Buying guide for Best rustic Christmas decorations
If the Christmas season is your favorite time of year, you’re in good company. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans spend hundreds of billions of dollars on holiday gifts and other items each year. While there is never a shortage of Christmas decorations to choose from, rustic decorations have a cozy, vintage aesthetic that can add a touch of charm to your holiday décor for years to come.
Before you begin shopping, think about the type of rustic decorations you want. There are many to choose from, including wreaths, ornaments, and wall décor. Also consider the materials the items are made of, whether you’ll use them indoors or outdoors, and price. No matter what you’re looking for, a shopping guide and recommendations can help you make an informed choice.
What does “rustic” mean?
Rustic Christmas decorations are inspired by nature. They depend heavily on natural materials to create a comforting old-world aesthetic. These Christmas decorations incorporate wood, foliage, and subtle metallics, among other materials, such as pine cones. They might not have the same glitz and sparkle as modern ornaments, but they never go out of style.
Rustic Christmas decorations go well with almost any home décor, but they especially complement bohemian, minimalist, farmhouse, and industrial styles.
Types of rustic Christmas decorations
Where do you start when it comes to decorating for the holidays? There are so many different kinds of decorations that it’s helpful to think about them by type.
Christmas trees are the most ubiquitous holiday decorations. A tree is rustic all by itself, especially if you opt for a real one.
Ornaments that are rustic incorporate natural elements like pinecones, burlap, cedar, or jute. You might be able to find some items in your yard, or you can add rustic elements to ornaments you already own. Other popular tree ornaments include strips of fabric and garlands made of cranberries or ribbon.
A tree topper is the crowning glory of the Christmas tree. Some popular ones include angels, Santa, stars, and bows. You can find rustic tree toppers made of burlap, felt, rattan, wood, metal, and many other materials.
Christmas lights make any Christmas decorations look even more special, although a subtler approach works best with rustic décor. You can keep things simple with plain white string lights or lights of a single color.
Wall décor is another way to infuse your home with seasonal cheer. Hanging garlands strung with jute, pennants, and paper snowflakes is just one example. A wood-framed chalkboard sign with a handwritten “Merry Christmas” message makes a charming addition.
Wreaths, like trees, are rustic by nature. Wreaths symbolized power and honor in ancient Greece and Rome. Some wreaths are made from fresh foliage, traditionally with limbs cut from fresh evergreen trees. In the Christian tradition, the symbolism of the circle takes on an element of eternity. If you’re looking for a rustic Christmas wreath that isn’t made of real foliage, there are plenty of convincing faux ones.
Figurines made of wood and fabric add to the rustic theme. Santa, elves, and reindeer are a few favorites. If the rest of your decorations are in muted shades, a few bright figurines here and there can make a pleasant contrast.
Staff Tip
If your decorations require power, know how many exterior and interior outlets you have and where they are.
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Features to look for in rustic Christmas decorations
Outdoor vs. indoor
The primary difference between indoor and outdoor Christmas decorations is the materials they’re made of. Outdoor decorations are made to withstand the elements. They’re waterproof, sturdy, and able to hold up to some wind.
In addition, outdoor Christmas decorations are often larger than indoor ones so they’re more noticeable. The best outdoor figurines and other items have a weather-resistant coating and heavy-duty wires. For Christmas lights and other electrical decorations, look for the UL rating and make sure it indicates the item is safe for damp or wet environments.
If you’re planning to hang up a few lights, decorate a tree, and call it a day, you can be pretty spontaneous. But if you’re planning to decorate the house inside and out, create a plan. Sketch out a floor plan and decide on a theme.
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How much do rustic Christmas decorations cost?
Inexpensive
These decorations vary widely in price. For $2 to $15, you can find tree ornaments and small figurines, as well as ribbons and burlap or jute strips, which can be used to embellish wreaths, garlands, and trees. For $10 to $15, you’ll find string lights up to 5 feet long, tree toppers, and a few simple outdoor decorations.
Mid-range
The sweet spot for rustic decorations is $15 to $40. You can find high-quality tree ornaments and toppers (many made of natural materials), signage, string lights longer than 5 feet, and beautiful wreaths. You’ll also find more outdoor options in this range, particularly larger figurines and displays.
Expensive
If you’re really into decorating for Christmas, you’re in good company. You want decorations that will last for years, and items that cost $40 and more are well made by trusted manufacturers. Unique handmade items, ornate centerpieces, and large nativity scenes fall in this range as well.
Staff Tip
If you have a functioning fireplace, lighting it adds to the cozy, rustic atmosphere. If not, a yule log video loop can simulate the vibe.
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Tips
- Mix and match. Don’t be afraid to combine different styles, patterns, and textures to achieve your rustic Christmas look. Avoid anything too matchy-matchy. Texture is important for keeping things visually interesting, especially if you decorate using a limited color palette.
- Turn decorating your home into a party. Invite family and friends to join in on the fun of making decorations and setting them up. Play some holiday tunes and provide some holiday cookies or other seasonal snacks.
- Check the Christmas decorations you already have before buying new. It’s a good idea to have a sense of what you already have before spending money on new items. You might be able to repurpose some items to go with your rustic theme.
FAQ
Q. How long should Christmas decorations stay up?
A. That’s a matter of personal preference, but traditionally it’s considered Twelfth Night, or January 6 (if you start counting the days on Christmas Day).
Q. How do I store rustic Christmas decorations?
A. If you take care of them, Christmas decorations can last for many years. We recommend keeping them in clear, labeled storage containers. Be sure to wrap fragile items individually before placing them in the containers.
