Shop Local with These Fun Holiday Decorating Ideas

Now's the time to get in the holiday spirit. That's right, it's decorating time! Here are some fun ideas that will make your home extra cheery while supporting local businesses. We all know that our favorite shops have struggled this year, so what better way to spruce up your home for the holidays than to "shop local" as they say? We hope these ideas will get you inspired!

Buy a Locally Made Wreath or Make One

A beautiful wreath is the perfect first step to getting your home ready for the holidays. There are many great places to buy one-of-a-kind wreaths that are made locally. Feeling creative? Some places are offering wreath-making activities. However, it's best to check their websites to see the latest information on COVID-19 precautions and reservation policies. Some wonderful places for wreaths are: Bainbridge Gardens, Kingston's Thistle Floral & Home, Poulsbo's Valley Nursery, and Bremerton City Nursery.

Enjoy a Fresh Take on the Holiday Centerpiece

Make your table extra special this year by getting your kids involved. Get a Holiday To-Go Kit from Poulsbo's Dancing Brush Studio and paint a votive tree, a Christmas church or a gingerbread house. Then add some holly around it to really make it pop.

Or, if you're looking for a classy approach, purchase a small poinsettia, fresh flowers, or garland from your local florist or nursery and add these beautiful glass tea lights from Lisa Stirrett Glass Art Studio in Silverdale. The proceeds from these vibrant gems help a woman start her own business through their Pay It Forward Loan Program in partnership with Walk In The Light International.

Add Some New, Unique Ornaments

While it's fun to get out the old ornaments when decorating your tree, it's great when you can add a few new ones each year. Alternatively, if your tree is full or you don't celebrate Christmas, you can always hang eye-catching ornaments in a window or use a few in a centerpiece. Check out these PNW ornaments from Josephine's Mercantile in Port Orchard and these woven wheat ornaments from Verksted Gallery in Poulsbo.

Sweeten Your Holiday Decor

Enjoy some delicious holiday fun by purchasing a Gingerbread Kit from Farm Kitchen Bakery. The Manor House at Pleasant Beach Village on Bainbridge Island also offers Gingerbread House Parties where you can make a gingerbread house in their clear-tented, heated Wintergarden (with COVID-19 guidelines in place). Space is limited so reserve your spot now.

Add Some Vintage Holiday Flair

Vintage pieces can really enhance your holiday decor by adding interesting elements that connect to fond memories or add some authentic charm. We suggest visiting great places like Poulsbo's Red Plantation, Kingston's The Paisley Whale or Silverdale Antiques.

Make an Advent Calendar

Start counting down the days until it's time to celebrate by making an advent calendar. It's a fun way to get excited and it adds a nice holiday touch to your living room or kitchen. Here are some great DIY ideas. And, to make it extra special, include locally made treats like candies from Bon Bon on Bainbridge Island, Boehm's Chocolates of Poulsbo, or Amy's Decadent Chocolates in Bremerton.

If you have other holiday decor ideas that help support local businesses, let us know on our new Facebook page, Windermere Sound Living.

We hope you have a healthy, happy holiday season!