Christmas Decorating Mistakes (And How to Fix Them!)

Use code NICKLEWIS14 for up to 14 FREE MEALS + 3 Free Gifts across 5 HelloFresh boxes, plus free shipping at bit.ly/3qHG2y0
In this video, I go over some of the most frequent Christmas design mistakes I see! You are free to decorate your space as you see fit of course, but I really wanted to highlight some of the mistakes that people make when decorating their home for the holidays!
🛍 Shop My Favourite Items on Amazon
www.amazon.com/shop/nicklewis
By the way, get 20% off my favourite diffuser from Vitruvi seen at 10:50 by using code: NICKTALKSDESIGN. The blends are also AMAZING and perfect for Christmas!
Diffuser and Holiday Blends: shop.vitruvi.com/nicktalksdesign
⏱ Timestamps:
00:00 - Christmas decorating mistakes
01:07 - A word from our sponsor, Hello Fresh
02:14 - Not working with your existing design style
04:52 - Too artificial
06:16 - Too inflatable
07:46 - Not taking away existing items
10:02 - Neglecting ambiance
11:42 - Too much glitter
13:08 - No cohesive color palette
15:01 - Not enough personality
🎬 My KZbin Equipment
amzn.to/3Rcggfh
🛋 Shop My Living Room Background
➤ West Elm - Bar Cabinet
bit.ly/3cssX6T
➤ West Elm - Media Console
bit.ly/3PMKZOY
➤ Crate and Barrel - Dining Room Table
bit.ly/3e0dStS
➤ Crate and Barrel - Dining Room Chairs
bit.ly/3PTuUHd
➤ CB2 - Marble Coffee Table
bit.ly/3wxliLk
➤ Amazon - Frame Television
amzn.to/3wzEBnk
👉 All My Socials
campsite.to/nicklewis
👋 Heads up!
My videos, descriptions, and comments may contain affiliate links! If you buy something through one of the links, you won't pay a penny more, but I'll get a small commission, which helps me keep the lights on! Thanks!

[@rachelgilbert3164]

It’s not darker in December because of the tilt of the Earth, it’s because Nick is throwing so much shade!!! “Do I think you’re basic? Yeah, I do.” 🤣

[@hlpml]

He speaketh the truth

[@dribeiro9564]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Motherhubbard170]

huh ?

[@6eehappy]

I guess I'm basic, I have starbucks and timmies coffee cup ornaments :)

[@businessacc179]

😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@erina1142]

I've always rolled my eyes at the inflatables. Now I have little kids (2 and 4), and they are absolutely delighted by our neighbor's inflatable Christmas dragon. Seeing them so excited about that damn dragon has softened my heart. Blow up those tacky things, my friends.

[@SexMusicPlants]

I'm delighted by the blow up dragon, too, to be fair... 🤷‍♂️😁😉

[@melissabyrd1310]

LOL oh my gosh I hate those tacky blow up things for any holiday.

[@Xandycane]

That's why we have the tacky. Kid's joy at them.

[@ambsat]

Personally, they’re an eyesore to me. That said…I too believe they are for the kiddies so…yea…I guess that’s why most people will have them, and I’m sure it feel like a magical land to the kids.

[@Kamilachan]

Haha exactly!! My one-year-old was DELIGHTED with the 12 ft inflatable Santa at Costco, after the 4th visit, we caved in and now will have a gigantic decor in front of our house that we would have never bought if it was for us 😂

[@dayannav881]

“And maybe you’re a modern farmhouse person, I think maybe there’s a few of you left on this channel…and are actually still subscribed to me after I’ve made fun of it so many times” that part killed me 😂😂😂

[@amandabanks281]

I personally feel Christmas is primetime for cheesy decor. I'm here for it! It's the time of year when I give everyone a home decor pass

[@blackymaple]

I agree. There is no taste for me at Christmas!

[@brianjetton3962]

And if everyone decorated for a "tasteful" Christmas, then every house would look the same anyway, right? Christmas is about what makes you happy.

[@B4DWOLF]

Totally agree, it's the one time of year I even use glitter so I tend to go all out, he'd hate it 🤣

[@hereforit2347]

LOL. Not me. 😂

[@VegasSue905]

AGREED! GO BIG OR GO HOME! ❤️

[@bspalding]

My artificial tree with multicolored twinkle lights and 8 different stockings on the mantle would never pass a designer’s test, but they make me really happy, so I’ll keep using them. I do like the tips though!

[@Blkvelveteen21]

Don’t sweat it. My husband loves multicolored lights so it’s a requirement in my house. This year I found some new ones on Amazon; they have the option to fade back and forth between warm white & multicolored so we can both be happy 😆

[@celieboo]

If you have kids, multi colored lights are a must because the kids demand it. I prefer white lights on our tree, but my son always flips it to multicolored.

[@ambsat]

I’ve always preferred the multicolored lights, as, like many, it’s what I grew up with. I finally got an artificial pre-lit tree with 9 settings…so I can change according to my mood! :)

[@samanthac.349]

I am unfortunately allergic to real pine trees, so I am happy with artificial trees. They are better than no tree at Christmas.

[@mona-fy4oj]

I'm from Finland and we have what I guess you would call a very traditional minimal Finnish home. I love seeing people from all over the world enjoying the scandinavian home decor style! For me, Christmas decorating means bringing out just a few candles, some red textiles and a christmas tree. Maybe a few pine branches in a vase.

[@egiptulro]

This is exactly what Christmas is about! No inflatable Santa, multicoloured lights and all the kitsch... OMG I feel like puking every Xmas when I look at others' frontyards...

