Decorating with plaid for Christmas is a classic way to bring warmth and holiday cheer into your home. Discover tips and ideas to incorporate this timeless pattern into your holiday decor, transforming your home into a cozy and inviting space.
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This post was originally published on July 24, 2021. Last updated on July 21, 2024.
Christmas in July Inspiration
Christmas is still several months away.
But… it’s my favorite time of the year!
And, it’s never too early to get ready for the holidays.
So, I’m thrilled to join a few friends to share some Christmas in July inspiration with you.
If you’re joining me from Michele at Vintage Home Designs, thank you for stopping by.
This post is packed with ideas to decorate your home for the holidays, so be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to see all the Christmas ideas and inspiration.
Table of Contents
- Ideas for Decorating with Plaid for Christmas
- Shop The Post
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- Did You Enjoy this Post? PIN It for Later!
Ideas for Decorating with Plaid for Christmas
Here in the Midwest, we’re blessed to experience each of the four seasons.
While each season offers its own charm, there’s something truly magical about the holidays.
If you love Christmas and are looking for festive inspiration, this post is for you!
I’m sharing ideas for decorating your home with plaid for Christmas.
Why Plaid is the Perfect Choice for Christmas Decor
There’s just something about a classic plaid pattern that instantly adds a festive touch.
No matter what color you like decorating with for Christmas – traditional red plaid, tartan plaid, or even buffalo plaid, they all add a sense of warmth, perfectly capturing the spirit of the holidays.
But decorating with plaid isn’t just about creating a cozy feeling during Christmas.
Plaid Christmas decor is versatile too!
You can use plaid Christmas decorations throughout your entire home inside and out.
Whether your home decor is traditional, rustic farmhouse style, or even more modern, plaid decor can effortlessly complement your current style.
Plaid Christmas Decorating Ideas for Your Entry
The front entry is the first impression of your home during the holiday season, so why not make it a warm and inviting one with cozy plaid decor?
When it comes to decorating for the holidays, the classic red and gold Christmas color palette or timeless red and white holiday color palette are always my favorites.
Our entryway doubles as our formal dining room, which means it’s also the unofficial drop zone for all the backpacks, coats, and winter gear that come through the door.
It’s a bit of a juggling act, but we’ve managed to make it work.
If you have a bench or seating area in your front entry, add plaid throw pillows and blankets.
These cozy additions not only provide a warm welcome but also offer a comfortable spot for guests to sit and remove their shoes.
We don’t have space for a bench, so I often hang a cozy plaid blanket and a pair of vintage ice skates from some hooks instead for a festive, wintry look.
Just past our front door, you’ll find one of my favorite furniture pieces — this refurbished antique dresser.
The dresser is the perfect spot to style vintage holiday decor like some old Christmas postcards and this adorable plaid lunch box that doubles as a unique tree stand for a mini Christmas tree.
It’s like a little holiday vignette that sets the mood for the rest of our holiday home tour.
Shop The Post
Want to recreate this look at home? I’ve linked all the finds I used in this post below! Please note, that sometimes things sell out quickly, so if something isn’t available anymore, I’ve linked a similar item that you might love just as much. Happy shopping!
Entry Sources: Red Plaid Throw Blanket⎟Garland⎟Gold Bell Garland⎟Black Wall Mount Mailbox⎟Small Potted Christmas Tree⎟Red Berry Wreath⎟Twinkle Lights
Decorating a Beautiful Plaid-Inspired Christmas Tablescape
Right off of the front entry is our formal dining room.
We don’t eat here daily, but I do love using this space to entertain.
Especially during the holidays!
Gathering around the table with family and friends for a meal is one of my favorite Christmas traditions.
You can turn any Christmas celebration into a picture-perfect feast with a simple and stylish tablescape.
I transformed our dining area for a festive holiday brunch with a plaid blanket I repurposed as a table runner.
Then I paired the plaid table runner with white plates, red fringe napkins, and gold metallic accents like this pretty flatware for a sophisticated look.
Unexpected details like the tiny bells tied onto the champagne flutes give each place setting a personal touch.
Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Mixing plaid with other patterns can also add a unique touch.
To create a statement holiday centerpiece, consider a pair of lanterns filled with red and gold ornaments, as shown here.
And decorating with plaid accents, like additional napkins, placements, or even plaid ribbon, can tie everything together to create a cohesive and festive Christmas tablescape.
Shop The Post
Want to recreate this look at home? I’ve linked all the finds I used in this post below! Please note, that sometimes things sell out quickly, so if something isn’t available anymore, I’ve linked a similar item that you might love just as much. Happy shopping!
