12 ways to make your home look like a Hallmark Christmas movie this holiday season
You know that moment when it feels like the holidays have well and truly arrived? For some, it's when you're done with work for the year, when your friends drop in for a festive drink or when your out-of-town family members come over for dinner. For others, it happens as soon as autumnal leaves begin to fall or when the first trick-or-treaters ring your doorbell.
But for me? It's when the Hallmark Christmas movies start playing on repeat. They're reliable, cozy and comfortable, like a warm and toasty towel fresh out of the dryer or slipping into a bed made with crisp, clean sheets. When I turn on the TV and find a low-stakes movie in a festive setting about a baker or a florist (or another rom-com-worthy profession), that's when I begin to feel like the holidays are finally underway.
And in the Hallmark cinematic universe, there's no such thing as too many Christmas decorations. In fact, I've noticed a few decorating tips and tricks that seem to make the Hallmark movie magic come to life to create scenes and settings that look extra cozy, extra festive and extra Christmas-y. From taller-than-thou Christmas trees to a wreath on every door and in every window, there are lots of ways to refresh your home for the season to make it look like something straight out of your favorite Hallmark movie.
Take a look below at our favorite holiday decor finds from Wayfair to get you there.
1. Go big or go home with a pre-lit Christmas tree
The Christmas tree is at the heart of your holiday celebrations, so why not make sure it's a well-made one that's easy to assemble? This fir comes pre-lit with more than 250 warm-white lights adorning its more than 756 branch tips to give it a full, lush appearance. Use the included controller to alternate between eight different lighting sequences.
"This Christmas tree is perfect! So easy to assemble, doesn’t stink like plastic and fluffed out super easily," wrote an enthusiastic review from last season. "It is beautiful and very full. The color is perfect, like a real tree! The lights make it super convenient."
2. Or, go even bigger with a 9-foot snow-covered tree
Of course, if subtlety isn't your specialty, then go all out with this impressive 9-foot pre-lit Christmas tree that's flocked with snowflakes to give it an extra cozy and wintery look. It's made of durable PVC and comes with 650 built-in, stay-lit warm white LED lights with a steady constant glow. With more than 1,330 branch tips, the tree looks lush and leafy once it's been fully fluffed out.
Plus, many reviewers say they've owned the tree for several years and it's just as durable as it was the first season. "Perfect tree! Easy to assemble," said one. "I have received many compliments on it, I have had it for several seasons." "The most beautiful Christmas tree I have ever seen," added another. "I am totally in love with it."
3. Make an entrance with an oversized front door wreath
If there's one piece of holiday decor you should buy (besides a tree, of course), it's a big ol' wreath for your front door. And this oversized option from Wayfair comes pre-lit with energy-efficient bulbs on a timer and is decorated with red berries, pine cones, holly leaves, and a dusting of snowflakes for a wintery look.
More than 3,000 reviewers give it five stars. "Such a great deal for this beautiful wreath that even comes with lights!" exclaimed one. "Definitely recommend!"
4. Light the way with these nostalgic, retro-style Christmas lights
These oversized retro-inspired Christmas lights are the perfect callback to nostalgic Christmases of the past. The strand is 25 feet long and comes with 25 C9 bulbs (spaced 12 inches apart) on a nostalgic green wire for use on a Christmas tree or outside. Plus, the end-to-end connectors mean you can string multiple sets together for the exact length you need.
The bulbs have a vintage, ceramic-style appearance that reviewers love. "I love the nostalgia of these lights," wrote one reviewer. "It's something my dad always loved and this brings me joy!"
5. Ensure Christmas cards arrive in style with a mailbox swag
Your mailbox wants in on all of the holiday fun, too, and this evergreen mailbox swag is just the thing to dress it up for the season. Made of PVC greenery, faux red berries, real pinecones and a wire-edged red velvet bow, this battery-powered garland is strung with 20 soft white LED lights with a built-in timer function. It fastens around the mailbox with a woven nylon strap and plastic clasp.
"This was a cute addition to my mailbox," said one reviewer who used it during Christmas 2023. "The timer worked great and I never had to do anything to it the entire season."
6. Add throw pillows, but make them festive
Not all holiday decor has to be bold and bright and colorful. This Christmas tree-shaped throw pillow is the perfect size and style to subtly show your festive spirit. It's made with a metallic gold thread that adds a hint of sparkle wherever you use it, from a bed or couch to a cozy reading nook chair.
7. Deck the halls with lighted garlands of greenery
No holiday decor is complete without a few garlands. Whether you're wrapping them around your stairs, draping them across a mantle or using them to frame doorways, this two-pack of 9-foot light-up garlands will get the job done.
They come pre-lit and are battery-operated. They can be used inside or outside.
8. Dress up the mantel with decorative stocking holders
Drop the tape and back away from the Command hooks. These adorable stocking holders will become part of your holiday mantle decor in the blink of an eye. They're made of heavyweight steel and resin that's designed to support your favorite Christmas stocking, without ruining your holiday aesthetic.
"Beautifully made metal stocking holder," wrote one shopper. "The metal bow is exquisite. So well made and delicate looking but heavy and sturdy."
9. Add a lantern to every front window
These star-shaped paper lanterns will make every window in your home glow with the spirit of the season. This one comes with a 12-foot standard power cord so you can easily hang it inside a window, entryway, above a dining table or wherever you're hoping to add a bit of holiday cheer. The cord has an easy on/off switch that makes lighting it up a breeze. Note: They're made of paper and should be hung inside the window, not outside.
"I love it," wrote a five-star reviewer. "When my friend came over, she couldn’t stop raving about it. I ended up giving it to her!"
10. Don't skimp on the festive ribbons and bows
There's no such thing as too many ribbons or bows, especially for the holidays. Ditch the traditional wreath and decorate your front door with an oversized plush bow. Or dress up the banisters of your stairs with a few mismatched bows in Christmasy colors.
These velvety ones come in eight colors and are designed with wired edges that help them maintain their shape throughout the season. There's a little wire on the back for easy hanging.
11. Light up the dining table with cheery table toppers
Dress up your tabletop, mantle, sideboard, coffee table or bookshelves with this three-piece set of lighted trees. The four-sided ceramic trees feature star cut-outs and are battery-operated to emit a cheery glow.
"They go perfectly with my holiday colors of white, gold and silver," wrote one five-star reviewer. "They look way more expensive than the price and are prettier than the picture. I liked them so much that I gave my best friend a set."
12. Add some spark to your fireplace mantle with taper candles
Hit the right notes this upcoming holiday season with these stunning minimalist candlesticks. This set comes with three sizes that you can use to style your tables, mantle or bookcase for an extra cozy vibe. Choose from gold, silver or white, and don't forget to order festive taper candles to go with them.