How to Have an HGTV Holiday

These inspired moves can fill any space with the spirit of the season.

Itching to deck your halls with the je ne sais quoi that seems so effortless on holiday specials? You don’t need to be a pro to infuse your festivities with that ready-for-prime-time feeling: Just follow our lead and you’re on your way to year-end revelry HGTV-style.

Upcycle a la the Napiers

Black Door With Rope Hanging From Red Ribbon

Holiday Front Door Decorations With Rope Letters

Try this playful twist on a standard holiday wreath. Just wrap sections of rope with fine-gauge wire, working it between the rope's twists, then shape into letters to spell out a favorite holiday sentiment.

Photo by: Brian Patrick Flynn

Brian Patrick Flynn

Don't panic: You don't need to rescue old church pews or turn bowling lanes into a kitchen island to cultivate a Home Town mood. Any old supplies can get festive when you're in the right frame of mind (hello, old roll of twine from the back of the garage)!

Hide Behind Your Hair

No, not literally (though if you're capable of really going Cousin It this year, you do you). Forestall any nosy-relative you might not want to have to dodge around the eggnog by drawing all attention with an out-there 'do. Chip Gaines created such a buzz with his look this year that he's now raising money for charity simply by talking about cutting it—not too shabby for a humble head suit, hmm?

Create a DIY Diversion

Vases Covered in White Sweater Material

Wintry Sweater-Covered Vases and Candles

You can easily transform your home's decor from fall to winter by incorporating sweater elements. Alicia brought a wintry feel to her living room by covering a vase and candle with sweater material. The look instantly warms up the space during colder months.

Find yourself bickering with your mom over Christmas casserole techniques? Make like Mina on Good Bones by suggesting a DIY project based on the stack of castoff sweaters taking up room in a drawer.

Present a Plethora of Gifts

Potato Stamped Paper

Custom Wrapping Paper

Instead of purchasing a roll of wrapping paper at the store, bring your kids around the table to make custom hand stamped paper with potatoes and paint. What a great way to get this children involved in the holiday season.

Photo by: Marian Parsons

Marian Parsons

Finesse your way through gifting kiddos you haven't seen all year by approaching presents like a House Hunters scenario: Offer each little one a choice between two or three goodies and let them pick the one that catches their eye.

Make Liberal Use of "Before" Images

The backrooms overlooked the back yard.

The backrooms overlooked the back yard.

Your visitors might not be able to wrap their minds around what your place looked like prior to your holiday-cleaning blitz, but doesn't all that work deserve a little recognition? Show 'em a snapshot or two of your home at its funkiest to foster appropriate awe for the current state of their guest room.

Dodge Winter Dreariness by Channeling Hilary Farr

Shades of pink Christmas trees, with pink, red and white ornaments.

Celebrate Christmas in Shades of Pink

Cheryl Burke, dance coach extraordinaire on Dancing With the Stars, takes her sense of glamor to new heights with a collection of pink Christmas trees that adorned her home over the holidays. The look is a little bit retro, a little bit sweet, and so very Cheryl.

Love It or List It's resident drama queen never met a live-out-loud color she didn't love. If tone-on-tone snow and slush get you down, crank the saturation on your decorations way up.

Prepare a (Karaoke) Playlist

Drew Scott singing in the shower of the master bathroom after renovations, as seen of Brother vs Brother.

Drew Scott singing in the shower of the master bathroom after renovations, as seen of Brother vs Brother.

Photo by: Andrew Parker/Radiant Inc.

Andrew Parker/Radiant Inc.

If a holiday doesn't include a bit of questionable crooning, is it a holiday at all? Drew Scott won Linda Phan's heart years ago by belting out The Lonely Island's "I'm on a Boat" in mixed company—and while that particular selection might not go over well with your nana, we're pretty sure she's ready for, say, Bing Crosby and David Bowie's Christmas duet.

Next Up

How to Make a Cardboard Holiday Fireplace

Save those TV boxes from Black Friday and turn them into a charming fireplace for Christmas.

How to Make a DIY Holiday Card Holder

Show off your holiday cards with this fun DIY project from HGTV Magazine.

How to Make a Colorful Holiday Pom-Pom Wreath

Celebrate the ho-ho-holidays with this festive pom-pom wreath that’s as merry and bright as Rudolph’s nose.

How to Dry Oranges and Citrus for Holiday Decorating

Use a dehydrator or your oven to turn oranges and other citrus fruits into colorful and oh-so-fragrant holiday decorations (without burning them).

How to Make a Fresh Boxwood Garland for the Holidays

Learn how to make a beautiful garland made from fresh boxwood and pine, sourced straight from your backyard or local garden center, to adorn any space in your home this holiday. Not only will it add a festive touch to your holiday decor, but the process of making it is certain to get you into the Christmas spirit.

HGTV Power Couples Know How to Show the Love

Our stars have some seriously inspiring ideas on how to be romantic. You'll want to take notes.

How to Stream Your Favorite HGTV Shows on Max

HBO Max is now Max. Catch the Property Brothers, the Napiers, the Marrs, Alison Victoria and more HGTV stars on the new streaming app. Here's what we know.

HGTV Magazine's 2023 Holiday Gift Guide

The editors picked their favorite 50 gifts under $50. Find something fun (and affordable) for everyone on your list!

How to Makeover Your Porch Just in Time for Holiday Guests

Whether they're coming for dinner or staying for the holiday season, greet guests with a festive front porch that blends beauty and practicality brilliantly. Sponsor Content Courtesy of Level Home

Easy DIY Holiday Cards From HGTV Magazine

Make a note: These DIY cards are sure to impress your friends and family.

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