Decorating Small Spaces for Christmas: Using Garlands, Ribbon and Other Ideas

From Macy's to Goodwill, Christmas decorations are for sale, and department stores are setting the trend that the spirit of Christmas can be measured in the number of lights and garlands strung around your home. But you don't have to break the bank and over-glitter your small space just to make it festive. Whether you're in a college dorm room or small apartment, by spending just a few dollars, you too can decorate your small space for Christmas.

The first myth of Christmas decorating is that the bigger tree is the most glamorous, that having a big tree is important. In reality, a big tree will just make your small space look crowded, and it will be difficult to move around. With many stores selling table sized artificial trees, it is possible to buy one or two small trees to decorate with miniature ornaments and place on shelves, coffee tables, televisions, and other pieces of furniture. Not only will the trees make the place festive, but also they'll be out of your way.

Just because you don't have a large tree, however, does not mean you can't buy tinsel, lights, and ribbon. For just a few dollars, small strands of tinsel, sparkling ribbon, lights, and beads can be draped over doorways and windowsills, along lights and on furniture, creating a sparkling, festive look, especially when lights are dimmed and candles are lit. The decorations make a small space look bright, without making it look cluttered. Also, making your own decorations, or using Christmas cards as decorations is an easy way to decorate a small living space. Instead of shoving your Christmas cards in a drawer, tack them on the walls. Cut out paper snowflakes for the windows like you did when you were a kid, or make a holiday collage out of prints from the Christmas catalogs.

Also, a motif is striking in any room. Make sure all of your garlands are the same color. Coordinate the colors of your candles, or the ornaments on your Christmas tree. By keeping everything similar, your small space will look tied together, instead of cluttered.

Finally, never underestimate the power of music and smells on your Christmas atmosphere. If you want to have a Christmas get together, but don't want your small place so loaded down with decorations that your guests trip over each other, try the few garlands, and small table trees, accentuated with burning cinnamon candles, Christmas carols, and fresh baking cookies.