How to Create a Cozy Christmas Aesthetic

Let’s create a cozy Christmas aesthetic for your home. These are my tips, tricks, and ideas for creating a warm and welcoming holiday home this Christmas season.

When it comes to Christmas, I always go full out. To me, Christmas is a time not only for glamour and sparkle but for warm nights huddling up next to the fireplace. If you’re looking to get that cozy Christmas aesthetic, then you’ve come to the right place!

Not only will this list of Christmas ideas make your home get that cozy Christmas aesthetic, but you’ll also feel cozy on the inside too. So, roll up your sleeves and start decorating because we’re getting snug this season.

You also might be asking…

What’s My Christmas Aesthetic?

While we’re covering cozy Christmas in this post, here are just a few themes you might consider for your Christmas and holiday decorating. You can create a personal Christmas aesthetic around any one (or a combination of) these ideas. If you’re curious about diving deeper into some of these aesthetics, I’ve linked a few that I’ve experimented with in the past.

• Rustic Modern Christmas
• Farmhouse Christmas
• Vintage Christmas
• Coastal Christmas
• English Christmas
• Classic / Nostalgic Christmas
• Modern Christmas
• French Country Christmas
• Cabin / Lodge Inspired Christmas
• Pink or Confection Inspired Christmas
• Neutral Christmas Decorating Ideas
• A Handmade Christmas

You can style your look around any one of these ideas. And, you can make any of these ideas cozy too!

Tips for Achieving a Cozy Christmas Aesthetic

This is one of my all-time favorite aesthetics for holiday decorating. But, before I get into some ideas on what I’ve done to get that cozy Christmas feel, here are a few golden rules you will want to follow.

Change the Lighting

Without a doubt, the fastest way to get that cozy vibe is by changing up your lighting. Put in warmer light bulbs in your living room, light some candles on the fireplace mantel, and plugin that Christmas tree! You want warm lighting at low levels to encourage relaxation.

Swap Out Fabrics

Take any of the blankets in the room and swap them out for something heavier. When you’re snuggled up on the sofa, you will want something thick and soft to keep you warm on cold nights. And hey, if they’re flannel or plaid…all the better!

The same can be said for pillows, which are fairly inexpensive and easy to swap. If you feel extra ambitious you can even cozy-fy your space by adding festive curtains.

Take Time for Yourself

Getting cozy is all about slowing down and settling in. The holiday season can get quite stressful at times, so make sure you take time for yourself. Grab a cup of cocoa or your favorite festive cocktail and nestle into a good book or you favorite holiday movie. A cozy Christmas is much more than aesthetic, it’s about living it too!

Best Ideas on How to Get a Cozy Christmas Aesthetic

Now, let’s dive into how to get your home to feel as cozy as possible this season. Here are my personal favorite things to layer into Bayberry House during the holiday season.

1. Decorate With String Lights

The twinkle of Christmas lights throughout the house makes it instantly feel festive and warm. Beyond the tree, light up your house as much as possible with extra string lights.

I like to use mine in garlands, wrapping them across the fireplace mantle or along the banister. It’s a simple way to make the whole house feel well decorated.

You can see how I made my space cozy and festive through lighting in this Christmas home tour.

2. Light Up the Candles

Once I settle in for the night, I always light up some candles. Candlelit dinners, conversations, and Christmas movies feel that much more magical. Add candlesticks on top of your mantle or as a centerpiece for your coffee or dining table.

Fairy lights are another great way to add warmth. These light strands are battery operated so no need to worry about plugs.

Check out my special nighttime Christmas tour here for inspiration!

3. Highlight the Fireplace

If you already have a fireplace, your house is destined to feel cozy! Whether it’s burning real wood or just there for show, you can dress up the mantel easily with a few key Christmas items. Hang wooden beads, place a miniature woodland atop, make your own paper garland, or use natural elements as your inspiration.

Mantels are one of my favorite things to decor so I go all out as you can see here. You can find more of my mantel decorating ideas HERE.

4. Bake Cookies

For those hosting a holiday party, Christmas cookies are a must-have. I have made so many cookies over the years, from classics such as whipped shortbread to fun milk and cookie shots. Here are over 25+ of my favorite Christmas cookies of all time!

All of them look as amazing as they taste, ready to be on display for your guests and Santa. As an added bonus, the aroma will add to your aesthetic personally.

5. Make Hot Cocoa

You’re going to need a drink to accompany your delicious cookies. What better option than a cup of hot cocoa? (You need my go-to recipe here. It doubles a a great gift too!)

