- Lori Ann Dupuis
- Aug 18
Introduction:
The holiday season is all about creating a warm, magical atmosphere in your home. But even the most festive decorators can fall into some common decorating pitfalls that leave their spaces feeling cluttered, unbalanced, or just not as stunning as they envisioned.
As a professional holiday decorator, I’ve seen it all! So Below, I’m going to share 8 Holiday Decoration Mistakes & How to Fix Them | Red's Holiday Decor—so your home looks effortlessly beautiful this holiday season.
Adding Too Many Colors
X The Mistake: Using every holiday color at once.
A mix of red, green, gold, silver, blue, and more can make your space feel chaotic rather than elegant.
Y The Fix: Stick to a cohesive color palette.
Choose 2-3 main colors and incorporate neutral tones to balance them out.
For example:
• Classic Elegance: Red and White
• Winter Wonderland: Silver, White, and Blue
• Modern Chic: Black, White, and Metallics
Pro Tip: Carry your color scheme throughout your décor—tree, mantel, tablescape, and entryway—for a cohesive look.
Overcrowding Your Christmas Tree
X The Mistake: Adding too many ornaments, making it look cluttered.
While a full tree is beautiful, too many mismatched ornaments can overwhelm the eye and make the tree feel unbalanced.
Y The Fix: Layer strategically and create balance.
• Start with ribbon or garland as a base.
• Use a mix of ornament sizes—larger ones toward the center, smaller ones toward the tips.
• Place ornaments in clusters of 2-3 instead of randomly spacing them out.
• Step back and adjust to ensure even distribution.
Pro Tip: If your tree still feels off, try using floral picks, oversized statement ornaments, or a unique tree topper to bring it all together.
Ignoring the Entryway
X The Mistake: Decorating only the main living areas and neglecting the first impression.
Guests should feel the holiday magic the moment they step inside!
Y The Fix: Add festive touches to your entryway.
• A wreath/sconce on the front door sets the festive holiday tone.
• Use pre-lit garland around the doorway.
• A festive doormat and lanterns create a warm welcome.
Pro Tip: If you have stairs near the entrance, add a garland with ribbon or twinkling lights for extra holiday charm.
Overloading the Mantel
X The Mistake: Placing too many decorations, making it look heavy and cluttered.
A mantel should feel balanced, not overcrowded with stockings, garland, candles, and figurines competing for attention.
Y The Fix: Follow the “layering rule.”
1. Anchor with a statement piece – A mirror, holiday sign, or oversized wreath.
2. Add height variation – Use candle holders, mini trees, or hurricanes at different heights.
3. Drape garland naturally – Let it swag slightly instead of lying flat.
4. Limit to a few key items – Choose 3-5 main decorations rather than filling every inch.
Pro Tip: If hanging stockings, use stocking holders instead of nails to prevent damage and make swapping them out easier!
Using Harsh, Mismatched Lighting
X The Mistake: Mixing warm white and cool white lights, or using overly bright LED lights that feel sterile. Inconsistent lighting can make your décor look disjointed and uninviting.
Y The Fix: Choose one light temperature for a cohesive glow.
• Warm white lights (soft yellow glow) → Cozy & traditional.
• Cool white lights (crisp, icy glow) → Modern & sleek.
• Multicolor lights → Fun & playful (but best when kept consistent across decorations).
Pro Tip: Add twinkle or dimmable lights for an elegant, magical ambiance.
Forgetting About Texture & Layers
X The Mistake: Only using hard, shiny decorations, making the space feel flat.
If your décor is all glass, metal, and plastic, it might lack depth and coziness.
Y The Fix: Mix materials for warmth and dimension.
• Soft textures: Velvet ribbons, faux fur tree skirts, chunky knit throws.
• Natural elements: Pinecones, wooden beads, fresh greenery.
• Reflective accents: Glass ornaments, metallic candle holders.
Pro Tip: Layering different textures makes your décor look high-end and thoughtfully designed.
Going Overboard with Scented Décor
X The Mistake: Using too many different holiday scents (pine, cinnamon, vanilla, peppermint) at once.
A strong mix of scents can be overwhelming—especially for guests with sensitivities.
Y The Fix: Stick to one signature holiday scent per space.
• Cinnamon & Clove → Cozy & traditional.
• Fir & Pine → Fresh & natural.
• Orange & Spice → Warm & inviting.
Pro Tip: Use unscented candles on the dinner table to avoid competing with the aroma of holiday meals.
Not Decorating Beyond the Living Room
X The Mistake: Only focusing on the tree and mantel, leaving the rest of the home untouched.
Holiday décor should flow throughout the house for a fully festive experience.
Y The Fix: Add subtle holiday touches in other spaces.
• Kitchen: Swap dish towels for festive ones, add a mini wreath or a bowl of ornaments; or you can add a holiday dish drainer mat and a festive dishwasher magnet to tie in your holiday theme into the kitchen.
• Bathroom: Add scented candles, pine-scented soap, or small decorative accents. Add a holiday themed shower curtain with matching toilet seat cover and rug. And finish the look with some festive wall art.
• Bedroom: Use holiday pillows or a cozy Christmas-themed throw blanket and some simple accents so you can have some magic for just you to enjoy.
Pro Tip: Even small touches can make a big impact without overwhelming the space.
Final Thoughts - 8 Holiday Decoration Mistakes & How to Fix Them | Red's Holiday Decor
Avoiding these common holiday decorating mistakes will help you create a beautifully styled, balanced, and inviting space for the season. The key is cohesion, layering, and thoughtful placement—all while keeping things festive yet elegant!
Want a professional touch this holiday season? Red's Holiday Décor offers expert holiday decorating services to bring your vision to life.
Book your consultation today and let’s make your home holiday-perfect!
**Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/redsholidaydecor/ for more holiday decorating inspiration!