Dining Room Sources: Gray and White Area Rug⎟Chandelier⎟Cream Knit Blanket⎟Red Button Throw Pillow Cover⎟Wreath with Plaid Bow
Tablescape Sources: Plaid Table Runner⎟Red Fringed Napkins⎟Wood Charger Plates⎟White Ceramic Dishes⎟Gold Flatware⎟Champagne Glasses⎟Mini Christmas Wreaths⎟Gold Bells⎟Red and White Twine⎟Gold Lanterns⎟Garland⎟Red Berry Stems⎟Flocked Pinecones⎟Red and Gold Christmas Ornaments⎟Twinkle Lights
Ideas for Decorating a Plaid Christmas Tree
Another one of my favorite traditions is decorating our Christmas trees.
How many trees do you have in your home?
This tree in our dining room is one of three, and I would probably add more if we had space!
You can add a cozy feel to your tree with plaid ornaments, ribbons, and a matching tree skirt.
The bold pattern of plaid stands out beautifully against the green-colored branches of the tree.
I grabbed these red and gold plaid Christmas ornaments several years ago…I wish I had bought more to tuck into garlands and wreaths around our home.
And don’t forget about the gifts under the tree!
Make your Christmas decorations even more festive by using plaid wrapping paper that coordinates with the rest of your plaid decor.
The matching patterns make your presents look like part of the decorations, and this little extra touch adds a polished look making your whole home feel more Christmassy.
Shop The Post
Want to recreate this look at home? I’ve linked all the finds I used in this post below! Please note, that sometimes things sell out quickly, so if something isn’t available anymore, I’ve linked a similar item that you might love just as much. Happy shopping!
Christmas Tree Sources: Christmas Tree⎟Vintage Santa Ornaments⎟Red and Gold Plaid Ornaments⎟Plaid Wrapping Paper⎟Green Velvet Ribbon
Cozy Tips for Decorating with Christmas Plaid Decor in the Bedroom
One of my favorite ways to make a bedroom feel extra cozy during Christmas is by swapping out everyday bedding for something more festive.
In our bedroom, I started by decorating with some plaid flannel Christmas bed sheets and layering on a red quilted coverlet to add extra warmth for those cold winter nights.
Then I layered a green tartan plaid blanket at the foot of the bed and tossed on a few decorative throw pillows.
The plaid pillows you see here were a DIY project from a few Christmases ago—can you believe they’re made from napkins?
Cozy bedding aside, one of my favorite holiday touches in our bedroom is our decorated flocked Christmas tree.
While this tree doesn’t have any plaid Christmas balls or baubles like the tree in our dining room, I love it all the same!
I finally persuaded my husband to put up this flocked tree in our room a few years back.
And while he won’t openly admit it, the truth is that we both love it.
There’s nothing quite like being snuggled up in bed by the cozy glow of the tree at night.
Shop The Post
Want to recreate this look at home? I’ve linked all the finds I used in this post below! Please note, that sometimes things sell out quickly, so if something isn’t available anymore, I’ve linked a similar item that you might love just as much. Happy shopping!
Bedroom Sources: White Bedding⎟Red Coverlet and Shams⎟Plaid Flannel Bed Sheets⎟White Curtains⎟Ceiling Fan⎟Green Plaid Throw Blanket⎟Plaid Throw Pillows⎟Frosted Wreaths⎟Plaid Ribbon⎟Small Flocked Tabletop Tree
Christmas Tree Sources: Flocked Tree⎟Red and Gold Christmas Ornaments⎟White Christmas Ornaments⎟Red and White Ball Ball Garland⎟Pinecone Ornaments
Adding Plaid Decor in the Living Room
Decorating with plaid for Christmas creates a warm and inviting atmosphere in your living room.
Take a peek at ours at night, all lit up with the magic of candlelight and the twinkling of the Christmas tree lights.
For extra comfort and festive charm, place a large basket by the fireplace and fill it with plaid pillows and throw blankets – perfect for snuggling up on chilly holiday nights.
Then, to make the holidays even more special, whip up a sweet and salty snack board with seasonal treats and enjoy a Christmas movie night.
Create a charming Christmas vignette on your coffee table using a woven basket filled with holiday greenery and pinecones, like this display I styled on top of our old wood chest.
To tie the centerpiece together with the rest of the room’s decor, I added a red and white ticking stripe ribbon to the cloche.
This ribbon coordinates perfectly with the other plaid accents in the living room, adding a cohesive pop of Christmas cheer.
