The magic of Christmas doesn’t happen overnight. It’s created with careful planning and attention to detail. As Christmas decorating experts, we know creating the perfect atmosphere takes time, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Starting 14 October, we’ll guide you through each decorating step, sharing professional tips to make the process enjoyable and stress-free.
Why Start Planning Early?
The secret to a stress-free Christmas season is getting ahead of the rush. By breaking your Christmas preparations into manageable weekly tasks, you’ll avoid the last-minute rush and actually enjoy the festive season. Plus, planning early means better deals, better selection, and more time to perfect those finishing touches that make your home truly magical.
Week 10 (14 to 20 October): Choose Your Christmas Tree
Choosing your Christmas tree is one of the most important decisions of the season. Whether you’re decorating a spacious living room or a cosy apartment, finding the right size and style will set the tone for your Christmas display. Start by ordering your Branch Sample Kit. It’s the best way to experience our tree quality firsthand, and we’ll credit the cost towards your tree purchase.
Key tasks:
- Order a Branch Sample Kit to compare tree quality and styles
- Measure your space, including ceiling height
- Consider pre-lit trees to save time
- Watch for early Christmas sales
Decorating Tip: Take a photo of your space before ordering. This helps you visualise how different tree sizes will fit and ensures you choose the right height and fullness for your room.
Week 9 (21 to 27 October): Plan Your Entryway Decorations
Your entrance creates the first impression of your Christmas home, whether it’s a grand foyer or an apartment door. A thoughtfully planned display of wreaths and garlands can elevate any entryway, from front porches to hallway landings. Taking the time to measure your space and plan your design ensures you’ll have the right decorations to create a festive welcome that suits your setting.
Key tasks:
- Select a wreath that suits your door’s size
- Choose matching garlands for railings and door frames
- Plan your lighting layout
- Consider battery-operated or plug-in options
Decorating Tip: Measure your door and the surrounding space before ordering your wreath. A properly sized wreath can make a big difference to your home’s street appeal.
Week 8 (28 October to 3 November): Prepare Christmas Lighting
As Halloween decorations come down, it’s time to plan your Christmas lighting, whether for a full outdoor display or a window-focused arrangement. A well-designed lighting plan can work beautifully in any space, from sprawling yards to balconies or window displays. Planning now gives you time to test all your lights and make sure you have the right equipment for your set-up.
Key tasks:
- Design your lighting layout
- Order lights and outdoor decorations
- Buy timers and extension cords
- Map out your power sources
Decorating Tip: Use landscape lighting to highlight architectural features and create depth in your display.
Week 7 (4 to 10 November): Organise Gift Planning
Gift-giving is a cherished part of Christmas tradition, and planning early makes it more enjoyable for everyone. Starting your shopping now gives you time to find meaningful gifts for local and long-distance giving. This is also the perfect time to plan your wrapping strategy and delivery schedule, making sure presents arrive on time no matter the distance.
Key tasks:
- Create your gift list with budgets
- Order advent calendars before December
- Start collecting gift sets
- Set up a wrapping station
Decorating Tip: Choose wrapping paper that matches your tree decorations for a polished look.
Read: Christmas Gift Guide: Expert Tips for Thoughtful Christmas Gifting
Week 6 (11 to 17 November): Take Advantage of Early Sales
Early Christmas sales are starting, and savvy shoppers know to browse now wherever they are. Many retailers offer pre-season deals online and in store, often with a better selection than later in the season. This timing is especially important if you need to arrange delivery for larger items like trees or outdoor decorations.
Key tasks:
- Order your main Christmas tree
- Choose your preferred lighting options
- Consider accent trees for other rooms
- Take advantage of pre-season pricing
Decorating Tip: Consider a second, smaller tree for your dining room or entryway to create a cohesive feel throughout your home.
Read: Best Times To Buy a Christmas Tree: A Guide to Balsam Hill Sales
Week 5 (18 to 24 November): Begin Outdoor Decorating
Now is the time to start preparing your outdoor or window display, adapting your plans to suit your local weather and living space. For those in cooler regions, installing lights and decorations before winter weather arrives makes the process much easier. If you’re in a warmer climate or decorating a balcony or windows, you have more flexibility, but starting now ensures everything is ready to enjoy throughout the season.
Key tasks:
- Install outdoor lighting
- Set up lawn decorations
- Order fresh greenery
- Test all electrical components
Decorating Tip: Create layers of light by combining string lights with spotlights and pathway markers.
Week 4 (25 November to 1 December): Start Indoor Decorating
With Thanksgiving behind you, it’s time to focus on your indoor Christmas transformation, whether you’re decorating an entire house or creating a festive corner in a smaller space. The days between Thanksgiving and December offer the perfect window to bring your vision to life. Starting now gives you time to adjust and perfect your display without feeling rushed.
