If you’ve been living in Philly for a while, you’ve probably noticed that many homes break out their holiday decorations right after Thanksgiving. Streets in South Philly and in other neighborhoods light up for the winter holidays before many people are able to finish their Thanksgiving leftovers. But, what if you don’t have the biggest home in Philadelphia? If you’re living in a cozy trinity, a compact studio, or other small space, these holiday decorating ideas are meant just for you.

Go Tabletop

Not everyone has space in their homes for a six-foot or taller tree. If that’s you, but you still want some sort of holiday tree, think tabletop. Tabletop trees and other decor don’t take up much room and can vary in height. You can pick up a two-foot-tall, artificial tree at a variety of places, such as Target or Macy’s. You can also get a real, slightly taller tree, around three feet or so, that’s perfect for propping up on a table.

Use the Space You Have

The best holiday decorating ideas make use of the space that you already have and are probably not using. If you don’t have a mantle, for example, but you do have stairs and a banister, try hanging stockings from the banister, instead. You can also drape tinsel and holiday lights around the stairs’ railing to brighten things up.

If space is really at a premium, look up. Odds are, you’re not doing much with your ceiling, making it an ideal spot for a few decorations. Grab a few strings of holiday lights and drape them across the ceiling, stretching from one side of the room to the other. You can hold the lights up with tape, or use staples that are wide enough not to pierce the cord.

Look to the Windows

Don’t neglect the windows in your home when decorating for the holidays. A menorah can look lovely displayed on a windowsill, for example. You can also hang a wreath from the center of a wide picture window or place tall wooden nutcrackers along the windowsill. Brighten up the window by adding a string of lights around the perimeter.

Add Fragrance

Holiday decorating doesn’t always have to be visible. You can also bring the holiday feel to your home by bringing in festive scents, such as cinnamon, orange and clove, or cranberry. Scented candles can help you decorate with fragrance, or you can try using a simmer pot to fill your home with scent. To make a simmer pot, fill a small saucepan with water, then add your favorite dried spices, fruits, or even coffee beans. Bring the water to a simmer and keep an eye on it, so that it doesn’t boil dry.

Trade Old for New

When decorating for the holidays, think of swapping out your existing decor with holiday-themed objects, rather than adding more decor to what’s already a small space. For example, use special holiday printed towels in the kitchen instead of your everyday ones, trade your regular throw pillow covers for holiday themed covers, and switch out any everyday table linens for holiday patterns. Pack away your regular decorating objects, such as vases, candles, or picture frames, where you usually keep your holiday decorations. At the end of the season, bring those objects back out when you pack away your holiday supplies.

You don’t have to live in a mansion to make the most of the holiday season. Even the smallest of studios can get in on the holiday fun.

Image Source: Flickr/John Morgan

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