Decorate for fall AND Christmas before Thanksgiving! This guide shows you how to blend festive décor for both holidays seamlessly. Get tips on colors, themes, and transitions.
Is it ever too early to deck the halls? The pre-Thanksgiving Christmas decor debate rages on, and I’m firmly planting myself in the “early is better” camp!
While I usually wait until after Thanksgiving to embrace the full Christmas spirit, this year I’m itching to get a head start. But there’s a catch: I love bringing the outdoors in, and I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to fall foliage just yet.
So, how can I have my pumpkin pie and my Christmas tree too? I’ve found a way to blend fall and Christmas decor seamlessly, creating a festive fusion that’s perfect for both holidays.
Ready to create your own holiday magic? Keep reading to discover 5 reasons why decorating early is the way to go—plus, I’ll share my secrets for a seamless fall-to-Christmas transition!
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5 Reasons Why You Should Decorate for Christmas Before Thanksgiving
- Extended Holiday Joy: Imagine cozying up by the fire with twinkling lights for weeks, not just days. By decorating early, you extend the magic of the season and give yourself more time to savor the festive atmosphere.
- Reduced Stress: Say goodbye to last-minute decorating panic and hello to a relaxed holiday season. Getting a head start means less pressure and more time to enjoy the things that truly matter.
- Creative Freedom: Early decorating gives you the space to experiment and get creative! Try out new themes, DIY your own decorations, and perfect your holiday vision without the time crunch.
- A Festive Backdrop for Thanksgiving: (This is where you can mention the “Christmas card photo op” if you’d like to keep it).
- Inspiring Fall Transition: Done right, early Christmas decor can beautifully complement the fall aesthetic. Think warm colors, natural elements, and cozy textures that evoke both seasons.
Blending Fall and Christmas: Your Early Decorating Guide
Ready to create a festive fusion in your own home? Here’s how to seamlessly blend fall and Christmas decor. These tips will not only help you blend both for festively fused decor, but will also help you transition from fall to Christmas with ease.
Think Neutrals
Create a warm and inviting foundation with a neutral color palette. Creams, beiges, golds, and browns work beautifully for both fall and Christmas. Use these colors in your tree skirt, stockings, table linens, and other decor elements.
Start with the Tree
Yes, you can put up your tree before Thanksgiving! Opt for a natural tree with a burlap tree skirt or a flocked tree for a wintry touch. Decorate with fall-themed ornaments in colors like gold, bronze, and deep red. As Thanksgiving passes, gradually introduce more traditional Christmas ornaments.
Wreaths and Garlands
Bring the outdoors in with wreaths and garlands featuring colorful leaves, pinecones, berries, and branches. Keep the glitz to a minimum initially, then add sparkle with mini ornaments or fairy lights as Christmas nears.
Dual-Purpose Decor
Invest in versatile pieces that work for both holidays. Cozy throws, textured pillows, lanterns with candles, and rustic wooden accents can easily transition from fall to Christmas with a few festive additions.
Transitional Table Setting Ideas
Set a stunning Thanksgiving table with a neutral tablecloth, fall-themed centerpieces, and natural elements like gourds and pinecones. You can easily tuck in festive winter greenery to beef it up and get a blend of both fall and Christmas on your table. As Christmas approaches, introduce more red and green accents, metallic chargers, and festive candles.
Outdoor Lighting
Start with warm white string lights, battery-operated candles in your windows, and lanterns sprinkled around your home to create a cozy fall ambiance. As Christmas gets closer, add more twinkle lights, glitz, oversized ornaments, or maybe even a festive well lit reindeer.
Thanksgiving Table Magic: A Fall and Christmas Fusion
The Thanksgiving table is the heart of the celebration, so why not make it extra special with a centerpiece that blends the best of fall and Christmas? Here’s how I created a unique and festive focal point for my holiday table:
- Unexpected Container: I used a vintage toolbox as the base for my centerpiece. Its rustic charm adds a touch of unexpected elegance. Look for unique containers at thrift stores, antique shops, or even your own attic!
- Festive Fusion: I combined small evergreen trees, gold-painted pumpkins, pinecones, and faux evergreen sprigs to create a centerpiece that captures the essence of both fall and Christmas.
- Golden Glow: Gold is the perfect unifying color for this transitional theme. It adds a touch of holiday sparkle while still feeling appropriate for fall.
Setting the Scene
To complement the centerpiece, I used natural placemats, antique chargers, and simple dinnerware. Small gold pumpkins at each place setting add a festive touch.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t be afraid to think outside the box (or toolbox!) when it comes to your centerpiece.
- Choose a color palette that bridges the gap between fall and Christmas.
- Mix natural elements with festive touches for a balanced look.
Is November 1st Too Early to Decorate for Christmas?
Ummmm…no. There are diehard Christmas decorators who will start before Halloween. Now I’m not in favor of doing that per se, but the point is, you can decorate for Christmas whenever you want!
However, I do suggest doing it in such a way, where you blend your decor for fall/Thanksgiving and Christmas and consider it more of a transition between the two holidays. It’s your home and you can decorate whenever and however you want. And if you decide to leave a Christmas tree up all year round, I say do it.
Final Thoughts About Decorating for Fall and Christmas Before Thanksgiving
Decorating for Thanksgiving and Christmas doesn’t mean skipping the essence of fall. Instead, it allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds, celebrating the warmth and gratitude of Thanksgiving while embracing the festive charm of Christmas.
And in my opinion, there’s room for both. Last year I put up my flocked Christmas tree before Thanksgiving and decorated it with an autumn vibe. I included foliage picks, warm neutral ornaments, and tucked in lots of gold and it looked great for Thanksgiving!
Since it was flocked I thought some family members might shake their head and laugh because it seemed a little early for snow here in my gardening zone 6a, but you know what? They were all taking pictures in front of it getting this year’s Christmas card photo! So, believe me, it’s OK to decorate early.
Even if you are hosting Thanksgiving.
Do you decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving or wait? Do you have any decorating tips you’d like to share? I would love to know more in the comments below.
For more Thanksgiving Decor ideas, please check out this article from House Beautiful.
Thank you so much for following along.
Enjoy a beautiful day! xo
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