-wrapped by buying some thick ribbon (ideally the kind that’s wired to help it in place) and taping it to your cupboards in the shape of a tied bow. You can use store-bought bows to complete the look, or tie them yourself and secure them with more tape.
14. Hang wreaths on your windows with clear fishing line
If you’re lucky enough to have large, double-hung windows like these, definitely try out this window wreath-hanging hack. Instead of worrying about your wreaths falling or getting torn away by the wind, loop a length of ribbon around the top of the wreath and some clear fishing line around the bottom. Open the window from the top, place your wreath outside, and shut the ribbon in the window to hang it in place. Then repeat with the fishing line on the bottom to prevent the wreath from swaying. For extra security, you can also tie a knot in the ribbon to prevent it from slipping through.
15. Store your holiday decor with cinnamon sticks
Worried about your decorations getting musty when you pack them up and store them for the next year? Save yourself the stress and put some cinnamon sticks in the box with your decorations. This will ensure that when you pull out your favorite garlands, wreaths, and other decorations next year, they already smell like the holidays.
Emma Ginsberg, Associate Editor
Emma is a writer, editor, and podcast producer who has been creating at The Everygirl since 2021. She writes for all sections on the site, edits the Entertainment and Community sections, and helps produce The Everygirl Podcast. With a degree in American Studies, Emma is especially passionate about evaluating the impact pop culture and internet culture have on the day-to-day lives of real women.
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She has over seven years of experience reviewing products, covering trends, and creating inspiring content around all things home. She also holds a certificate in interior design from the New York Institute of Art + Design.