Key tasks:
- Set up and shape your tree
- Add lights, ribbons and ornaments
- Finish with a topper and a tree skirt or collar
- Arrange wrapped presents
Decorating Tip: Work from the inside of your tree outwards when adding lights and ornaments for professional-looking results.
Week 3 (2 to 8 December): Style Your Christmas Spaces
Your tree is decorated, and now it’s time to extend the Christmas magic throughout your home. Focus on creating beautiful vignettes and adding festive touches to mantels, tabletops and shelving. This week is perfect for styling the areas that catch the eye and invite people to linger.
Key tasks:
- Design mantel displays
- Create tabletop vignettes
- Arrange Christmas collections
- Add decorative candles
- Style shelves and surfaces
Decorating Tip: For visual interest, create different heights in your displays using candlesticks, cake stands or decorative boxes.
Week 2 (9 to 15 December): Get Your Home Ready for Christmas Gatherings
Now’s the time to prepare your home for festive entertaining and those special Christmas moments. Whether you’re hosting formal dinners or casual get-togethers, focus on creating warm, welcoming spaces for family and friends. This is also a good time to start organising decorations for easy storage after the season.
Key tasks:
- Set up Christmas tablescapes
- Arrange serving and buffet areas
- Create cosy conversation spaces
- Add fresh greenery accents
- Organise storage solutions for after the season
Decorating Tip: Create conversation areas with comfortable seating and good lighting for Christmas gatherings.
Week 1 (16 to 22 December): Add the Final Festive Touches
These final days before Christmas are perfect for adding those last special touches to your gift collection. There’s still time to find the perfect presents and stocking fillers for everyone on your list. Remember to place your orders by 18 December to ensure delivery in time for Christmas.
Key tasks:
- Order last-minute gifts and stocking fillers
- Place gift boxes and bags under the tree
- Check all lights and timers
- Double-check Christmas supplies for next week
Decorating Tip: Create a dedicated wrapping station with all your supplies close at hand for those final gifts, plus a cosy spot near the tree for Christmas morning celebrations.
Christmas Week (23 to 25 December): Time for Christmas Magic
The magical moments you’ve been planning for are finally here. Your home is beautifully decorated, the gifts are wrapped, and it’s time to enjoy the festivities with family and friends. These special days are all about creating memories and cherishing Christmas traditions.
Key tasks:
- Set up a Christmas Eve cocoa station
- Arrange fresh cookies and treats
- Light candles and adjust timers
- Fill stockings
- Take family photos
Decorating Tip: Turn on your tree lights first thing each morning and enjoy them throughout the day. This creates a warm, festive atmosphere for all your Christmas activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about Christmas decorating.
When Should I Start Decorating for Christmas?
Many people start decorating in late November, but you can begin whenever it suits your schedule. The key is having a plan in place well before you start. Our 10-week guide helps you prepare everything you need so that when you’re ready to decorate, the process feels enjoyable and stress-free.
How Do I Choose the Right Size Tree for My Space?
Measure your ceiling height and subtract at least 15 centimetres for clearance, plus the height of your tree topper. For width, measure your space and allow at least 15 centimetres between the tree and walls or furniture. Our Branch Sample Kit helps you compare tree styles and quality before making your decision.
What’s the Best Way To Store Christmas Decorations?
Invest in proper storage solutions designed specifically for Christmas items. Store ornaments in compartment boxes, wrap lights around spools or pieces of cardboard, and use protective bags for wreaths and trees. Always store everything in a cool, dry place and label each item clearly.
How Many Lights Do I Need for My Tree?
A good rule of thumb is 100 lights per foot of tree height for a traditional look. You can use up to 200 lights per foot for a brighter display. Pre-lit trees take the guesswork out of lighting and help ensure even coverage.
How Do I Create a Cohesive Christmas Decorating Theme?
Start with a clear vision and colour scheme. Whether you prefer traditional red and green, winter whites or modern metallics, choose decorations that complement each other. It also helps to consider your existing home décor when selecting your theme.
What If I Live in an Apartment or Small Space?
Focus on creating impact in key areas. Consider a slim or pencil tree, door decorations and window displays. Vertical decorating, such as over-the-door garlands or wall-mounted decorations, helps maximise space while keeping the festive feel.
When Is the Latest I Can Order for Christmas Delivery?
Place your orders by 18 December for guaranteed Christmas delivery. However, we recommend ordering earlier for the best selection and to make sure you have enough time to decorate at a relaxed pace.
Remember, this timeline is a guide, so feel free to adjust it to suit your schedule and needs. The key is to start early and tackle tasks systematically. By following this organised approach, you’ll create a beautifully decorated home and still have time to enjoy the Christmas season with family and friends.