By selecting timeless Christmas decorations you can use year-round, you reduce clutter and waste and focus on beautiful, multi-purpose products that add beauty and flair to any home.
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I love Christmas and I love Christmas decor – but I’d be lying if I said I loved all the set up, take down and storage.
I’m also not too keen on having a whole lot of items that only serve one purpose – to decorate at Christmas time.
If you’re like me, and are looking for simple Christmas decor at home, then you’ll love the products featured here which are specifically selected to do double, even triple duty – to be an item that you can use not only at Christmas, but for other special occasions or even every day use.
These Christmas decor ideas would also work perfectly for your Christmas in July celebration.
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Easy outdoor Christmas decoration ideas
One of my favorite Christmas memories from when my children were little was the annual pilgrimage to check out the Christmas light displays on the homes around town.
We’d mark out the route, pack some snacks, and drive around for hours.
I could never believe the effort some people would go to to make Christmas more magical for everyone.
I can’t wait till I’m a grandmother and get to replicate that family tradition with the grandchildren.
The ideas below, however, are NOT for you if you want to go all out Christmas in your front yard.
That’s because they’re easy outdoor Christmas decoration ideas that also can be used at other times should the occasion permit.
We’re less about clutter and more about purpose, right?
And given that, it largely comes down to lights.
Outdoor Christmas lights
Fairy lights, or string lights, make elegant outdoor Christmas decorations
All three of these products can not only be used at Christmas time but also year round for special occasions – even everyday use.
These curtain string lights look super effective strung over a pergola (although they are also fine for indoor use as well, should you prefer).
Select warm white for a welcoming vibe.
Good quality fairy lights are another necessity. I recommend these for intertwining in your trees for a beautiful, elegant look.
The lights here are in cool white. Make sure you match your lights (warm or cool) for a cohesive look.
They come with two sets of 60 lights spanning twenty feet each, and are battery operated with a remote control timer.
Create a warm, magical atmosphere with these solar powered lanterns.
They're designed to withstand rain, wind and snowy days, making them perfect for outdoor Christmas decor.
You’ll also need some shepherd hooks.
This set of 8 shepherds hooks are made of high quality durable steel, 35 inches high, 9 inches wide and 1/4 inches in diameter.They can be used year after year as the glossy powder coat finish prevents rust.
With these, you can hang mason jars (see below), string lights, the LED lanterns or other items to easily create a beautiful Christmas outdoor aesthetic.
Christmas wreaths for year round use
The wreath has a fascinating history.
Its origins are said to be either from Greek and Roman times. One origin story is where the wreath worn on the head represented various aspects of a person’s achievements such as occupation, status and so on.
The other is that some 1000 years before the birth of Christ, the wreaths Christians crafted symbolized the strength they showed in persevering through the harsh forces of winter (source).
The circle represents enduring life.
Christmas wreaths are therefore not only simple and attractive but full of meaning and are therefore a must-have addition to any Christmas decor.
Wreaths look fantastic either hanging on the wall or door, or flat on a table with candles of varying heights arranged inside.
Here’s my favorite wreaths that work as timeless Christmas decorations you can use year round.
Small Christmas wreaths, such as these 6 inch boxwood wreaths from Amazon, often work best in groups of threes, or hung over small areas such as banisters.
Here's another beautiful preserved boxwood wreath- this one 16 inches in diameter, so perfect to take center stage on a small wall or to use flat on the table with candles inside.
This 20 inch artificial eucalyptus wreath is the perfect front door accessory for Christmas and beyond.
To make hanging your Christmas wreath easier, try using wreath holders.
You can hang wreaths up to 10 lbs. with these wreath holders - even on glass or storm doors or in hot or cold temperatures.
They come in a set of 2.
Christmas decorations using mason jars
Using mason jars are another go-to for timeless Christmas decorations.
Purchase enough jars to have sufficient for various situations. These include hanging them off the shepherd hooks I mentioned above, or having a line of them down the table or on the top of a shelf or buffet.
Mason jars looks the most effective when filled with fairy lights. However your imagination should not stop there!
You can fill them with other various Christmas related decor. I love using them with small Christmas ball decorations or pinecones /
Another option is to fill them with sand and nestle in either a tealight candle or Christmas ornament.
Here’s what you need.
These warm white fairy lights are battery powered. They're perfect to pop in your mason jars for elegant Christmas table decorations.
Six strings of 3.3 feet / 1 meter are included.
This set of 100 Christmas balls come in both shiny, matt, hollow and glitter finish - perfect to mix or match.
They are cheap and some come with the strings missing - which makes them perfect for these mason jar Christmas decorations.
This 100 pack of tea light candles is great value for money.
Each candle lasts 6-7 hours.
These mini pinecones look super cute in mason jars.
This pack has 110, so plenty for your Christmas decoration needs.
If you want to hang your mason jars, these mason jar hangers are a must buy.
Alternatively, try these mason jar hangers which have cute burlap wire hangers.
They come in a pack of 8.
This set of twelve 16 oz mason jars will get you started on your easy mason jar Christmas decor.
Simple scented candles
Smell is as much of a sense to be indulged as any other at Christmas time. If you’re wanting to make your home smell like Christmas, focus on vanilla. It’s a warm scent that’s perfect for the cooler months.
Vanilla as a color also works super well as Christmas decor yet can be on display at any time of the year.
This 12 ounce 100% soy candle is handmade in the USA and has a deliciously strong scent.
This 100% 16 ounce candle is organic, kosher and vegan. It uses therapeutic grade essential oils ... and it's in a mason jar.
Enjoy the delicious scent of this vanilla bean candle as part of your simple Christmas decor AND get the bonus odor eliminating properties of this magical blend.
Make less waste this Christmas
Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, and the atmosphere at Christmas is greatly enhanced with Christmas decor.
But if you’re like me, and would like to have Christmas decorations that aren’t just pulled out of storage for a month or so every year, then you’ll love how it’s possible to create timeless and elegant Christmas decor through the use of lights, wreaths, candles and mason jars – items perfect for other special occasions or even every day prettiness.
Keep your home clutter free with these Christmas decorations you can use year round.
Having Christmas at your house this year? You might also like: How to prepare for Christmas dinner.
Babychaser
Friday 16th of November 2018
Thanks for sharing your ideas! I do love having multi-purpose decorations. I just move things around to keep them fresh through the different seasons. It has helped me over the years when we didn't have many decorations (I don't usually buy that kind of stuff and often am using hand me downs). I just pull things together and add what I have around the house to fill things out. :)
One of my go to ideas is fabric. Red and white or green fabric stuffed into a clear glass candy jar with a lid or a large vase make a great splash of color. :) Add your fairy lights and it's extra special. :)
Katie
Sunday 18th of November 2018
Fabric is a great idea! I am so going to try that! Decorations add such a great atmosphere but can also add clutter. Having hand me down items, especially if they are from family, I think helps make them extra special. Thanks for commenting.
Suzie Olsen
Friday 16th of November 2018
I'm already thinking about how I could re-use the battery light strings on Halloween costumes! Thanks for the great list!
Katie
Sunday 18th of November 2018
Very clever!
Jennifer Wise
Monday 12th of November 2018
I'm the same way--I love Christmas decorations but not the set up and take down. I love these great ideas for year-round decor!
Katie
Tuesday 13th of November 2018
Thanks so much for stopping by, Jennifer!
Michele Morin
Sunday 11th of November 2018
I had never thought of planning decorations in this way! Great idea!
Katie
Tuesday 13th of November 2018
Thanks Michele - I love the idea of multipurpose items!