8 tips and tricks to change your Christmas decor theme and color scheme each year using mostly what you already have.
We could all use a little extra cheer this season.
I get restless with our holiday look, so every October I begin thinking about a new theme. For years I assumed changing up Christmas decor annually was a luxury only for those with large budgets. But over time I discovered small shifts—using mostly what I already own—can create an entirely fresh vibe without breaking the bank.
With a little creativity and some strategic swaps, you can reinvent your holiday decorating each year. Below are practical, inexpensive ideas for changing your Christmas decor theme and color scheme—most of which use items you probably already own.
How to Change the Look of Your Christmas Decor Each Year Inexpensively
(Some items mentioned may be affiliated with the author’s sources; full disclosure is available on the blog.)
1. Change Your Ribbon
Ribbon is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to shift a color palette. A few new spools—wound through trees, wreaths, garlands, and wrapped gifts—can transform a room. Ribbon is lightweight to store, easy to switch out, and can be chosen to reflect whatever trend or palette you want that year.
If you take good care of ribbon, you can reuse it several seasons or resell it to offset the cost. Popular places to shop for ribbon include craft stores, online marketplaces, and small independent shops selling seasonal trims.
2. Rotate Trees and Garlands Between Rooms
If you have more than one tree or several garlands, try placing them in different rooms the following year. A garland that framed your mantel last year can look entirely new draped over a dining table, a doorway, or a stair railing. Moving pieces around is free and can make existing items feel fresh.
3. Use Neutrals as a Base and Add an Accent Color
Start with neutral home basics—sofas, rugs, and core ornaments—and then introduce one or two accent colors through pillow covers, throws, or a few standout ornaments. Pillow covers are an economical swap: they cost less than new pillows and are easy to store. Choose versatile patterns and solid colors that work beyond the holidays so you can repurpose them in other seasons.
4. Repurpose Non-Seasonal Home Items
Bowls, vases, cake stands, lanterns, and trays are everyday items that easily become seasonal with a little styling. Add evergreen clippings, pinecones, ornaments, string lights, or decorative filler to create instant holiday centerpieces. Thrift stores and secondhand shops are also great sources for unique vessels that can be styled year after year.
5. Paint or Update Items You Already Own
Paint is a powerful tool to modernize older decorations. A coat of spray paint on a ceramic village, metal candle holders, or ornaments can unify a mismatched collection and fit your chosen palette. Metallic paints, matte white, or soft neutrals are popular options that instantly elevate older pieces.
6. Make DIY Ornaments and Crafts
Crafting with kids is a double win: you create personalized ornaments and make memories. Try decoupage glass balls, salt dough ornaments, painted wooden shapes, or simple paper garlands. Many homemade ornaments also make thoughtful gifts for teachers, neighbors, and friends.
7. Coordinate Your Wrapping
Wrapping paper is a seasonal expense, so use it to reinforce your theme. Choose paper, ribbon, and tags that echo your room palette and place all coordinated gifts beneath the tree. This small detail creates a cohesive, styled look that ties the whole room together.
8. Use Free Printables for Instant Art and Tags
There are many free Christmas printables available for art, tags, and banners. Print them at home, frame the pieces, or use them as gift tags for an inexpensive way to add seasonal graphics. Printables let you switch the mood quickly—modern typography one year, nostalgic illustrations the next—without a big investment.
Do you have other go-to tips for changing your holiday look each year? I love collecting new ideas. You can also browse past holiday home tours on the blog for more inspiration and practical examples of these techniques in action.
We’ve started decorating and I can’t wait to spread cheer throughout the house!