[@faithrada]

@@egiptulro This is why I live in the woods and can't see another house from mine. If an actual deer or partridge drops by.. I'm good with that. 🌲🦌🦃🍁🌲✨️🦌🛷🐫🐫🐫🎅

[@carolwilliams610]

Love this. This is what I’m going for this season. Keeping it clean and simple ❤🎄

[@premsiripupipat5381]

Love the minimal style! However, it’s difficult if you live in a big family 😅. Anyway, we all enjoy Christmas ❤❤

[@aliasrose]

​@@egiptulroThat's not what Christmas is about.

[@grat2010]

Honestly, even if it's not my taste, I still enjoy the heck out of all Christmas decorations, indoor and outdoor. Just makes me smile to think how much fun people had putting it up.

[@karenk2409]

I'm with you. The number of prune-faced grinches out there is sad. What do they do with all the kids' handmade decorations? They want to "educate" little kids with a White House tour on TV? The HOA lady is grateful that we don't put out blowups or too many lights? I feel sorry for them. Christmas is happy, childlike, excessive, and it's all over in January, when y'all can hunker down in the bleak minimalist grayness and be happy.

[@cathrynclark5287]

When my 4 kids were little, my home looked like a Target toy department. When the kids were in High School/College, my house looked very tasteful for the holidays. Then....along came the grandkids. Back to the toy department look. For me, Christmas is for the kids.

[@LauraJdogmom]

Indeed. I've always dreamed of having, just once, a really elegant, traditional Christmas look. In my 66 years I have never come close. Either the house has needed work, or I simply didn't feel like decorating, or there is a kid involved. But my granddaughter loves things as they are.

[@hshawn00]

I agree. You sound like a great mom and a wonderful grandmother!

[@Cloudburst2000]

Haha...I love my vintage 1950s aluminum tree, but I also live in a 1950 MCM home so it fits right in with the decor. I basically decorate with vintage items to keep with the theme of the home as most of my furniture, lights, decor, etc is vintage.

[@gmr398]

One month? Ha! I'm Puerto Rican, our Christmas season lasts for like 3 months (no joke, from November through end of January!). Great advice overall!

[@goyaliza]

I know right?!?!?!? My HOA might hate that the lights are up till Jan 7th

[@bufficliff8978]

People have tried REALLY hard to shorted Christmas. In my area it's still from November to January too 😂❤️

[@stopthatluca]

Hahaha I used to have Sri Lankan neighbours whose decorations went up in October

[@brinselyseven5530]

What I say, if we are going to go through the trouble of lugging all those bins out from our garage or attic, and climb up ladders, we are going to enjoy this decor for at least 2 months.

[@raidergainzx5290]

☝🏽 She tellin the truth. My next door neighbor the same way. 🤣

[@JstAnotherJesusFreak]

Regarding the scents topic: when I was a kid, my mom would grab a small pot and fill it with water, cinnamon sticks, star anise, orange peels, and sometimes some cloves and let it slowly simmer on the stove all day. If it dried up, just fill up the water every now and again and BOOM more cozy smells.

[@rmonson5002]

My mom did this too! Thank you for the memory!

[@fazdoll]

How about using cider instead of water? Then you get the apple smell too, and you can drink warm cider all day. Better yet, use red wine.

[@mouse9727]

I absolutely do this

[@JstAnotherJesusFreak]

@@fazdoll cider is a great idea! Not sure how the wine one would turn out, I’d rather be drinking that!

[@emmteemee]

At my grandmother's house, we would get an orange and poke cloves into it to make a pomander.

[@nataliap05]

I actually started collecting vintage ornaments from Germany but it Has to be neutral colors like gold, silver, white So I can add it in with any pop of color that I want to do for the year… And it’s really fun going to thrift stores or antique stores in finding these little treasures so you don’t buy massive quantities of them at one time and you just keep collecting them throughout the years And I find that craft paper and black craft paper is awesome as wrapping paper just add a nice velvet ribbon that goes with your theme to finish it off

[@victorialove9104]

Sounds lovely

[@sososofortstart3540]

Uuuh yes I started my antique Ornament collection with the one's from my grand grand mother but they are the opposite of neutral 😂 the colour theme is metallic: pink, blue, silver an green but I try to mix them with a lot of white. Just love the history and quality of them and they remind me of my family 😍

[@dizzylizzy7582]

Vintage ornaments sound lovely!

[@nataliap05]

@@sososofortstart3540 that’s amazing that your family held on to those ornaments!!! I wish!!

[@mariatrotter6889]

I have all German ornaments too. Beautiful. A little red ribbon is perfect

[@user-ho8br1cw8c]

I agree. Inflatables are tacky. My boss loves them. She puts them up in our office. But she also loves inspirational sayings and sends them to us every day in an email. My guess is her home is full of live laugh love signs.

[@mumto2monsters737]

O no! Poor you

[@Nick_Lewis]

Like in the email signature or an actual composed email with sayings? I'm not sure what's better tbh

[@mauranoonan8951]

I guess the plus side is that she's positive?!

[@cathylehman7538]

Maybe you can give her: cry sleep die

[@CICIC31]

😅😅😅

[@il42]

I feel like you've perfected the art of calling us out and making it so funny that not only do we not feel annoyed, but feel kind of honored instead saying "yep, that's me!" :D

[@thedoglover8079]

I actually do change the whole vibe of my house for Christmas.. Normally tans and white but for christmas I change the curtains, take down the normal art and put up the Christmas art, mostely traditional green and red. It's so fun. I get 95% of it at least 50% off after Christmas. I love how different we all decorate!

[@Chaotic_Pixie]

OH SAME!!! It was that way for my family growing up too! The curtains were always a neutral linen but we'd add wooden bead garland with red and green crystal bead accents that we'd made... the pillows, artwork, couch blankets ALL got switched out... candles EVERYWHERE... my mom would even let me put out all my Christmas stuffed toys in the living room. Now as an adult... I have some pieces that stay out year round that are "technically" holiday decor but they're neutral enough but my entire mantle gets redone except for the candle sticks... they just get different colored candles... my towels and everything in the kitchen get swapped... the couch pillows... art work. I LOVE IT!!! And Nick sure would not be pleased about the amount of sparkle. LoL I don't care.

