Deck the Halls with These Last-Minute Holiday Hacks

Christmas is right around the corner, bringing with it all of the hustle, bustle, good cheer, and stress the holidays are known for. And while there are some among us who plan things out well in advance, there are a lot more of us who leave their Christmas prep until the last minute, making the days leading up to it feel like a mad, tinsel-filled scramble.

Not to worry, though! These last-minute holiday hacks should make your week a little less stressful. Take a deep breath and check out the list below for some of the best (and easiest) ideas for last-minute holiday preparations:

No Time To Decorate? No Problem!

Worrying about having friends or family over your home when it looks a little less than festive? Not a problem! There are plenty of fast, easy decor shortcuts that can give your space a holiday makeover faster than you can say “silver bells.” Keeping it simple is key when trying to achieve a festive air at the last minute, so stick to the basics like the ones below, and your home will be holiday-ready in no time.

A welcoming front door is the first thing your guests and neighbors will see during the holidays. Of course, it’s not always easy for apartment dwellers to go all-out with outdoor decorations, so look for small, simple touches that are both welcoming and festive. Target has a plethora of cute doormats to choose from, and we especially love this one with its delightful trio of elves. While you’re there, grab one of their festive wreaths for your front door, too — and voila! Your home goes from frumpy to festive in a flash.

There’s no need to saturate your space with holiday decorations. A little goes a long way with holiday decor. Fairy lights are always a great idea, as they’re easy to find, even at the last minute, and they can add brightness to any room. Another great holiday decor tip is to go with a few well-chosen, colorful pieces that stand out from the crowd and draw the eye, like these cute cushion covers from Walmart. No need to buy all new ones that you’ll need to store post-holidays – just cover the ones you have for a quick, festive look. Holiday candles are another simple way to get your home looking (and smelling) like Christmas. This one even smells like sugar cookies!

No time to go get a tree this year? Amazon has plenty of festive (and already decorated!) trees that make last-minute decorating a snap. Don’t have the space? This tabletop cutie works just as well as its larger, more imposing cousins.

Cooking Shortcuts

It may be difficult for apartment dwellers with smaller kitchens and lack of counter space to plan elaborate holiday meals or spend hours baking delicious treats for friends and family, but there are plenty of shortcuts that make it easy to entertain with style, even at the last minute.

Pick your battles. Choose which parts of the meal you want to make from scratch, and don’t be afraid to go with store-bought for the rest. Above all else, presentation is key. Create a classier presentation by placing items on decorative platters to give them a definite upgrade.

Upgrading basic items is a great way to make holiday desserts more special. After all, not everyone has the time or space to bake a battalion of holiday treats. Check out some quick and creative holiday dessert hacks here.

Even a not-so-fancy holiday dinner gets a festive upgrade with a bit of holiday cheer on the table. Opt for classier cloth napkins, an eye-catching centerpiece, or creative homemade place cards to give your holiday table a bit of extra cheer.

Other Last-Minute Holiday Inspo

Use those holiday cards to create a festive display. Just attach them to a strand of garland and hang them in a doorway. This is a great way to use what you have and create something festive with minimal effort.

Amazon is a great place to find last-minute stocking stuffers and small, fun gifts and party favors for your guests. These silly holiday glasses will add a bit of humor to any holiday soiree, while these Christmas crackers are both fun and festive.

Mini DIY gift bags are also a great way to impress your guests. Just purchase a few decorative bags and fill them with a variety of holiday treats like chocolate covered pretzels and holiday popcorn.

Christmas may be just a few short days away, but there’s still time to get into the holiday spirit with these helpful holiday hacks. Deck the halls and grab that Santa hat!