7 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Holiday Decorations

Buying Without a Plan or Vision

It's so easy to get swept away by the aisles of jewel-toned ornaments and twinkling lights. So before you ever step foot in a store, take a moment to decide on your holiday style. Do you prefer a classic palette of red and green? Pastels? Gilded metallics?

Prioritize harmony throughout your home's holiday décor. This will help guide your choices and keep you from collecting random items that you may love on their own but look disjointed together. Even small touches, like ribbons that matches the tree’s color palette or a consistent metallic finish, help create a sense of cohesion.

Forgetting to Take Inventory of What You Already Own

Before shopping, open your bins and boxes and take stock of everything inside. Note which ornaments need replacing, what no longer suits your taste, and which gaps you actually need to fill. Decluttering your holiday décor ahead of time ensures you spend only on pieces you'll truly use and love, and can better resist impulse purchases.

Buying Too Many Statement Pieces

Statement pieces, like towering nutcrackers and oversized bows, are fun to shop for. But too many standout items can easily compete with one another. As a general rule, try limiting to one or two per space or room. Let your large décor share the spotlight with supporting pieces (like simple ornaments or greenery) to fill in the gaps without creating clutter.

Ignoring Scale and Proportion

Always keep measurements in mind when shopping for holiday décor. Tiny ornaments can get lost on a tall tree, and thin strands of garland may look sparse on a wide staircase or mantle. Take some measurements before heading to the store and bring a tape measure along with you, too. (You’ll use it more than you think.)

Forgetting About Storage

Oversized wreaths and delicate glass ornaments can quickly fill a closet, attic, or basement. While special pieces are worth the storage space, it's important to strike a balance between being both festive and practical. Before purchasing, ask yourself where the item will be stored for most of the year and how easy it is to store. If you aren't sure, rethink the purchase.

Prioritizing Trends Over Longevity

We love a holiday trend—but some pieces have staying power while others can look dated by next Christmas. Think of your holiday décor like your wardrobe: Invest in classics, while sprinkling in seasonal trends. Similarly, try introducing a few trend-forward accents to your holiday décor collection, but keep your money saved for timeless pieces.

You can also hit the thrift stores for plenty of festive finds, both vintage collectibles and newer pieces.

Skimping on Garland and Ribbon

Garland and ribbon are criminally underrated when it comes to holiday decorating. They easily fill gaps and make everything (e.g., trees, mantels, railings, wreaths) feel festive and complete. Yet, these are often the last items people purchase, leading to shortages, mismatched lengths, or the dreaded realization that your garland isn’t long enough to make it down the whole staircase.

Consider purchasing garland and ribbon early in the season or whenever you see it on sale. (Extra ribbon can always be used for wrapping presents!)