Jillian Harris Shares Her Top Holiday Decorating Tips With Us

We recently chatted with Jillian Harris and asked her to share some of her top decorating tips for the holidays. Even with a modest budget, or without spending any money at all, you can add seasonal sparkle and festive flair to any space. —Bronwyn Lewis

Less is More

There’s no need to feel overwhelmed if you’re just starting to build a decoration collection. “Raid your mom’s or grandma’s attic or basement,” Harris recommends. You might find something totally free that still feels either new or nostalgic. You can also check out local thrift stores. One of Harris’ favourite decorations was brought home by one of her kids from a school junk sale.

Mix, Match, and Make It Your Own

There’s charm to an eclectic Christmas collection. Harris encourages, “Don’t worry about having to stick to a theme, just do whatever feels right for you.” A mix of different colours, textures, and styles can be beautiful. “The most magical spaces are the ones that don’t have a theme,” explains Harris. “It looks like they’ve been curated over years.”

Lights Go A Long Way

“I think lights are everything,” says Harris. Whether white, icicle, rainbow, or good old incandescent, adding lights is the absolute easiest way to bring instant holiday cheer. Whether indoor or outdoor, the warm glow is immediately celebratory. Plus, now there are smart plugs that allow for easy adjustments.

Greenery

One completely free way to add festive flair is foraging for your own holiday greenery. Harris suggests making your own garland, swag, or wreath from what you can find in your own backyard or on a forest walk. The added benefit of bringing fresh greens inside is the fantastic smell they bring with them.

Choose Pieces with Meaning

If you are buying new holiday items, make sure they hold personal significance. Harris gives the example of the little Christmas tree she trims with food decorations every year. She describes some of her favourite decorations:“I love Dirty Martinis so there’s a dirty martini, and there’s a baguette—one of the ones we got in France is a little cappuccino.” Keep an eye out for decorations when travelling, and you too can build a collection of “Christmas ornaments that bring you back to a memory.”