Picture just how cozy you’ll feel curled up under a throw while you sip your cup of hot cocoa under the Christmas lights? It looks like something straight out of a Hallmark movie!

6. Decorate a Tree (or Two!)

No cozy Christmas would be complete without the show-stopping tree. Over the years, I’ve made plenty of different kinds of Christmas trees. They can be uniquely you while also having that cozy Christmas aesthetic.

Add one to your living room, entrance, guest bedroom, dining room, or wherever you need a boost of cheer.

7. Make Gingerbread Decor

You can do so much more than just eat gingerbread. I’ve used gingerbread to make ornaments, a whole village, a wreath, and even a cake (here’s how!).

It has such a nice rustic and sweet appearance that works well throughout the home. And you can even eat the leftovers!

8. Enjoy a Christmas Cocktail

If you need something a bit stronger than hot cocoa, you can get festive with a cute yet boozy Christmas cocktail.

Bourbon has a signature sweet flavor that works well for seasonal cocktails. And if bourbon isn’t your thing, try one of these must-try cocktail recipes featuring everything from martinis to punch.

9. Add a Nostalgic Feel

When everything is new and sparkly, it’s harder to get those cozy feelings. Adding a bit (or a ton) of vintage Christmas pieces to your decorating may give you that boost of yuletide joy.

From ornaments passed down to you to classic tin packages, try incorporating some vintage holiday pieces throughout your home during the season.

10. Christmas Ribbon Cabinet

This may be one of my favorite hidden gems in my house. In my family room, I placed a vintage wood cabinet that I found while antiquing. Come the holiday season, I fill it with all of my ribbons. Not only is it gorgeous, but it’s convenient when it comes to gift wrapping!

Does anything say “cozy” like an entire cabinet full of ribbon? I don’t think so.

11. Turn Up the Tunes

Part of getting the cozy Christmas aesthetic is by pleasing all the senses. When things look festive, you’ve enjoyed a holiday drink, and you’re under a comfy blanket, it’s time to please the years by playing some very merry music.

Listen to my ultimate Christmas music playlist or my classic, country, contemporary, and folksy playlist. There’s something for everyone!

12. Make a Paper Star Garland

If you feel like getting crafty, this paper star garland is an easy afternoon project.

I love how inexpensive and simple it is to make, while also looking elegant and rustic at the same time. Hang it on your tree or along the banister.

If you’re looking for even more handmade Christmas decor you’re in luck because I have an entire blog post dedicated to all of my favorite holiday home decor crafts. You can find that HERE.

Some of my favorite projects include:

• a wreath made from vintage ornaments
• paper chain garland made from leftover wallpaper
• cute and clever ornament made from clay
• old plaid shirts turned into embroidery hoop ornaments

13. Make Handmade Gifts

Speaking of getting crafty, there’s nothing I love more than immersing myself into an art or craft project around Christmas especially when I can share that project with friends and family.

One of my favorite projects were these abstract art gift tags that I made. You won’t believe how easy they are and it’s a whole lot of fun. PLUS, you give to give a little mini artwork with every gift. I love that!

And if you like making your holiday gifts (so do I!) then I have a wonderful list of some of my favorite handmade holiday gifts HERE.

14. Add Stockings

Without stockings being hung by the fire with care, can we really have a cozy Christmas?

These wooden stockings are a fun take on the classic version. While you can’t fill them with goodies from Santa, these vintage sock forms are sophisticated and unique. Hang them from your mantle and embrace the natural wood.

I have an entire tote full of stockings I’ve collected over the years. It’s always such a joy to tuck them around my home during the holiday season.

WANT MORE? CHECK OUT ALL THESE CHRISTMAS IDEAS:

• How I Plan My Christmas Decor
• 25+ Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas
• 150+ Creative Christmas Ideas – my favorite resource!
• The Best Christmas Cocktail Recipes
• My Favorite Christmas Cookies
• Christmas Appetizer Recipes
• How to add Ribbon to your Christmas Tree
• Homemade Christmas Decor Ideas

That’s a Wrap On the Cozy Christmas Aesthetic!

Are you feeling snug and cozy yet?

Once you start decorating, the comfy and warm feelings come naturally. Let me know what ideas you loved the most. Remember to make them your own and to have fun with it.

Whether is cozy, classic, modern, or country I hope you have fun discovering the Christmas aesthetic that works best for you and your home.

Want more holiday home decor ideas? 

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