Christmas Decorating Ideas for Apartments

Christmas trees are usually the focal point when it comes to holiday decorating. If you're in a small space, there are numerous ways to incorporate a tree without sacrificing needed square footage.

If you want a traditional artificial or live tree, consider a smaller size that's five or six-feet. Or use a slim tree. They look great even better if you high ceilings. Other alternatives include mini potted Christmas trees or tabletop trees.

Skipping a traditional tree altogether? Try a wall hanging. These can be made numerous ways. The one shown above is made with washi tape and ornaments. But you can also make a tree with faux or real greenery, garland, tinsel, pieces of wood, string lights and more.

Shelving, bookcases and fireplace mantles are all great places to show off your holiday spirit. On the shelf above, a mini silver tree, a JOY sign and some LED votive candles bring Christmas cheer. Use hooks that can be removed without damaging the surface to temporarily hang garland.

In the right image, an oversized wreath hung with pink ribbon is a statement maker. Layer in greenery, candles and stockings for a festive effect.

Make your home merry -- inside and out. For a festive first impression, add a real or artificial wreath to your front door. Layer in garland around the door and a seasonal doormat.

Once inside, add some decor to your entryway or drop zone. In the right photo, a bench is decorated for the holidays with blue and green ornaments, holiday throw pillows and stockings. If you have a small table or credenza in your entryway, add poinsettias, Christmas trinkets or even frame your favorite Christmas cards. 

If you're throwing a holiday soiree or hosting Christmas dinner, a beautifully laid table is a must. 

Choose your favorite style. Go the traditional route with Christmas dinnerware and red and green linens.

Modern enthusiasts can make a sparkling impression with white dishes, metallic table runners, candles and silver or gold accents.

For those that prefer a neutral palette check out the image above. Linen table runners and natural greenery with dried citrus and ornaments are ideal for nature lovers and Modern Farmhouse fans. Linen napkins folded into Christmas trees and topped with cinnamon sticks are a subtle nod to the holidays.

Accessories are an easy and cost effective way to decorate your apartment or small bungalow. Here are a few ideas:

• Add holiday throw pillows and chunky throws to sofas, chairs and beds for a warm, festive feel. 
• Layer holiday decorations like snowflakes, snowmen, Santa or nutcrackers around on coffee and end tables. 
• Add colorful dishes with candy. 
• String lights and hang wreaths or holiday signs. 

When you think of the holidays, there are scents that immediately come to mind: Christmas trees, an open fire, cinnamon, gingerbread, orange and cloves.

Recreate the smells of Christmas throughout your home with candles, diffusers or essential oils.

There are also easy recipes that you can add to a small pot or slow cooker with ingredients that you probably have around your home.

Recipe 1

• 1 sliced orange 
• 3-4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon of cloves

Cover with water and simmer in a saucepan or a slow cooker. Check the water often, adding more if needed. Use the recipe for a few days and then discard.

Recipe 2

• 2-3 sprigs of rosemary or pine
• 1 cup of cranberries
• 1 sliced orange
• 3-4 cinnamon sticks
• 2 teaspoons of nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons of cloves

Cover with water and simmer in a saucepan or a slow cooker. Check the water often, adding more if needed. Use the recipe for a few days and then discard.