[@teresabell1014]

I love that you say "Do what you love , even if it's cheesy " We all have memories of our past , that touch our heart. I believe we should Celebrate those memories. Have a wonderful Christmas 🎄

[@Ami2404]

Really loved to find this wonderful comment! 💜

[@sethbrolsma516]

Nick, I laughed the whole way through the Too Inflatable segment. I just have to say I love your brand of gentle shade. It’s actually funnier than if you were just mean. “Do I think you’re basic? Y-yeah but who cares what I think it’s your Christmas…”

[@Nick_Lewis]

Mean is cheap! Subtle shade is my specialty!

[@mimd2134]

Agree with the inflatable! But what about when they are not inflated, but lying on the lawn humiliated! It’s a pitiful display, I hope people have their fill soon!

[@marlaplunk2833]

@@mimd2134 lol@humiliated.. perfect personification there.

[@jmsl_910]

@@Nick_Lewisit's your brand & very high end

[@kaleigh4081]

No inflatables, no bathroom barn doors and no fake marble.... then it'll be a merry Christmas! 😉 Thanks for the great tips. We'd love to see how you decorate for the holidays, Nick.

[@Nick_Lewis]

I might show some more over on my Instagram. maybe a video too but this month is BUSY for videos - lots planned already!

[@kaleigh4081]

@@Nick_Lewis Great! Looking forward to it.

[@Citruscider34]

It’s different when you are decorating for adult guests vs for kids

[@marlaalbert7906]

Nick reads my mind!!! 🎄

[@pd6055]

@@Citruscider34 Or adults that still act like kids...

[@AlexQMcDonnell]

Did anyone else notice that he removed the teal vase at 8:45 when he was talking about removing items that don’t fit with Christmas?! We see you Nick!!

[@youtubemom497]

I love how you are able to say this in such a kind way. It will help people listen to you when you’re not mean about it.

[@nicoled2831]

Right?!! This is nick’s superpower: tough love ❤️

[@bboop200]

@@nicoled2831 Tough love with the perfect touch of hilarious snark. Is there anything better???? Half the reason I watch Nick is because he’s FUNNY. (And yes, the other half is because of his deco hints).

[@peterkracht6621]

My graphic artist mother, who was a mid-century modern acolyte at the height of the actual mid-century, had a favorite Christmas tree -- a Calderesque mobile hung from the ceiling, which had the general pyramid shape of an evergreen made out of machined aluminum rods with a single aluminum snowflake hung at either end of each rod. It somehow managed to meld minimalism with holiday blues, and as a kid I hated it, but damn I how miss it now!

[@Sandikal]

I've been watching a lot of my favorite KZbin designers talk about Christmas decorations. My house at Christmas would definitely score a zero. Everything is a hodgepodge and nothing is coordinated, but it has sentimental value to me. I have family ornaments from the 40s, 50s, and 60s, plus ones I've collected over the past 40 years. I don’t care if they don’t match and I'm good with that.

[@bethotoole6569]

I feel the same way..👍

[@LillianOglethorpe]

Wrong, it totally matches! Your theme is Christmas Through The Ages. Or Through The Years. You pick. 😁😆

[@jayceeb3142]

You described the best type of xmas decor. Personal, unique and interesting. I HATE these color coordinated or themed glass balls and ribbons that can be found in any public places and furniture showrooms. What’s the point? Good on you!

[@bethotoole6569]

@@jayceeb3142 I hate to give good ideas away but,,, I used to make custom wreaths. What I do for family is I have them go through and find all the broken ornaments made by their kids, or sentimental objects that have seen better days and they won’t be using but can’t bear to get rid of. I would work all of them into personalized wreaths. It’s a wonderful gift and as kids move out and start their own lives the wreath either goes with them or it’s kept as a memory of times gone by. But it’s kept in an easier form that most people are grateful to have.

[@jayceeb3142]

@@bethotoole6569 great idea. I’m not sure I’m crafty enough for this project but might try it.

[@binky613]

People should do what they want. Its one month out of the year. The theme doesnt have to match, it can be tacky. Just do what you want. I bring out 60 year old Christmas decorations along side new items. Nostalgic for me and future nostalgia for my kids.

[@bufficliff8978]

Happy Hanukkah to everyone participating in that beautiful Holiday right now! Edit: obviously have a merry Christmas to all!

[@Nick_Lewis]

Happy Hanukkah!

[@MaximilianvonPinneberg]

Wrong place to mention the Armadillo?

[@karenk2409]

My Jewish neighbor puts out blue and white lights!

[@sheilaenglish3293]

When I was a kid, a particularly stylish mother in the neighbourhood had a silver tree hung only with colourfully wrapped chocolate ornaments from Germany. Instead of a string of lights on the tree, there was a rotating spotlight on the floor that shone a rotating range of colours up onto the tree. Very avant- garde in the late 50s!

[@HillbillyTosh]

Aldi has a bag of chocolate candy that has a Santa Claus and colorful chocolate ornaments as you described, rn

[@Arlene4HO]

There were a few years we had the silver tree with the rotating colored light on the floor.

[@Print229]

I think it's funny people see cotton as a winter thing. Because of the colors, right? I grew up in the cotton belt, though, and to me, it's about as summer as it gets. 🌴

[@karenk2409]

I'm a Southerner too, and didn't quite get the cotton in winter thing.

