feeling overwhelmed by seasonal prep? Frenzied shopping, baking and hosting can have the opposite effect on good cheer. here are some easy Christmas decorating ideas that take holiday decoration down a notch, yet still feel festive.

There’s a lot of pressure to make mantels into a big statement, but an effective use of color and humble materials are cheery. A basic string of felted animals and ornaments are easy to hang, while still using a healthy dose of color and whimsy.

Photographer: Janis Nicolay

Source: house & home November 2012 issue

Designer: Sophie Burke

Advent calendars are fun for kids, but they don’t have to be sophisticated affairs. H&H senior design editor Sally Armstrong crafted this diy version using basic branches and ready-made linen bags. (To modify it for Hanukkah, use two branches and eight bags dyed blue.)

Photographer: Donna Griffith

Source: house & home November 2014 issue

Designer: Sally Armstrong

Use natural materials that can be gathered on a woodland walk for a Scandinavian-inspired look. designer Sophie Burke fashions candleholders from mason jars wrapped with steamed birch bark, and want cones tied with twine.

Source: house & home November 2014 issue

Designer: Sophie Burke

Embellish the tree with foliage such as magnolia leaves, dried hydrangea blooms, and sprigs of berries, with a strand of white lights for sparkle.

Photographer: Angus Fergusson

Source: house & home November 2014 issue

Designer: Betty Theodoropoulos

Paper garlands pop to life in seconds and give a lush look (without the want needles to vacuum), then easily fold up until next year. learn how to make this festive paper garland here.

Photographer: Ashley Capp

Source: house & home December 2014 issue

Designer: Sarah Hartill

Double the impact of a wreath by placing it in front of a mirror. Don’t feel compelled to embellish it with anything a lot more dramatic than a lush but basic satin bow.

Photographer: Kim Jeffery

Source: house & home December 2012 issue

Designer: Joel Bray

Skip the hassle of dedicated holiday wrapping papers and ribbon and choose a signature wrap (that doesn’t have to be slathered with holly). This photocopied map wrap is eye catching, and distinctive. finish with a grosgrain ribbon for festive flair.

Photographer: André Rider

Source: house & home December 2014 issue

Outdoor arrangements often come premade, so there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. pick up a couple and place inside to flank a doorway. These balsam, cedar and dogwood arrangements bring the outdoors in with a fresh scent and add a hit of rich color.

Photographer: Michael Graydon

Source: house & home December 2011 issue

Designer: Barbara Purdy

Use small, inexpensive gestures in unexpected spots. tie a holly sprig to a doorknob with a large satin bow to dress up a door.

צַלָם:אנגוס פרגוסון

מקור: בית & בית נובמבר 2014 גיליון

מעצבת: בטי תיאודורופולוס

חדרי אמבטיה הופכים למסיבה מיידית מוכנים עם התוספת הבסיסית של זר ריחני שרוצה (הפעל את הניחוח ולהירגע בו זמנית עם ספיגה מהבילה באמבט).

צלם: אנגוס פרגוסון

מקור: בית & בית נובמבר 2014

מעצבת: בטי תיאודורופולוס