Christmas Decorating Beyond the Tree: Add Sparkle to These 5 Spots

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Christmas decorating doesn’t have to stop at your Christmas tree. Some of the best, most magical moments in your home can happen in overlooked spaces!

Today, I’m sharing five simple ways to sprinkle a little extra holiday cheer throughout your space—no complicated DIYs required. These are tried-and-true Christmas decorating ideas I’ve used in my own home, and trust me, they’re as easy as they are stunning.

1. Mirrors: Reflect the Magic

Mirrors aren’t just for making a room feel bigger—they’re an ideal spot to add a festive glow. In my own home, I love to hang a wreath or shatterproof ornaments from fishing line, letting them “float” in front of the glass. It’s an instant way to double the sparkle!

Another easy idea? Drape a delicate rope beaded garland across the top of the mirror. It’s effortless, elegant, and adds just the right amount of festive charm.

Here’s How to Do It:

• Attach a simple wreath (bonus points for frosted greenery or gold accents) with a command hook or ribbon.
• Stagger ornaments at different lengths using clear fishing line to create an elegant floating effect.
• Add a festive wooden sign or holiday star to make it feel even cozier.

My Tip: If your mirror is in a high-traffic area, stick with lightweight or shatterproof decorations. Let’s just say… lesson learned from a certain situation with someone getting a little to close to my “floating” ornaments one year!

2. Light Fixtures: Look Up!

Your chandeliers and pendant lights can be more than just a source of light—they’re a blank canvas for holiday magic. I love hanging sparkly ornaments or a large glittered ball from my light fixtures to create an eye-catching and unexpected holiday moment.

Here’s How to Do It:

• Tie ribbon or fishing line around a single ornament or ball (glittery ones work best!).
• Hang it from the light fixture so it dangles slightly lower than the base of the fixture.
• Pair it with fairy lights or greenery wrapped around the fixture for a warm, twinkling glow.

My Tip: For the past two years, I’ve used this Christmas decorating trick in my breakfast nook, and it’s completely transformed the vibe. Just one glittery ball hanging from the chandelier created a magical winter wonderland.

With windows all around, the sunlight catches it beautifully, filling the space with sparkles… literally!

To tie the look together, stick with ornaments that match your holiday color palette. These palettes make it easy to get started.

You can also weave a coordinating ribbon through the greenery wrapped around the fixture for an extra touch of festive flair. It’s an easy way to make the whole space feel intentional and pulled together!

3. Stair Treads & Railings: Deck the Steps

We tend to overlook our staircases when decorating, but they’re actually one of my favorite spots to get creative.

For my stairs, I styled each tread with galvanized luminaries that spelled out “JOY” and adorned the railing with greenery and large nature-inspired ornaments. It’s one of the first things guests notice when they walk in.

My favorite touch? A delicate chain of bells woven into the greenery—it adds just the right amount of festive charm (though my curious cats occasionally give them a playful paw!)

Here’s How to Do It:

• Add small holiday decor items, like luminaries or mini potted trees, to each tread.
• Wrap the banister with garland and tuck in ornaments, ribbon, or twinkling lights.
• Use zip ties to secure the garland to your railing—it’s quick, secure, and keeps everything exactly where you want it!

My Tip: Don’t overthink this one! A simple garland and a few festive accents can make a huge impact to your Christmas decorating. If your staircase is near a big statement piece like your tree, tie it all together with complementary colors.

Need ideas? Head to my Color Solutions page for help choosing the perfect palette.

4. Photo Frames: Holiday Prints in Seconds

Swapping out your everyday photos or artwork for holiday-themed prints is an easy way to infuse a festive vibe into any room.. I do this in my bathroom and entryway every year, and it’s such a quick win.

Switching up your regular print in a larger frame is an easy way to make a bold, festive statement without much effort. The best part? It’s also a simple way to incorporate a specific color into your holiday decor. Since you can print just about any design or shade you like, it’s the perfect opportunity to tie in the colors from your chosen holiday palette!

This Christmas decorating trick is especially great for small spaces. A single frame swap can instantly bring a festive feel to a room without adding clutter—a win-win!

Here’s How to Do It:

• Find free holiday printables online (think snowflakes, reindeer, or festive quotes) or print your own designs.
• Pop them into existing frames around your house.
• Mix them with other small accents, like mini trees or candles, to create a holiday vignette.

Bonus Tip: When it’s time to return to your “normal” decor, just tuck the holiday print behind your regular photo in the frame. It’ll be ready to go next year, saving you the trouble of searching or printing again!

5. Glass-Front Cabinets: Glitter Behind the Glass

Your kitchen or dining room cabinets—and even open shelving—are the perfect spots for subtle holiday sparkle.

This year, try filling yours with shiny ornaments nestled among your dishes or glassware to instantly elevate the space without adding clutter.

This strategy is ideal if you’re not a fan of over-the-top Christmas decor or if storage is tight. By integrating ornaments directly into your everyday setup—whether behind glass or on open shelves—you can add as much or as little festive cheer as you like.

Add a strand of battery-operated fairy lights for extra glow, and you’ll have an effortlessly charming touch that works perfectly in both large and small spaces!

It’s flexible, practical, and brings effortless holiday charm to even the smallest spaces!

Here’s How to Do It:

• Choose ornaments in your holiday palette (gold, silver, or soft blues work beautifully).
• Nestle them between stacked plates, bowls, or decorative dishes behind the glass.
• Add a strand of battery-operated fairy lights inside for an extra glow.

My Tip: If your cabinets already have a lot going on, keep it simple with just a few ornaments to avoid it looking too busy. For me, less is always more when it comes to adding sparkle.

Find more ways to blend your holiday decor with your home’s existing style by exploring Coastal Christmas Decor: 3 Holiday Color Palettes.

The Biggest Time-Saving Tip EVER for Christmas Decorating

Once your holiday decorations are exactly how you like them, take photos! This is my #1 tip that saves me so much time year after year. I keep a folder on my phone with pictures of each room so I can easily reference what I did. It gives me a head start every year, and I can always switch things up while knowing exactly where to begin.

Why These Christmas Decorating Ideas Work

The best part about these tips? They’re simple, stylish, and completely customizable to your home. Whether you’re working with a coastal-inspired palette or something more traditional, these ideas will help you spread the holiday magic to every corner of your space.

Which of these festive spots will you style first?

Every small touch adds up to a home that feels magical, inviting, and uniquely you. Start with one area—or try them all—and see how easy it can be to create big holiday impact with simple, thoughtful ideas.

Need More Color Inspiration?

If you’re wondering how to make your home decor feel cohesive, don’t miss my Color Solutions page. I’ve packed it full of helpful tips to make choosing the perfect holiday palette a breeze. Whether you’re all about soft neutrals or love a bold pop of color, I’ve got you covered.