[@saundrachandler858]

My blow up Grinch died and I’m upset. Birthday is Dec. 9th and I got him for my birthday 20 years ago from my daughter. Even inflatables can have sentimental value. I understand your view points wholeheartedly and almost fell into the stylish type of Christmas but there is something to be said about the tradition of your grown children and now grandchildren coming home for Christmas and seeing their favorite things they remember from Christmas in years past.

[@taraoakes6674]

Our next door neighbor that we had in San Diego had green lights on their house, and an inflatable Grinch that looked like he was pulling down the lights. We loved it.

[@saundrachandler858]

@@taraoakes6674 -sounds like a brilliant idea 💡!!!

[@bittersweet6507]

Wow ...I’m surprised that inflatables have been around for 20 years already. RIP to your Grinch.

[@kinetic.finley]

I'm one of your farmhouse style subscribers. Sticking around because I agree with what you have to say about it. There's a careful way to do it and the colors/style just make me feel at home. However, it definitely needs to be done with thought and consideration. Also, I'm allergic to perfumes so thank you for mentioning to be mindful of folks who have sensitivity/allergies to them.

[@cristinagarcia1652]

Justice for Farmhouse!

[@kathleenkalt3852]

When my husband and I retired to Florida from New England, I struggled to find a Christmas style. It just seemed weird to have a winter theme when our view is a lanai filled with orchids. You just don't need "cozy" when it's exciting to be able to turn the A/C off! I took my decorating cue from the orchid greenery and bought lots of satin apple green ribbon. I tie the ribbon in big loopy bows around our lamps, vases, apothecary jars filled with shells, you get the idea. Then I exchange my dishtowels and apron with ones that have cardinals and amaryllis, get out lots of white candles, a bowl of oranges and our two mugs decorated with mistletoe. I try to go more for a winter solstice look which has the benefit of looking appropriate longer than pure Christmas decor.

[@TheSecretChateau]

Re: Scent. Please be mindful that many scents such as those in candles, incense sticks and cones, oil diffusers, oil burners and the like, are toxic to pets. This is not just at Xmas but, of course, all year round. Many scented items release toxic particles into the air that interfere with a cat or dogs central nervous system and can also cause significant damage to a pet's respiratory tract as well as their liver and kidneys. These include cinnamon, nutmeg, pine and frankincense. Always check first to see which scent is pet compatible and if in doubt, leave it out.

[@stinehansen191]

Tha k you for that comment. I have peta and i didnt know that. I Will always check from now ON. 🥰

[@TheSecretChateau]

@@hannahreynolds7611 - Too true. Poinsettias are deadly. Tinsel too! People love to decorate with tinsel and cats love to play with it. But if a cat ingests tinsel, it can kill them. For a cat, eating tinsel is like swallowing broken glass. It rips their mouth, esophagus, stomach lining and bowels to shreds. And all for the sake of pretty Xmas decor.

[@peppersghosttheater]

I didn't know that. Thank you

[@peppersghosttheater]

@@TheSecretChateau poinsettias when ingested?

[@TheSecretChateau]

@@peppersghosttheater - Yes. Ingested means to take food, drink or other substance (such as poison) into the body by eating, drinking, inhaling or absorbing. If a cat ingests poinsettia it goes from a being a merry Xmas to a tragic Xmas.

[@james-3542]

one of the better lines i've heard on this channel "do i think you're basic? yeah i do" . said with love🙂. love this guy

[@emilyprice861]

I'd love to see Nic do a summer Christmas just to get some perspective on the difficulties we Australians and other Southern Hemisphere residents have. On the East Coast we have rainy summers so we put up outdoor lights only to not see them for the storms. We cool our houses to have a hot roast dinner. We have Christmas jumpers designs screen printed onto swimwear. It's the most laughable backwards Christmas celebration. Had a chance one year to do Christmas in July in the snow and it makes so much sense.

[@Blkvelveteen21]

It’s funny to me that you guys try to have a westernized Christmas… I thought you would have your own unique way of celebrating during the summer. Not gonna lie, I hate cold weather unless it’s snowing. Summer Christmas sounds nice. 😆

[@BritInvLvr]

How interesting. Never thought about how the Southern Hemisphere celebrated Christmas. I would like to learn more.

[@em84c]

My family often has prawns, salads (and pavlova for dessert for Christmas lunch) instead of making a roast dinner.

[@arizonashopper5095]

I lived in Australia as a kid and I remember how difficult it was to find decor, cards and wrapping paper that wasn't wintery / snowy.

[@debbiematthews981]

Starfish and shells instead of stars and bauble on a tree. Santa in his bathers. Beach and Santa go together brilliantly in Australia

[@elizabeths4272]

I could not agree more regarding the large inflatables on front lawns. I mean, nothing screams Christmas like a 15-foot high Darth Vader holding a candy cane (talking to you, neighbour!) Thank you for consistently informative and entertaining content.

[@cvonsutphen]

*Tight Color Palette* . Sticking to a tight color palette has been a game changer for me (throughout the seasons). Sorry red lovers, but I have no use for that color in my space. It's taken me two years to curate the natural organic rustic woodland vibe without the kitschy. My favorite addition for 2021 is brown/black tartan plaid. My holiday decorating will carry me through winter because nothing screams *X-mas* and I love that. Luxurious textiles like velvet, love it. I will enjoy all the warm twinkle lights and the scent of cedarwood. Great tips Nick.

[@jennifergraham3752]

Happy Holidays Nick! This may be my favourite video so far! 🤣. So shady (but you’re not wrong). Last year my best friend gave us a giant inflatable penguin as a prank. They came by after dark and set it up without my knowledge knowing full well how I feel about them. It was hilarious! It got lost somewhere in my basement this year. I can’t imagine how that happened.

[@Nick_Lewis]

haha someone is going to get me one for Christmas now!

[@kaleigh4081]

@@Nick_Lewis Just you wait... Boohaha....

