Wreaths, garlands, lights, fir trees, eggnogs, Mariah Carey’s Christmas album on repeat—the holiday season is definitely here! While we love all the fanfare and festivities that come with this magical time, getting your holiday decorations up in time for the family gatherings isn’t always a cinch—especially if you have pets and/or kids. 

The good news? You don’t always need to go all out with your decorations to bring holiday cheer to your home. Sometimes, all it takes are a few little touches: a pine-scented candle here, some whimsical kitchen towels there, and a gorgeous (and washable) holiday rug to tie them all together.

So whether you’re hosting the family gathering this year or just in the jolly mood to take your holiday decorations to the next level, we’re here to help! Here, five interior stylists and Instagram tastemakers share their holiday decorating ideas for a fun, festive, and fuss-free soiree season.

1. Turn Your Kids Room Into a Winter Wonderland

Styled by: Morgan Dabney (@livingratefully)
Rug Pick: Fair Isle Multicolor Rug, 6×9 

The style: I wanted to create a whimsical, cozy, and classic Christmas space for my children to enjoy. 

How she did it: The three major things I changed in my homeschool room space were: switch out my fall rug, change the room’s accent colors from orange to red and green, and swap pumpkins out for evergreen trees.  These three changes immediately made the room feel like Christmas. The comfy rug, soft blanket plus pillows, sleigh, stockings, and evergreen trees also helped make the room feel cozy. Now, we just need a good book and some hot chocolate!

Her rug pick: I chose Fair Isle Multicolor Rug because it reminded me of a classic Christmas scene. It is green and red and has the details of snowflakes, reindeer, and evergreen trees throughout. It looks almost knit-like, so it just made our space feel so warm and cozy.

Holiday decorating tip: Visit your local dollar tree for some fun inexpensive accents, and your library to get a collection of Holiday themed books to display on coffee tables or baskets.

2. Glam Up the Guest Bathroom

Styled by: Jess Baumgardner (@jessbaumgardner)
Rug Pick: Festive Garland Warm Grey Rug, 2.5×7

The Style: I like my decor to be super-simple. I want to feel good when I walk into my home spaces, and if there are too many decorations, things get dusty and I feel overwhelmed.

How she did it: I just changed the things I already need and use in the space to a theme that is appropriate. In this case, I was already using bath towels, a rug, and soap so it was the perfect opportunity to swap. I feel like these three items are the most visible and also the most fun when it comes to holiday decor. 

Her rug pick: I love that Ruggable has options that fit my overall aesthetic (clean and simple) or more pronounced if the room allows. The grey snowflakes of the Festive Garland Warm Grey Rug already match the color scheme of this room, so it naturally fits into the design with a hint of holiday cheer.

Holiday decorating tip: Have a plan before you go shopping. When you are rushed to purchase, you are more likely to buy things you don’t need.  

3. Make Your Bedroom a Holiday Haven 

Styled by: Tammy Groethe (@vintagewhitefarmhouse)
Rug Pick: Fair Isle Blue Rug, 5×7

The style: I really wanted to give this room a wintery feel that also looks festive. 

How she did it: Taking this room from fall to holiday is pretty easy because the major elements of the room are neutral (paint, furniture, and bedding).  Switching out the accent pillows, rug, and tabletop florals make a big impact without having to do a lot.

Her rug pick: I instantly fell in love with the pattern of the Fair Isle Blue Rug.  It reminds me of a knitted stocking or sweater.  I also love the color; it’s the perfect holiday rug for a boy’s room.

Holiday decorating tip: Keep it simple. I am a believer of less being more.  Focus on items that make a big impact like throw pillows, rugs, and florals.  Sticking to these three will bring in the beauty of each season.

4. Have Yourself a Merry Little Mantel

Styled by: Laura Opfel (@threesonsfarmhouse)
Rug Pick: Buffalo Plaid Blackwatch Rug, 3×5

The style:  I definitely want to keep things more minimal and do my best to reuse as much decor as possible from years before, even the season before. 

How she did it: By making a few mindful switches from my fall decoration, it’s almost hard to believe that it only needed a few small added touches! For instance, adding more candles to the mantel increases the cozy factor and really warms up the room for the colder season. Next, swap out all those burnt oranges and red for some simple cedar greenery! Lastly, bring in the colors of the season with a rug; it adds instant charm as we head into the most wonderful time of the year!

Her rug pick: The Buffalo Plaid Blackwatch Rug has many beautiful colors that are not only reminiscent of the season but can also be used easily in other areas of the house. 

Holiday decorating tip: Invest in elements that can be reused season to season or even year after year. That is what makes a Ruggable rug so amazing—it’s there to bring whatever seasonal cheer you need! 

5. Finally, a Dining Room Fit for a Feast

Styled by: Devon Else (@thevintagepalm)
Rug Pick: Fair Isle Multicolored Rug, 8×10

The style: The look I’m going after is a cozy space to sit and enjoy your hot cocoa while doing your homework or just a cozy space to eat dinner. 

How she did it: The trees and garland with the twinkle lights, the seating, and this Christmas rug make this space so cozy. Also, instead of the large floral display from fall, I chose a simple garland as the table runner and my collection of antique brass candlesticks so that it would be more inviting for people to sit and enjoy their cocoa.

Her rug pick: I chose Fair Isle Multicolored Rug because it reminds me of a Christmas sweater. And nothing feels cozier and more comforting than a Christmas sweater!

Holiday decorating tip: Bring nature in! It not only looks gorgeous but is also FREE! If you don’t have any trees, go take a walk at your local park—and don’t forget to grab a few pinecones!