Though not as potent as the real deal, a pop-up paper mistletoe ball is charming enough to earn you more than a few holiday smooches.
Available at momastore.org, $20.
This golden banner speaks for itself. Its old-school, no-frills, grocery store look works in good times and bad (during which you’ll probably need some cheering up).
Available at banterbanner.com, $10.
The holidays can be a real clustermuck. Make light of the madness with a bunch of Shea’s Wildflower Company’s fabulously rustic birch and grapevine ball lamps.
Available at shopterrain.com, $20.
Year after year someone’s expensive, needlepoint stocking is ruined with coal. Replace it with My Adobe Cottage’s durable burlap version, which comes with a teensy chalkboard to scribble a name on.
Available at etsy.com, $24.
What’s red and green and okay to hang for only about one month? Traditional, overtly iconic Christmas decor. Invest instead in home accents that go the calendrical distance with made-to-order Confetti System garlands.
Available at confettisystem.com, $130.
If you choose to use Karaboo Ribbons’s festive trimmings (available in five colors) as decoration, we promise your presents won’t realize what they’re missing.
Available at karabooribbons.com, $3-$5.
Better order a replica of the sweet little Charlie Brown tree in case the Red Baron takes out your DVR (thus canceling your recording of the annual special).
Available at fredflare.com, $20.
Fine china isn’t accessible to all, so for those with shallower pockets (or just saving up for say, booze presents for Mom), Chris Madden’s gold-crackled-lacquer chargers can easily fill in.
Available at jcpenney.com, $25 for a set of four.
Gigantic Andrea Evans lollipops only look mouthwatering. The red-, white-, and green-swirled candies are actually made from Styrofoam and (like most lawn ornaments) taste terrible.
Available at inthepinkboutique.com, $22-$45.
Leave glittery “special edition” tchotchkes to the old folks and infomercial watchers. We suggest starting your own ornament collection with Jonathan Adler’s porcelain peacock number.
Available at jonathanadler.com, $28.
Only a tree could pull off wearing a skirt like Anthropologie’s embroidered Boxing Day version with birds, stars, poinsettias, English roses, and dragonflies on eggplant cotton. Try not to get jealous.
Available at anthropologie.com, $168.
Although each looks identical to the next (serious violation of the snowflake code), these charming white favor boxes won’t melt indoors and can be filled with tasty treats. What a winter wonder.
Available at plumparty.com, $27 for a box of 24.
If you ascribe to the “more is more” school of tree trimming thought, this silver shimmering light cover set is a no-brainer. It doesn’t get better than decorations for your decorations.
Available at kohls.com, $20.
Teach tearrors to appreciate your award-winning gift-wrapping skills. Thick and gorgeous batiked Lokta paper will force even the most crazed recipients to slow down, savor the folding and tape placement, and avoid rips.
Available at papermojo.com, $5.
Apartment dwellers know intentions and heart are more important that grandeur when it comes to decking small spaces. A simple string of multicolored lights will do, and these battery-operated LED buds mean you don’t even have to worry about taking up outlet space.
Available at urbanoutfitters.com, $16.
’Tis the season when people other than hippies and rehabbing celebrities throw up peace signs. This green ornament-laden wreath is a great way to welcome anyone (except said hippies) into your home.
Available at pier1.com, $99.
More conversation stopper than starter, a grown-up, laser-cut metal snowflake mobile brings a bit of whimsy to any space in which it’s hung.
Available at crateandbarrel.com, $50.
Let orange-and-green-striped mini pumpkins stand gourd over your front porch or table, but don’t be squashed when the neighbors try to snag them.
Available at uncommongoods.com, $10 for a set of six.
Daniel Zeisner’s gold-plated tea light adorned with Swarovski crystals will have you dreaming of a very Liberace Christmas.
Available at swarovski.com, $85.
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