[@jennifergraham3752]

@@Nick_Lewis I live near Vancouver, maybe you would like a lovely penguin. His name is Robert. He would look amazing on your patio 😂

[@makeupartistrybyliz]

@@Nick_Lewis paging Nick's sister...

[@kitw76]

I totally agree about the inflatable characters! There seems to be a lot of them in yards here in Florida

[@aking3624]

Some homes have an entire yard full.. It's near the live Nativity at the church...it's kinda a event... 😳🎄😄😂

[@timriehl1500]

LOL- those cotton buds just remind me of endless miles of cotton fields when I lived in the Mississippi Delta. Would rather forget that time. My mother told me that when she and my father were first married, they didn't have any money for Christmas decorations, so they decorated with Christmas cards. To remember them in their early years of marriage, I also decorate with Christmas cards--at the front door; on the upstairs banister, etc. But I'm getting fewer and fewer cards every year - people don't send them the way the used to, so I save my favorites to reuse each year. Glitter is fairy herpes--you never get rid of it. :(

[@betsannroper]

That’s a beautiful story and way to honor your folks. Thanks for sharing. AND - “fairy herpes” is going into my lexicon!

[@CasaCarrasco]

Along with pine needles.

[@hennahannnah]

Re: cotton buds /bolls, I had similar thoughts. It also reminded me of door wreaths I’ve seen from Magnolia, in Waco, TX, the epicenter of Modern Farmhouse style.

[@johnlabus7359]

If an inflatable brings joy to your really small children, then I'd give them a pass. Once those kids get older and the wonder evaporates, then ditch them. Also, from a sentimentality perspective, don't throw away the stuff that your children made when they were young.

[@erglelergle8476]

I hate the inflatables but Christmas is for kids.

[@srkh8966]

Don’t expose your kids to tacky and you’ll be much happier

[@erglelergle8476]

@@srkh8966 I'd have to lock them in the basement.

[@srkh8966]

@@erglelergle8476 Or, you tell them Santa hates inflatables

[@brookesmith7359]

My mother and my MIL kept ornaments that we made when we were young and my kids love hanging our elementary artwork next to their own. Our moms didn’t keep everything and I don’t keep everything, but I do keep some of it.

[@kathyw3466]

I remember as a child my Father's obsession with tinsel to the point our house resembled Santa's workshop. Loved it as a child of course.

[@kayannhorn233]

I am so over these over styled,stuffed,decorated,ribboned , pick full trees with everything but the kitchen sink crammed in them!🎄🤦🏼‍♀️Happy Holidays!🤶

[@nanabusterd]

I agree. Do what makes you happy.

[@speedingpenguin]

THANK YOU for calling out the inflatable lawn ornaments!

[@nicolcacola]

I live in the suburbs with at least 80 kids in my neighborhood. If you don't have inflatables, you ain't it 😂

[@diannt9583]

@@nicolcacola I guess I know a lot of people with kids who apparently wouldn't be "it". There's so much that can be done outdoors without those!

[@emmac329]

😭🤣 I had to laugh when you showed mid century modern tinsel trees! They’re so cute!! I mean if you’re going to get something fake why try to convince someone it’s real 😉 I’m very biased though because I love the 1950s atomic home decor ☺️

[@giddygrub7176]

I think they have a vibe for sure

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

Why don't you mention things such as....live trees are way better for the planet. They are sustainable. They are cultivated, replanted. 100% of an actual tree is beneficial to the environment. Melted Plastic Bottles in the shapes of trees are not good for anything; they will clog up all the best oceans for infinity. Stop confusing "Fake" with "okay."

[@heatherderganc5984]

I agree! They are cool and retro.

[@mitchjohnson4714]

I like how you're always preaching a message of acceptance and how art is meant to bring joy and beauty and happiness to people. It's not to impress other people.

[@EmmaInTheWorld]

Totally forgetting about the Southern hemisphere haha. As an Australian, beachy Christmas is definitely a look

[@MGSpecial2023]

The Caribbean too. 78°-98°year round. Christmas breeze is 78° except in the hills.

[@purpurina5663]

South American here! Christmas coincides with end of the school year and financial year so everyone is rushed and there’s crowds everywhere, and heat heat heat!

[@kristywhited8857]

I disagreed with his tip completely on that one. Doesn't matter which hemisphere you live in, if you have a beachy/coastal home, your decorations should be done in that theme so they coordinate with your decor. Christmas looks different for everyone, so as long as it's cohesive it will be fabulous! A tree with sea shells, sea glass, sand dollars, and santa on a surfboard? Why not!! :-)

[@lobstermash]

And if you're camping at the beach for Christmas there's no roast meat - cold ham and salad.

[@EmmersonSprocket]

As someone who hates glitter, THANK YOU!!! I love sparkly things and a bit of shimmy, but glitter just goes everywhere! I went shopping for baubles the other week and I couldn't find a box that didn't have glitter baubles. I settled for an assorted box of red baubles in chrome, matte, and glitter. I spent an hour or two coating the glitter baubles in a gloss impasto gel to glue those bastards down so they don't go everywhere. Christmas never ends if you have glitter decorations, the glitter will haunt you forever.

[@janharker8520]

Anyone who sends me a Christmas card with glitter on it needs to know that the card stays in the envelope and is tossed immediately into the trash.

[@LythaWausW]

This Christmas there was a glitter incident and it got all over our luggage. When we pulled our luggage out of the rental car at the airport, the trunk was full of glitter. Every square inch. That rental car company will have to consider it the Christmas car, forever.

[@herobrinenoch3522]

I love sweeping at Christmas time just for the glitter & tinsel in the dustpan. Don't really mind being glittered at for months, it reminds me of the Christmas magic, LOL

[@loubee8503]

We're currently in a rental, and can't decorate much. Very much looking forward to decorating our new home next year. You've given me lots of great ideas. Thanks!