Shop The Post
Want to recreate this look at home? I’ve linked all the finds I used in this post below! Please note, that sometimes things sell out quickly, so if something isn’t available anymore, I’ve linked a similar item that you might love just as much. Happy shopping!
Living Room Sources: Blue and White Area Rug⎟Coffee Table Trunk⎟Hanging Lanterns⎟Knit Stockings⎟Monogram Stocking Holders⎟Garland⎟Twinkle Lights⎟Large Floor Basket⎟Red Knit Throw Blanket⎟Red Plaid Throw Pillow Cover⎟Small Potted Christmas Tree⎟Rectangle Woven Basket⎟Santa Print⎟Glass Cloche⎟Flameless Candles⎟Red and White Ticking Stripe Ribbon
Plaid Christmas Decor Ideas for the Kitchen Counters
Christmas is the season for all things warm and cozy, and a plaid-inspired hot cocoa bar would make the perfect addition to your holiday decorating plans.
If you don’t have a large space, don’t worry!
You can style a simple tiered tray on your kitchen island, or even set up a small bar cart.
I set up this cheerful cocoa bar in our dining room because our buffet table is the perfect size for creating a hot cocoa bar with all the necessities.
And since our dining room is right next to the kitchen, it’s easily accessible!
Bring the plaid theme to your cocoa bar decor with festive touches!
Use plaid coffee mugs or cover empty cardboard boxes in plaid gift wrap to create risers for some of your hot cocoa toppings.
When it comes to the toppings, you can include as much or as little as you like.
I went all out and included chocolate chips, candy canes, peppermint chips, mini marshmallows, whipped cream, and several different types of caramel and chocolate drizzles.
Use glass jars with lids for your hot cocoa mix, or you can easily make your own hot cocoa bombs.
Complete with some DIY printable cocoa bar tags, it’s guaranteed to be a big hit!
Shop The Post
Want to recreate this look at home? I’ve linked all the finds I used in this post below! Please note, that sometimes things sell out quickly, so if something isn’t available anymore, I’ve linked a similar item that you might love just as much. Happy shopping!
Cocoa Bar Sources: Hot Water Dispenser⎟Tiered Tray⎟Santa Mugs⎟Glass Jar with Lid⎟Small Wood Scoops⎟Ball Pint Canning Jars⎟Red and White Twine⎟Red and White Paper Straws⎟Garland⎟Twinkle Lights⎟Pinecone Garland⎟Red and White Jingle Bell Garland
Decorating Your Front Porch With Plaid for Christmas
Don’t forget about your outdoor Christmas decor!
Welcome guests to your holiday porch by adding a wreath to your door accented with a large red plaid bow.
When it comes to styling our small front porch, I’ve learned how to get a bit creative.
And while it may not be big in size, it is big on holiday cheer!
Fresh greenery like these DIY winter planters. and potted cedar trees add an additional pop of color.
To finish, add a festive plaid doormat, or string together some DIY plaid Christmas ornaments for a whimsical holiday garland to adorn your front door or porch railings.
Shop The Post
Want to recreate this look at home? I’ve linked all the finds I used in this post below! Please note, that sometimes things sell out quickly, so if something isn’t available anymore, I’ve linked a similar item that you might love just as much. Happy shopping!
Porch Sources: Wreath⎟Large Gold Bells⎟Christmas Lights⎟Black Planters⎟Gallon Crocks⎟Small Potted Cedar Trees⎟“Be Merry” Door Mat
More Plaid Christmas Decorating Ideas
I adore traditional Christmas colors, but once in a while I also love to try new color schemes for Christmas.
I found these photos for Christmas on Pinterest, and the dreamy shades of blue, green, gold, and bronze stole my heart.
So can you guess what I did?
Yep, I decorated our home for Christmas using blue and green Tartan plaid!
Curious about how I decorated my home with a green and blue plaid theme?
You can see my full holiday home tour and stunning blue and green Christmas tablescape here!
More Christmas Decorating Ideas from Midwest Life and Style
More Christmas in July Ideas and Inspiration
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Decorating for Christmas with plaid is a wonderful way to bring warmth and style into your home.
From table settings to tree decorations and DIY projects, plaid offers endless possibilities for festive decor.
Give it a try this holiday season and don’t forget to share your plaid decor photos and comments with me – I’d love to see how you make plaid part of your holiday tradition!
Next, be sure to visit my friend Kim at Shiplap and Shells to see her nine easy tips for how to prepare for Christmas in July.
And after you visit Kim, don’t forget to see what my other friends are sharing too!
Just click on the links below.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Christmas In July Blog Hop
Simply click on the links below to see all the Christmas ideas and inspiration.
