The festive season is upon us and we can basically smell the glazed ham roasting in the oven. If you’re dreaming of a home that feels warm, stylish and effortlessly festive — without spending a fortune or turning your living room into Santa’s workshop — you’re in the right place. We’ve gathered the best Christmas decorating hacks of 2025!
This year’s Christmas decorating trends are all about texture, natural materials, clever shortcuts and DIY moments that look high-end but require minimal skill. Whether you’re decking out a new tree, hosting your very first Christmas lunch, or simply looking for new Christmas styling ideas, these decorating hacks will help you create a beautifully curated festive look.
Here are our favourite Christmas decorating ideas of 2025 — all achievable, affordable and perfect for Australian homes.
Related article: DIY paper bag snowflake: Make Christmas star decorations
Related article: 30+ alternative Christmas tree ideas
1. Tie the perfect velvet bow (the hack that makes your tree look instantly luxe)
Velvet bows are everywhere this season and for good reason. They add softness, texture and that understated sense of luxury that suits both traditional and contemporary styling. But tying your own can prove a little trickier than you’d think… until now.
Chantel shares a clever hack to tie the perfect velvet bow so it sits full, symmetrical and perfectly on your tree every time. Use them as tree decorations, on garlands, wreaths or even as finishing touches on gifts. It’s the easiest way to make your tree look professionally styled.
2. Hanging wreath hack (the IKEA hack everyone is trying)
If you love a minimalist yet striking wreath, this IKEA hack is for you. Using a simple hoop, faux eucalyptus foliage and fairy lights, you can create a sculptural, floating wreath moment that instantly elevates your entryway, dining space or living room.
If it’s available to you, you swap out the artificial stems for fresh eucalyptus or pine cuttings. You could also add other decorative elements like the ribbon hack above or a mix of ornaments. However you put your own spin on it, the result is airy, modern and seriously high-impact.
3. Clay + dried orange slice name tags
Are these not the most beautiful name tags you’ve ever seen?! There’s something magical about handmade Christmas touches, and this combo of air-dry clay, dried orange slices, and natural twine feels fresh yet nostalgic.
These name tags are perfect for place settings, gift tags or as hanging tree decorations.
If this decorating idea is your Christmas vibe, check out all the ways you can decorate with dried orange slices.
Prefer something easier?
If this feels like too much effort, our napkin folding hacks — either the napkin bow or napkin Christmas tree — can elevate your place settings in seconds. No crafting, no mess, just instant wow-factor.
4. Bauble + coat hanger wreath hack
Over the years we’ve shared plenty of DIY Christmas wreath ideas and here’s the latest one we discovered! Using a simple metal wire coat hanger, cut it open and shape it into a circle. Then thread your baubles through and twist it back together to close. It’s perfect for your front door or hanging above a console table.
The secret to making it look luxe?
- stick to a defined colour palette
- mix matte, gloss and textured finishes
- add a velvet ribbon to finish.
5. Damage-free garland hanging using a curtain tension rod
If you love a garland moment but don’t want to damage your walls, you’ll want to try this renter-friendly hack.
Use a curtain tension rod between two walls or inside your doorway, then drape your garland over the top. Add ribbon, fairy lights or bells to dial up the festive vibes.
6. Create a magical Christmas village (this year’s cosiest trend)
Christmas villages have made a huge comeback this year — but with a modern twist. Instead of cluttered shelves, think curated, minimalist collections styled on:
- console tables
- bookshelvesa
- sideboards
- dining table centrepiece
- window ledges.
Use ceramic or white wooden houses, fairy lights and bottle brush trees to create a soft, glowing festive scene.
7. Viral ‘gingerbread house’ window light hack
The latest festive home decorating trend that seems to be everywhere is to literally make your home look like a glowing gingerbread house!
Using a set of warm LED lights taped to the inside of your windows, you can create a classic gingerbread outline effect. From the street, the result is pure Christmas magic. Super low cost and impactful!
We’d love to know, what’s your favourite of these Christmas decorating ideas of 2025? Or perhaps you’ve spotted another one we should add to the list? Tell us in the comments below!
