The holidays are in full swing and while you probably have a to-do list that’s a mile long, it’s important to remember what this season is truly about. We want to help you slow down and spend those special moments with the ones you love, which is why we’re sharing 12 ideas for holiday fun at home. Whether you’re entertaining out-of-town guests or you’re in dire need to keep the kids entertained while they’re out of school, we hope these tips will help you enjoy the holiday season at home.
1. Deck Every Space
The key element to holiday fun at home is to make sure every space is merry and bright. No room is off limits when it comes to holiday décor, so bring some extra cheer to those easy to miss spots you may not usually decorate. Think of your every day spaces like your bathroom, home office, back door, laundry room and bedroom.
You don’t have to transform your space into the North Pole – a few simple pieces can make all the difference. Drape some garland over a mirror, include a few tabletop trees, fill a vase with ornaments and even wrap some boxes in your prettiest wrapping paper. Sometimes the smallest touches can make the biggest impact!
2. Set Up a Hot Chocolate Bar
Is it really the holidays if you haven’t had a delicious cup of hot chocolate? Take this delicious drink to the next level by creating your very own hot chocolate bar. Fill a few glass jars with your favorite hot chocolate mix, marshmallows, and any other toppings you enjoy. Don’t forget to leave out a few mugs and spoons for mixing.
3. Have a Holiday Movie Night
From the glow of the Christmas tree to your family snuggled up together on the sofa, it’s safe to say movie nights during the holidays are a little more magical. Grab your pillows and blankets, pop some popcorn, pour a cup of hot chocolate and queue up your favorite holiday movies.
Need some holiday movie ideas? You can’t go wrong with these options:
- The Grinch
- The Holiday
- It’s a Wonderful Life
- Christmas Vacation
- Home Alone
- Miracle on 34th Street
- The Santa Clause
4. Get Creative with Ornaments
One way to have some holiday fun is to get creative with your décor. Ornaments aren’t just for the tree, which is why we love to spread them throughout the house in unique ways. As you can see above, we used ornaments to create a tree shape on a bulletin board. You can also use ornaments to create a wreath, tie them to a gift, use as a place setting on your dining table or even hang them from a mantel.
Another fun way to let your family’s creativity shine is to make handmade ornaments. Your children will love crafting up their own ornament designs, plus you will be able to cherish their artwork for years to come.
5. Bake Holiday Treats
We think it goes without saying that baking during the holidays is a must. If you’re looking for a way to up your game this holiday season, roll out a bar cart and create a dessert bar filled with all your favorite goodies.
Searching for some new recipes? Designer Nellie Jane Howard Ossi is sharing some of her favorite holiday recipes in this video.
6. Put Together a Gift Basket
Give your out-of-town guests the comforts of home with a curated welcome basket. You can’t go wrong by filling the basket with these essentials:
- Candles
- Lotions
- Soaps
- A good book
- Sweet treats
If you aren’t hosting any guests this year, crafting together a basket would make a perfect gift.
7. Go Caroling
Warm up your vocal pipes, fill your to-go cups with hot chocolate and get ready to hit the neighborhood for some good old-fashioned Christmas caroling. Even if you don’t have the voice of an angel, this holiday activity is a great way to engage with your neighbors and spread some cheer.
8. Gather Around for Game Night
Take a break from your screens and gather around the table for a family game night. Break out your board games and don’t forget to include this domino set, which will win you major style points.
Need a spot to host your game night? Our Adair Game Table features a shelf beneath to store board games and playing cards, pull-out drink holders to keep your playing surface drip-free, and is just the right height for playing and snacking.
9. Snuggle Up By the Fire
The weather outside is frightful and staying in is so delightful – especially when you have a cozy fireplace to snuggle up to. Don’t forget to outfit your fireplace with all the cozy essentials like a stylish fire screen and handy fire tools.
Don’t fret if your home doesn’t have a chimney, our electric fireplaces are your solution to enjoy a flickering glow in any space.
10. Pamper Your Pets
Use this extra time at home to have some fun with your furry friend. Take them on extra walks, dress them in a stylish collar, treat them to a plush dog bed or even upgrade their food stand. Don’t forget to hang up their stocking so Santa Paws can give them all the treats.
11. Make Wrapping Fun
Wrapping may seem like another chore to cross off your to-do list, but we believe there’s a way to make it fun. Your first step is to scope out a comfortable wrapping spot away from any present peepers. Next, turn on some music and make yourself a cup of coffee or even better – a holiday cocktail. To eliminate stress, you’ll want to keep all your supplies neatly organized. And to make your job a little more fun, make sure you have beautiful wrapping paper, ribbons & bows.
12. Take Some Time to Relax
Although the holiday season is a magical time, it can also be very hectic and stressful. Make sure you’re taking some time for yourself to relax and unwind. Soak in a bubble bath, read a new book, listen to a podcast or craft up a new cocktail.
Browse all of our holiday décor and for more holiday inspiration, read these helpful posts below:
- Podcast, Ep. 228: All About Holiday Decorating
- 5 Festive Front Door Ideas to Welcome the Holidays
- 13 Creative Christmas Decorating Ideas
- How to Add Festive Holiday Touches to Every Room
- 3 Tips for Setting Up a Hot Cocoa Bar
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