Stacy Ling – Bricks N Blooms –/– Chloe – Celebrate & Decorate –/– Anne & Ann Marie – Simply 2 Moms –/– Cindy – County Road 407 –/– Jenn – Down Shiloh Road –/– Kelly – The Tattered Pew –/– Rachel – The Ponds Farmhouse –/– Mary – Life At Bella Terra –/– Michele – Vintage Home Designs –/– Jen – MIdwest Life & Style –/– Kim – Shiplap & Shells –/– Kristen – White Arrows Home –/– Andrea – Design Morsels –/– Chas – Chas Crazy Creations
Tammy says
Jen, you always decorate your home beautifully for the holidays. I love the use of plaid with the pops of red.
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you my friend! Plaid is so classic and always a favorite of mine during the holidays.
Heidi says
I love all of this Christmas inspiration Jen! It’s never too early to start thinking about and planning for the holidays in my opinion. Merry Christmas in July!!!
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Heidi. I always love getting ideas now so I can look back at them when I’m ready to start decorating!
Kristin Lenz says
Your home really shines during Christmas time! It looks so cozy and so beautiful! Every element fits perfectly! Love your post!!
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you so much, Kristin! I appreciate it. Christmas is one of my favorite seasons to decorate for.
Andrea says
I love how you shared you design plan and it carried through your whole house. That’s a really helpful tip. Your tartan plaid is my favorite. I would have a hard time not reusing that one. I’m happy to discover your blog through this hop.
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Andrea. Yes, I’m a sucker for the red and plaid. I may have to find a way to incorporate another plaid in this year’s plans.
Cindy@CountyRoad407 says
I bet your kids love having the cocoa bar up all winter long. I would! Everything was so cute and seems well thought out. I need to be more intentional and organized. I think the Christmas season would be quite different (a.k.a. more enjoyable and less hectic) if I’d just have a plan. Oh well, loved all of your ideas and am excited to be able to hop with you.
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Cindy. I’m not sure who loved the cocoa bar more….my girls or me!😆 I’m an event planner by day, so planning is in my nature. I think it really helps me get ahead. Especially since our weekends get so busy once school starts again.
Chas says
What a great read! I really like the traditional colors and LOVE the idea of a cozy home. Couldn’t be more perfect to me 🙂
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Chas. I’m a big fan of the traditional red. It may be hard to do something different this year, but excited to try!
Chloe says
Wow, it is like you have taken through every inch of your home and showed us every little thing you did to make your home so warm and cozy for Christmas. I am sure your family appreciates the wonderful Christmasy home you make for the season. I love the classics you used, the reds and greens and all of the warm plaids! It was great to hop with you!
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Chloe. Christmas is one of my favorite holidays to decorate for, so I like to add touches throughout our entire home.
Kelly Radcliff says
Jen I love how you do Christmas! I’m a huge fan of all your pops of plaid and touches of vintage decor too! I’m excited to see what you do this year. Ps- I too love listening to Christmas music early!!! Pinned!
midwestlifeandstyle says
I knew there was a reason we were friends.😘 Yay for Christmas music and let the holiday planning fun begin!
Mary from Life at Bella Terra says
Jen, I just love your use of bells everywhere. What a festive detail that is often overlooked! Your home is so lovely and I would be the first at the hot cocoa bar every day! Just love that! So excited to be part of this talented group of bloggers on this Christmas in July blog hop! Thanks for sharing.
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Mary. The bells were one of my favorite things from last year. Don’t be surprised if they make an appearance again this year!
Kim | Shiplap and Shells says
I love every single detail, Jen! I love all your plaids throughout and nothing says holiday like a pair of skates hanging on the hook! Loved this so much!
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Kim. I’m glad you enjoyed the tour. So happy to be hopping with you today. Let the countdown to Christmas begin!😘
stacy says
Jen your home looked so beautiful this year. I really love your table – it’s so elegant and rustic! Love it! Can’t wait to see how you decorate this year! xo
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Stacy! I have so many ideas already. Can’t wait!
Rachel Harper says
Jen,
I loved all the inspiration. Your home and decor is so lovely. Great job. Thanks so much for joining me today.
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Rachel, for organizing this tour and for including me. So fun!
Anne says
I just love all the holiday details in your home, and the design inspiration board? Genius! Pinned!!
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thanks so much, Anne! I’m already looking forward to putting together another one this year.😘
michele/vintage home designs says
It all looks beautiful Jen! I love the plaid on your bedding and the beautiful tablescape!
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you so much, Michele!