Courtesy of Costas PicadasIf you love decorating for the holidays but never quite know how to make it feel like you're living inside your favorite cozy Christmas movie, you’re not alone. The perfect holiday home is about more than just string lights and garland — it’s about creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that reflects your personality and the joyful vibes of the season.
To help you get it just right, E! spoke with HGTV star, interior designer, and Marshalls and TJ Maxx home style expert, Taniya Nayak, who shared her best tips for designing a festive home that feels stylish, personal, and can be done (mostly importantly) through affordable finds.
From the kitchen to the living room (and even the bathroom!), here’s pro tips on how to make every corner of your home holiday-ready, plus picks selected by Taniya and items inspired by her guidance.
Kitchen & Dining Room Accents
“Making your home feel festive doesn’t always require an overhaul of your existing decor!” says Taniya. “I love to play around with small accents in my kitchen, like kitchen towels or seasonal glassware, to indulge in the holiday spirit without changing my home’s aesthetic.”
A few easy swaps can make a big difference — think charming kitchen towels, snowflake-rimmed glasses, and a statement table runner that instantly sets the mood for gatherings.
KAF HOME Set Of 2 Holiday Trees Egypt Reverse Terry Kitchen Towels
Add some instant holiday flair with these reversible kitchen towels.
GLITZ + GLIMMER HOLIDAY GOLD Set Of 2 Snowflake Rim Double Old Fashioned Glasses
Your guests will love sipping their favorite holiday cocktails out of these adorable snowflake old fashioned glasses.
CHEFANIE Snowflake Placemat
Your holiday table will look 10x more elevated with a fabric placemat just like this one.
SAND AND FOG 4pk Taper Candles
Scented candles aren't the only candles out there that can set the mood. These green taper candles feel especially festive.
BALSAM AND FIR Set Of 4 Nordic Salad Plates
Your holiday meal will feel extra special when it's on one of these gorgeous emerald-toned plates.
Cozy Up the Living Room
“When decorating for the holiday season, it’s important to start with the base of your home’s existing decor so that you don’t have to remodel the entire space,” she says. “Adding thoughtful, elevated touches, like chunky knit throw blankets, seasonal accessories, and festive table linens, to main areas can create a cozy, holiday-inspired atmosphere tailored to your personal taste and design style.”
Taniya’s Tip: Mix textures like cable knits, velvet, and faux fur for instant warmth and depth.
ORION HOUSE Chunky Heavyweight Braided Knit Throw
You'll be glad you swapped out your usual couch blanket for this chic looking braided knit throw once company comes.
EverGrace Stewart Christmas Plaid Chenille Throw Blanket
This classic buffalo plaid blanket will add some festive cheer to your couch, bed or chair. It’s made with buttery chenille that will keep you cozy through the entire holiday season.
BELLA LUX 18x8 Marble Sledge Serving Tray
Sleigh your holiday charcuterie board with this winter sled-inspired serving tray.
Get Into Earth Tones and Metallic Accents
“This year, I’m seeing an increase in grounding color palettes and muted earth tones in interior design,” the home pro shared. “Playing with hues of rich brown, muddy green, and deep blue can keep the warmth and inviting feel of your home while still channeling the holiday season. I love to pair these color palettes with metallic accents like gold candle holders or decorative frames to bring the space together.”
REGINA ANDREW Luxury Thames Double Candle Holder
Grabbing the taper candles above? You might want to also snag this home stylist-approved gold candle holder to keep them upright.
ENCHANTE 5x7 Matted To 4x6 Oval Bow Tabletop Picture Frame
Display happy holiday memories from years past or consider gifting someone you love a photo in this must-have frame.
Foindtower Set of 2 Decorative Linen Fringe Lumbar Throw Pillow Covers
This set of two linen-cotton blend covers come in multiple size and rich color options. We love the earthy rust hue that feels perfect for November, however there are a ton that feel Christmassy.
Brooklinen Dreamweave Waffle Bath Sheet Bundle
Don't neglect the guest bathroom! This set comes with two bath sheets and two hand towels in their proprietary waffle weave. We love the earthy red of this waffle weave.
A Little Greenery Goes A Long Way
“Incorporating greenery, like wreaths and garland, throughout the ‘in-between’ spaces in your home is a simple but impactful way to tie varying rooms together!” the HGTV star said. “Draping seasonal garland along the staircase or hanging festive wreaths in your front windows brings a warm, holiday charm throughout the entire home.”
Don’t stop at the living room — even your bathroom and entryway deserve a touch of the holiday spirit.
MARTHA STEWART 9ft Real Touch Cedar Mantle Garland
Your fireplace mantle or stair railing can dress up for the holidays with this Martha Stewart berry-studded green garland. Doesn't it look real?
ASPEN 45in Real Touch Double Hanging Wreath With Cedar Berries
If you're in a small space you can always hang these festive wreaths on your door or wall for a holiday vibe.
Holiday Linens Can Elevate Anything
“Linens have the power to elevate your space with minimal effort,” Taniya says. “An elevated table runner, themed placemats, or napkins can instantly set the mood and turn your dining area into an inviting and cheery atmosphere.”
TIRAMISU Floral Beaded Table Runner
Take your Christmas dinner presentation to the next level with this beaded table runner. It's red, so it will work with all your green and gold holiday touches, but it's not too festive, so you can use it for special events year-round!
NICOLE MILLER NEW YORK Set Of 4 Holly Border Placemats
This set of four placemates feels nostalgic and like something you'll use for years to come. It's only $17!
WARM WISHES 20x32 Plaid Bow Bath Rug
Guests will notice the thoughtful touches in your home, like this plaid bow bath rug.
Looking for more easy holiday decor? Or how about a unique gift idea! It’s Actually So Easy to Get Your Digital Photos Framed & Shipped Online Before Christmas—Here’s How