Christmas Decor Made Easy: Simple Rules for Styling Your Home Inside & Out

Make Magic at Home with Christmas Decor from Mangelsen’s

Step into the most wonderful time of the year with Christmas decor that fills your home with joy, warmth, and sparkle. Whether you’re decking the halls for family gatherings or planning a front-yard light display for the neighborhood, Mangelsen’s has everything you need to celebrate the season in style.

Since 1961, David M. Mangelsen’s has been Omaha’s favorite destination for holiday inspiration. From twinkling string lights and elegant indoor and outdoor garlands to collectible Santa figures, cute snowman candlestick holders, elves, and general winter decor, our aisles are bursting with creativity.

Let’s explore the simple rules to make your home merry, inside and out.

The Golden Rules for Interior Christmas Decor

Transforming your home for the holidays is easier than you think. With a few guiding principles, you can create a festive, cohesive, and welcoming space that sets a magical seasonal tone. Whether your style is traditional, modern, or whimsical, these tried-and-true decorating rules will help you design a stunning holiday home.

• Pick a Theme & Palette First: Before you start decorating, decide on a color story or motif. Whether you love classic red and green, shimmering metallics, cozy farmhouse neutrals, simple winter decor, or faith-inspired themes like the nativity scene, having a plan makes it easy to create a cohesive look throughout your holiday home.
• Design in Layers: A key rule for home decor is the use of layers. Start with base layers like cozy throws and festive tablecloths or place mats, then build up with wreaths, garlands, holiday candles, and glowing string lights. Finish with your favorite accents, Christmas ornaments, Santa figurines, seasonal table items, and charming Nutcracker soldiers, for a complete and balanced display.
• Balance Your Focal Points: Choose a few key focal areas, such as your Christmas Tree, mantel, and dining table. Avoid overcrowding each space; instead, repeat similar colors and textures for a unified look.
• Mix Textures & Heights: Combine glossy glass, warm wood, and soft fabric pieces. Layer tall holiday home decorations beside smaller trinkets for depth and dimension. This gives your decor a designer feel while keeping it inviting.
• Prioritize Safety: While having a cozy home filled with candlelight during those long winter nights might sound magical, having multiple candles on furniture or shelving can be a hazard, especially with pets and children around. Consider child- and pet-safe placements for ornaments and candles. Check light cords for frays, use UL-rated string lights, and keep decor and Christmas trees (both natural and artificial) away from heat sources.

Easy Rules for Exterior Christmas Decorations

Decorating the outside of your home is just as important as the interior when it comes to spreading holiday cheer. From your front door to your rooftop, thoughtfully planned exterior Christmas decorations create a warm, inviting atmosphere that welcomes guests and delights neighbors throughout the seasons.

• Map Out Your Zones: Highlight your home’s best features, the porch, doorways, windows, and yard. Garlands and wreaths frame entryways beautifully, while outdoor-safe nativity scenes, elves, or Santa figures bring life to your yard.
• Plan Your Lighting Like a Pro: Use LED Christmas lights for energy efficiency and brightness. Try warm white for a timeless glow or multicolor strands for playful fun. Install timers or smart plugs to keep your holiday decor shining safely every night.
• Weatherproof Everything: Ensure all plugs and light sets are rated for outdoor use. Use stakes or ties to secure items in windy weather and protect plugs from moisture with covers or plastic bags.
• Keep It Neighbor-Friendly: Cohesion matters; coordinate your Christmas decorations so your display feels festive, not overwhelming. Stick with one color family or theme for a polished look. For example, a happy LED-lit reindeer might look fun and grab attention, but if the rest of your exterior lighting is white or neutral, it might not be the best addition.

Christmas Tree Style Guide

Whether they’re real or faux Christmas trees, we know they’re the centerpiece of any holiday home, the heart of your home decor, and the gathering place for family traditions. Whether you prefer a classic, rustic, or modern look, the right approach to decorating your tree can transform your living space into a winter wonderland. These simple ideas will help you design a tree that fits your personal style and radiates seasonal magic.

1. Choose Your Look

Your Christmas tree sets the tone for the whole home. Try one of these popular styles:

• Traditional Elegance: Red, gold, and plaid with heirloom Christmas ornaments
• Rustic Woodland: Burlap, pinecones, and neutral garlands
• Modern Metallics: Silver and champagne tones
• Faithful Christmas: Stars, angels, and mini nativity scenes

2. Christmas Ornament Placement Tips

Start with lights (roughly 100 per foot of tree height). Hang larger ornaments deeper inside branches and smaller ones on the tips. Group ornaments in clusters of three for visual balance, and keep heavier ones lower on sturdy branches.

3. Garlands, Ribbon & Finishing Touches

Weave garlands or ribbon from top to bottom in soft diagonals. Choose materials that complement your theme—beads for sparkle, burlap for rustic warmth, or satin for a luxurious touch.

4. Topper & Skirt Harmony

Select a tree topper that fits your tree’s height and room size. Coordinate your topper with your tree skirt to complete the look.

Smart Storage: Protect Your Christmas Decorations

Once the holidays are over, smart storage ensures your holiday decor stays beautiful year after year. A little organization now can save you hours of work and protect your favorite Christmas lights, ornaments, and keepsakes from damage.

• Sort and Label Everything: When the season winds down, organize your decorations by type—ornaments, lights, wreaths, etc.—and label bins clearly. Use clear containers and color-coded lids for quick identification.
• Protect Delicate Items: Store fragile Christmas tree decorations in divided boxes or wrap them in bubble wrap or tissue. Use separate storage for garlands and wreaths to prevent crushing. Faux Christmas trees should be carefully placed and folded according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and placed vertically to avoid weight deforming them throughout the year.
• Keep It Cool and Dry: Avoid humid or overly warm areas that can cause your holiday decor to warp or discolor. If space allows, store in a cool, dry closet or basement.

Shop Christmas Decor at Mangelsen’s in Omaha

A Family Tradition Since 1961

Founded by Harold and Berenice Mangelsen, David M. Mangelsen’s has been Omaha’s home for creativity and celebration for over 60 years. Today, David and his children proudly continue that tradition—helping families make the holidays truly magical.

Everything You Need for a Festive Holiday Home

Discover the region’s best selection of:

• Natural and faux Christmas trees
• Stunning toppers to crown your Christmas tree with holiday splendor.
• Elegant skirts to complete your Christmas tree display.
• Wreaths, garlands, firefly lights, and string lights
• Nutcracker, Santa, and elf figurines
• Christmas decorations in every style
• Festive stockings for hanging by the chimney
• Festive items, from tablecloths to linens, and gifts for all ages
• Delicious spiced cider mix for a warm, comforting holiday beverage.

Our expert staff is here to help you find the perfect pieces to make your home shine this holiday season.

Visit Us Today

Located in Westgate Plaza, Mangelsen’s offers 38,000 square feet of creative inspiration—including the beloved FarmHouse Café right next door. Stop by today or call to learn about this year’s exclusive collections and special deals.

Experience the magic of Christmas at Mangelsen’s—Omaha’s top destination for Christmas decor for more than 60 years.