[@cs4849]

Merry Christmas to you too Nick! I loved all of your suggestions here. But even more than that, I loved that you were unable to contain your mirth over those hideous inflatable plastic thingies.

[@juliaclunn394]

On the topic of adding personality, a great way to bring more of that into your space is to invite people to make things for you. My favorite part of holiday decor is the homemade stuff, like the ornaments my aunt makes and sends every year. It's like, "Why yes, this is a wreath made out of painted puzzle pieces that my 5-year-old made, and the gobs of hot glue hanging off are part of the charm!" P.S. We Julia's send our love back lol

[@Citruscider34]

Nick, I don’t think you will ever understand inflatables until you move to the suburbs. I didn’t until recently. It’s more of a community effort to make it fun for the kids (though you’ve said you are not a kids person). It’s weird if it’s just one family putting up inflatables. But it’s really fun when the entire street lights up with all sorts of Xmas decorations.

[@diannt9583]

Yes, the neighborhood can light up. But inflatables don't make it any merrier! Kids or not.

[@sheilaenglish3293]

Yes, I think in family neighbourhoods it’s just a bit of fun. A lot of the people putting inflatables up are doing it for the kids and for the community. It’s not like they think they’re making any grand design statement. I’ve never had inflatables myself but I sure don’t begrudge someone’s fun for a month of the year.

[@goldiesdaughter3550]

On my way home from college, I used to drive pass this house with THE MOST inflatables I have ever seen fit in a single yard. It was like an inflatable convention! 😌 I am a huge fan of tacky Christmas decorations and lights!

[@karenk2409]

Me too! Bring it on!! A neighbor with a farm has gone all out over the years, there are lights and inflatables for at least half a mile, and the kids LOVE it.

[@goldiesdaughter3550]

@karenk2409 Yes! It sounds like a dream. I'd be there with sunglasses and a huge smile. Actually, no sunglasses...if it's as good as you say, I'd need to see it in all its bright tacky glory! Happy Holidays!

[@karenk2409]

@@goldiesdaughter3550 Back atcha! We have so few opportunities for pure wholesome fun nowadays, my attitude is, let it shine and blow it up! (in the nicest way, of course!)

[@lorenlash9174]

I really love your advice! Especially the recommendation to remove items from a space before jam packing it with your holiday decoration extravaganza. Clutter ruins everything good going on in a space.

[@ashleys4652]

I have an 8 ft silver tinsel tree. If Nick thinks the tabletop version is tacky mine must be horrendous. I love it, it reminds me of the vintage silver tree my grandmother had. The difference is, mine has a cohesive color palette of navy, silver, and white. My grandmother had the multi color lights and every color ornament there is.

[@giddygrub7176]

Sounds fabulous

[@emc9884]

OMG! My childhood was during the 70's. My Mom was all about the silver aluminum 5ft xmas tree. That's the only tree I knew there was, I loved that tree as a kid. It made all the multicolored bulbs and garland POP when you turned the multicolored tree lights on. Last but not least like you couldn't get anymore tackier, the tree wasn't complete without the final decoration and that was the fake silver stringy tinsel I got to through on last. LOL! Oh goodness you couldn't tell me nothin! The tree wasn't complete without at least 3 boxes of that stuff. Man I loved that tree!

[@karenk2409]

@@emc9884 Did you have the rotating color wheel light for the tree? I loved that!

[@emc9884]

@@karenk2409 Oh no way! How did my Mom miss that, LOL. I bet that would of been the icing on the cake right there.

[@SpaceyStacy74]

Nick, I love how you manage to insult so many different styles and do it all in such a light-hearted manner that I don’t hate you. 😉

[@janne5542]

I bought a new apartment this year and after 7 months, I finally feel that almost everything is decorated and it reflects my style… I was so happy and proud of my new space. UNTIL I unpacked my Christmas decoration this weekend and all style flew out of the window 🙈

[@suz7082]

Nick - you are a treasure. Your comments are helpful and not mean spirited. I watched another designer talk about Christmas decor and wanted to slap her for her condescending attitude. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas.

[@raeganhall8777]

Did anyone else realize how Nick took away the blue vase & piece of decor on top of the books in the background to further prove his point in the video?? Just shows how much attention to detail he gives to his content & I’m here for it!

[@kathleenmarkunas2432]

I can't get enough of you Nick! So much down to earth advice. You expose the masses to abounding choices and opinions all while encouraging us to be "us" in our spaces. Your dry humor is divine. Keep up the great content. Merry Christmas.

[@LawMom6]

Inside the mind of Nick: Tells us to take away items, stops recording, takes away a vase and some knickknacks, resumes filming a minute later (see 8:45).

[@herobrinenoch3522]

Great pickup! LOL I noticed the cut, but not the vase leaving.

[@debbiepalmer1094]

And it does look better without the vase.

[@tiffanyperez-smith8211]

I'm a designer and I have a furniture store and Christmas is the one time a year when IDGAF. Normally my home is relatively sparse - stuff stresses me out. The palette is muted and everything is just so. I normally refer people who want maximimilism, granny cheek, etc. to another designer because I just can't. Christmas is when my inner cheesy maximalist comes out - big time. Home is typically red and gold the store is peacock and glitter is EVERYWHERE. It is amazing and it makes me happy for that one month - then I am ready for it to go away. It would stress Nick out and that is OK - like he said 🙂

[@CLW4949]

Nick, i always appreciate your kindness towards other people. Your attitude of "if you like it, do it," is a light-handed approach. Nice.

