The holiday season is one of the most joyful times to refresh your home with festive style. From twinkle lights and greenery to ornaments and garlands, even small touches can make a big impact. Interior designer Brian Gluckstein shares his best holiday decorating tips to help you bring warmth, sparkle, and personality to every corner of your home. Whether your space is large or small, these insights will inspire you to decorate with confidence.

Holiday Decorating on a Budget

How do you get major festive impact without spending a lot of money?
Twinkle lights are always my first suggestion. I love a Christmas tree filled with them, but you can also layer lights into greenery on the mantel or staircase. They bring a soft, magical glow to any space. Branches of pine or cedar mixed with lights are inexpensive but incredibly festive.

On a limited budget, how can I make a great first impression outdoors?
For outdoor planters, I suggest starting with plenty of fresh greenery—cedar, pine, or spruce. Add branches at different heights, tuck in a few oversized ornaments, and wrap twinkle lights throughout. It’s a simple formula that always looks full and welcoming.

Trees and Ornaments

What size tree works best for my room?
I like Christmas trees to be generous in size—usually about a foot from the ceiling. If you’re working with a smaller space, pencil trees are a fantastic option. They’re tall and narrow, so you still get height without losing valuable floor area.

What do you think of artificial trees?
I’m a big fan. Artificial trees today look incredibly realistic, and you can keep them year after year. They come in so many shapes and sizes that there’s something for every home. Don’t hesitate to invest in a good one—it will last and save you time.

How do I build an ornament collection without it feeling disjointed?
Keep within a colour palette. That doesn’t mean every ornament has to match perfectly, but using complementary tones creates cohesion. Each year you can add new shapes, textures, or finishes to keep your collection feeling fresh.

Which ornament colours are in style this year?
Classic reds, greens, and golds never go out of style. This season, soft pastels and champagne hues are also making an appearance. The key is to choose colours that feel right for you and work with your existing decor.

Holiday Decorating in Small Spaces

How would you decorate a very small living room?
A tall, pencil-style tree works beautifully in compact spaces. If there’s no room for a full tree, a tabletop version can still feel festive. I also like decorating with tabletop accents, like glass canisters filled with ornaments or small clusters of candles. A few well-placed details can transform even the smallest room.

Will drapes make a small space look smaller during the holidays?
Not at all. In fact, drapery panels in the same colour as your walls can create a soft backdrop for your holiday decor. Use drapery hardware that allows the panels to extend beyond the window frame so natural light still fills the room.

Garlands, Greenery, and Mantels

What’s the best way to hang garland on a handrail without scratching it?
I love the look of garland on a staircase, but you do want to protect your railing. Place a cloth or soft padding underneath where the garland is secured to prevent scratches. Then wrap twinkle lights through the greenery for extra warmth and glow.

How can I style a mantel for the holidays?
Start with a base of greenery—real or artificial—then layer in candles, twinkle lights, and ornaments. I like mantels that feel full but not overly symmetrical. Mixing in decorative objects like small vases or metallic accents adds depth and personality.

Tabletop and Entertaining

How do I style a dining table for the holidays when it’s not in use?
Clusters of candlesticks down the centre always work beautifully. You could also use a mix of bud vases with seasonal greenery or berries. The idea is to keep the look simple but abundant. For everyday use, I recommend low arrangements so they don’t block sightlines.

Do I need to change my dining room décor for the holidays?
You don’t have to, but layering in small touches makes it feel more festive. A patterned area rug or a richly hued table runner can anchor the space. Wallpaper in the dining room also sets a beautiful backdrop year-round and works especially well during the holiday season.

Cards, Timing, and Traditions

When should I start decorating for the holidays?
I like to begin about a month to six weeks before Christmas. It allows you to enjoy the décor for the entire season rather than rushing through.

What’s the best way to display holiday cards without clutter?
Keep them clustered in one place rather than scattering them throughout the house. I like to display them on a mantel, piano, or side table. Grouping them together feels intentional and tidy.

From twinkle lights and greenery to ornaments, drapery, and tabletop accents, Brian Gluckstein’s best holiday decorating tips are all about creating a warm, festive atmosphere that reflects your style. Whether you’re decorating a small apartment or a spacious home, thoughtful details make the season memorable.Have more holiday decorating questions? Follow @glucksteinhome to submit yours for the next Ask Brian feature.

Photography by A Plus Creative