Last Minute Holiday Décor Made Easy

Christmas may be just days away, but there’s still plenty of time to get in on the holiday cheer. Bringing tidings of comfort and joy into your home is easier than you think, says Taniya Nayak, celebrity interior designer and host of ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight. Here, she shares simple tips to make any room merry in a hurry — and on a dime, no less!

Allow Guests to “Read” the Mantel

“A fireplace makes everyone feel welcome, cozy and calm,” says Nayak. “It’s the perfect spot for gathering with loved ones.” For a gorgeous mantel display, she suggests including accents, from candle tapers ($15.99, Amazon) to trinkets, in a variety of heights. “This adds interest and keeps the eye moving across the shelf from left to right, as if you’re reading.” To finish, center a mirror ($35.61, Amazon) above the ledge for maximum impact.

Make Your Space Inviting

“All it takes to set up an inviting living room is little touches that appeal to the senses, like the scent of a cinnamon candle (29.50, Yankee Candle), the embrace of cozy textures, such as knit throws ($73.90, Nordstrom) and [faux fur] pillows ($41.40, Nordstrom), and the sight of bright accents,” says Nayak.

The home décor expert also recommends setting out a tray of cocoa and treats and adding extra candles to wash the room in a warm glow.

Make Room for Snacks

“Expanding your tabletop ‘real estate’ is key when hosting,” the television host explains. One of the easiest ways to add surface space is to tuck a console ($84, Amazon) or side table into a bare corner. Says Nayak: “It quickly creates the perfect spot for extra snacks, decor or a help-yourself bar!”

Add a Little Home-Grown Flair

“Decorating doesn’t need to cost a fortune — or even a dollar,” says Nayak. She suggests picking fresh-from-the-yard berries, evergreens, and branches, and displaying them in pretty vases ($13.49, Michael’s) around the house. To add even more festive flair, add two quick coats of metallic silver or gold spray paint to branches.

This story originally appeared in our print magazine.