[@karendavis7880]

Great video, Nick! The funniest (and best) thing I ever saw was Christmas in Guam...they went ALL OUT with icicle lights (this was before I knew that was a thing) and lots of Christmas lawn art so-to-speak. It was so wrong it was right...I'll never forget it. (For anyone who doesn't know, it NEVER comes close to snowing in Guam and it looks very jungle-y.) Anyway, once upon a time I was stationed there while serving in the USAF...very good times! :)

[@carrielettuce7386]

This was the funniest home decorating tutorial I’ve ever seen! I laughed the entire way through. Thank you. I happen to agree with just about everything you mentioned. Large things on lawns that inflate. EGAD! You have a great sense of humor!

[@patemmack7205]

Thanks for the nod to the handmade special ornaments. It bothers me when people pick a popular color scheme and buy all new stuff to decorate for Christmas (then throw it all out and start over the next year). It makes a home look too corporate. I have been hand stitching (or painting, crafting) a few new ornaments every year. Gradually donating the generic ornaments with no meaning. I love going through all the memories each year when decorating for the holidays.

[@annbrookens945]

Speaking of inflatable holiday lawn ornaments, I always remember the yard I drove by when the power was off. It looked like the scene of a massacre!

[@janetdand2704]

Great video. Couldn’t agree more. So much crazy decor during Christmas but in the end, it is what makes you happy at this special time. Happy holidays Nick!

[@katiemaxwell2561]

Love this!! I will say that I personally do two Christmas trees. One is a little more random, with all the Christmas crafts and ornaments that my kids bring home. My other tree is my “adult tree” and gets to be perfectly curated. Best of both worlds.

[@karenk2409]

I do the same - my living room tree is grownup and tasteful, the tree in the downstairs family room is a bright shining jumble of joyous chaos.

[@utahdan231]

I agree , disagree, it doesn’t matter. I love to watch you and admire your smooth language.

[@katjaanjuli]

“Do think you’re basic? Yeah, I probably do.” 🤣 SAVAGE! I love it

[@hlpml]

When he said "but I dont think you should do it" I died my cheeks hurt from smiling that was funny

[@louannhuber2651]

I know. A great sense of humor. But honest, which is his job after all.

[@jocestern351]

No such thing as too much glitter for Christmas 😜

[@ysbyttybedbug]

Yep, with you all the way 🤣🤣🤣

[@au_clair_de_la_lune]

Yea i thought the 🚫 photo examples looked amazing! 🤷‍♀️😁👍

[@janharker8520]

I have textured ceramic and hardwood floors. Glitter can NOT be cleaned up. May the inventor burn in hell.

[@jchow5966]

I like whatever people like even if it is cheesey. I think it is really nice that he always tells people to do and keep what they like. ☮️💟☮️

[@julivillalta]

Nick telling me that I’m basic was a wake up call I didn’t know I needed.

[@dianejaquay]

One of my decorating dilemma's year round, and at Christmas, is that I love too many different styles which makes it SO hard to commit to just one! Btw, Nick, I love modern farmhouse and I'm still here ;) You offer so much great interior design advice that I can't stay away lol!

[@carakellmeyer5037]

Hahahahaha! I just LOVE me a tacky Christmas. I do. I just do. And that opening image of Nick's overwhelm next to a Santa.... That is the exact Santa I just got AND LOVE. And I made my own light up signs that says Merry Surf-mas! Hee hee hee

[@lorif4268]

I really enjoy your channel. My kids are long grown and I fought the good fight their entire childhood with no inflatables! I always chose a few elegantly wrapped packages with a lone spotlight. Very subdued. My mother died this year, and it all started last Christmas. So this year when my 22-year-old daughter said she wanted to do inflatables I didn’t have the strength to say no. She normally has impeccable taste, but she wanted the fun of them. So now I have a snowman on my front lawn, and you know, he kind of is fun! He puts a bit of smile on my face partly because of a battle I finally gave into. Will he meet a tragic accident over the summer never to be seen again? I’m not telling…..🙃🎄🎄

[@mariemedeiros5672]

Nick is just honest. Not critical, he expresses his opinion...take it or leave it. I love his videos

[@forschungstorte]

This year is the first time I actually brought holiday decor into my small space. Your tips reflect very much what I did anyway, curating the items I did get (also ones that can be easily stored without taking up much space for the other 11 months of the year) took time and a careful eye. German traditional holiday decor is very specific and finding more international, minimalistic modern things out of the right materials, with the right textures and in the right colors is not such an easy task. But I did find something in the end, plus some things that can be repurposed for everyday use in other decorating contexts.

[@HeleenBuckle]

My husband and I have the "Frasier and Martin Crane Christmas" fight every year. He brings in the Santa Clauses and reindeer and multi coloured lights and I bring in the natural wood and simple paper decorations. He says I'm boring and I say he's nuts. We've been living this schizophrenic Christmas for 20 years. I kinda love it now.

[@heatherderganc5984]

That was a great episode! 😆

[@paulvrooman5296]

Hi, Nick. Loved this and all the others you've done. (Clever how you removed the vase and replaced it when you mentioned that). One other tip that I think makes sense: For outdoor decorations, make sure you have decorations that also decorate your home during the daylight! So many people put up great lights but during 80% of the time when people are awake and around to see your home, there is nothing that shows.

[@kellyschmidt5229]

I noticed the vase disappearing and the timing too! Was checking the comments to see if anyone else caught it. I love that vase and notice it every video.

[@karenk2409]

That's what the blowups are for, LOL!

[@samanthac.349]

ProTip for artificial trees: if you can see gaps between the branches but want it to look more full after spreading out the branches, there is an easy fix, but it must be done before the ornaments go on. Get some inexpensive artificial garland the same color as the tree (or a “close enough” color) and weave it between the branches. The garland must be pushed into the tree behind the lights. If you do this well, no one will tell that you had to fill in those gaps.

[@lfellezs13]

Thank you, Nick! I love your advice and your little bit of biting humor. You always make me smile. Hope your holidays are filled with wonderful things and no inflatables (I really hate when they're lying there all deflated during the day!)

[@Nick_Lewis]

Happy Holidays!

[@amayalumb]

🤣 I love it! My husband laughs at me because I want to match the wrapping paper! I feel good someone understands me now!

[@melissamybubbles6139]

Of course you want to match the wrapping paper. Doesn't everyone?

[@valeriepasbrig742]

And a Merry Christmas to you. I love how you support people in their decisions, even if it's not your cup of tea. Your advise is spot on, especially about the music and scents. That little extra really finishes he whole feeling. Thanks

[@blondieblu8819]

I love your channel. I appreciate how kind you are when critiquing certain design choices. I really learn a lot from your videos. So happy I found you! I’m a glam girl through and through lol so Christmas works well for me!

[@krod3263]

I loveeee your channel :) you are sooo right all the time even thought i have some of the mistakes you mention all the time 😜…. You have helped me sooo much to make sense of my style and home …. Thank you sooo much Nick !!! You are awesome 👏

[@alliehartom5978]

Have a wonderful Christmas Nick! I'm laughing so hard about your design tips, my mother and I are complete opposites. I don't decorate a thing for Christmas, and her nickname is Mrs Christmas. You go to her house and there's nowhere to sit down because she has Christmas stuff everywhere! Dolls, stuffed toys, pillows with of course words on them, her tree is up until March, and I made her a wreath of vintage ornaments that she loves so much she keeps it up all year. This year, I may break down and get a soft pink Christmas tree that I've been wanting for years.....

[@tinydancer7426]

Ah yes. A Christmas tree until March. Not a bad thing if it gives you joy. I did that one year ..... cuz I just did not feel like taking it down. The following Christmas, the tree came down the 31st while watching new year's eve stuff on TV. But, the tree was back up by the end of June because my son and his family were coming for the 4th of July and he already knew that he would be getting enough time off at Christmas to make another trip up with the family. so ....... we had Christmas in July. After they all went home mid July, my mom said, "Hell, you have left the tree up for 6 months before, why not just leave it up until Christmas and save yourself the time and then just take it down at the end of December", so we had the tree up until Christmas all summer long. Man was that a dusty tree when I took it down. Carefully wiped every ornament clean before wrapping and boxing them, same with the lights, etc. The garlands got tossed into mesh bags and tumbled in the dryer on air. Then as I disassembled the tree, I washed each branch in the bathtub and used the shower sprayer to rinse them, shook as much water off as I could, then tossed the branches out the bathroom window down onto the sheet covered porch and my sister tied the branches to the railing to drip and air dry before I packed them away. That was one dirty, dust tree ...... it was long overdue for a bath. Regardless of what any "expert" says, I say do what makes you happy in your home.

[@deelite1007]

Get the tree!❄⛄🎅🌲

[@lynngordon5901]

Love your comments…..basically you’re telling us to edit. That’s brilliant and good advice for year round. Merry Christmas!

[@ReeImagined]

I feel like I was old as soon as I left my childhood home at adulthood, lol. I immediately went into everything Nick said about style and color cohesiveness. All that hodge podge I grew up with caused so much anxiety. I live minimally, so I guess I'm an old soul from birth =) No more trying to fit in twenty oversized tubs of Christmas into one home. I'm good and truly peaceful at Christmas.

[@GoogleUser-wx8mw]

Merry Christmas, Nick. Thanks for the suggestions. I was afraid my decorations were a bit too traditional, but now I understand why they look so good in here -- they fit the design that is here during the other 11 months of the year. I plan to relish the sight of them throughout the holidays with a new appreciation for what I already have. Thanks.

[@jaynefurze9942]

I agree with the blow up stuff on the lawn.... especially in the daytime when everything is a sad deflated mess!

[@danixoxo8637]

You make so much sense that's why I like you. I have a theme. It was never intentional, but now I have a Santa collection I decorate with. I moved a few pieces to add them to the space in my dining room and it's quite nice.

[@EmmaAnimalWelfare]

I love this! Such practical and helpful advice, but worded so kindly, and you reinforce what the most important thing about the holidays is as your finishing message. I feel all warm and fuzzy now 🥰❄

[@emmc101]

Love you Nick. Merry Christmas all the way from sunny New Zealand where I can’t even put the Christmas tree lights on till 10pm because it’s still light outside and my “basic” additions to my Christmas tree are a jandal (flip flop) ornament and an inflatable flamingo! 😂😂😂

[@ArnaAlayneMorton]

Nick: “Put away your beachy, coastal pieces, as they don’t go with Christmas decor” New Zealanders: “hold my beer” 🤣🤣 Christmas on the beach is our vibe haha

[@gilliandawson6567]

🤣🤣. Was thinking of the beach as my theme for Christmas... from South Africa.

[@jmana923]

Right?! The world doesn’t revolve around the Western Hemisphere 😅

[@gilliandawson6567]

@@jmana923 or northern hemishere.

[@judithjeffers7666]

Thanx so much for your suggestions! I hope you have a great Christmas.

[@darreng8827]

Totally agree with you. Especially the words on pillows and sign and the inflatable decor..

[@mosquitorepellent1276]

Sticky Plastic window ornament cut outs are the tackiest.

[@Em99957]

You look so festive!!! I'm happy you get to be home for the holidays ☺️

[@Em99957]

Also where did your blue vase dissapear to after 8:45 ?? 😅

[@elliegoodgal7840]

Love your show, I have learned so much. Also, It always makes me chuckle how you have to give a trigger warning and you’re so sweet about it too

[@priyamvadasrivastava9606]

This was absolutely phenomenal! There are such amazing ideas which can actually be applied for other festive decorations as well. Love your channel, you break down the basics of design in such an easy to understand and fun way! Looking forward to seeing your home decorated for Christmas! Happy Holidays xoxo