8 items that will take the guesswork out of decorating for the holidays
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Welcome to Hook’d! Every Wednesday, we bring you insights, tips, and deals in fashion, tech, home, and more, via a rotating roster of in-the-know hosts. This week’s episode features Yahoo’s TV style correspondent Chassie Post, on-air personality and Youtuber Kennedy Johnson and TV host and beauty expert Sandra Vergara.
With the holidays upon us, this week’s focus is none other than festive home décor, and our fab hosts are taking us through quick and chic ways to leave our home feeling like it’s the most wonderful time of the year. We’re talking high-tech trees, smart home systems (cue the holiday music!), statement-making lights and beyond. Read on as they break down some of their top picks for your most stylish, savvy (read: convenient) holiday yet.
The no-assembly Christmas tree
As Sandra is quick to point out, it was only a matter of time before our Christmas trees got technical, which is why we were excited to discover Amazon has teamed up with Mr. Christmas to develop a seven-foot-tall artificial tree that can be connected to and controlled with an Echo Dot. Just hook it up and you can tell Alexa what to do.
“It’s easy to set up and there are thirteen different lighting functions. Just hook it up and you can tell Alexa what to do,” says Sandra.
Not only is this convenient when it comes to setup and turning on – and switching up – your lights with the ease of a quick command, but it also makes for easier storage. “I like the idea of not having to store all of those lights [separately] in the garage,” adds Kennedy.
The fact that it’s hands-off means less people – and especially little children – touching the tree. Did we mention they add an element of surprise and delight for visitors and holiday parties? Plus, last time we checked the corresponding Amazon Echo Dot was on sale for only $22 (originally $50).
Shop it: Mr. Christmas Alexa-Compatible Tree, $299 and Amazon Echo Dot, $22 (was $50), amazon.com
The perfect holiday backdrop
Speaking of lights, Sandra is also loving these Brightown Window Icicle String Lights, which create the perfect holiday ambiance and have the power to lift anyone’s mood with the touch of a button. “[The lights] come in 10 feet or 20 feet, and there’s a remote control so you can change the settings [from afar],” she says.
Purchase the drop-string lights up in one of four shades – Pure White, Warm White, Warm White Copper, Blue and Multicolor – and hang them up behind your living room curtain for an elevated effect. They’re also waterproof so they’re safe to use outdoors.
Shop it: Brightown Window Icicle String Lights, $17, amazon.com
Safe storage for your ornaments
You’ve spent too many years collecting and cultivating your ornaments, many of them holding sentimental value, to have them stashed haphazardly allowing them to break, which is why Chassie is obsessed with this Handy Laundry Christmas Ornament Storage Box.
“It holds 64 of your precious ornaments and it’s gonna look so nice in your closet or wherever you store them,” she says of the box, which has individual compartments and a zipper for safe keeping.
As Kennedy points out, the festive box is also standout, meaning you won’t have to go digging to find your ornament box every year. “You can’t miss that. It’s red and green and you know exactly what that is,” she adds.
Have a big tree? Opt for the version with 75 compartments for added ornament storage.
Shop it: Handy Laundry Christmas Ornament Storage Box, $14 to $20 depending on storage options, amazon.com
An unconventional DIY wreath
Next up? Chassie’s favorite DIY holiday décor item: a FloraCraft Foam Wreath adorned with Paper Mart Monarch Butterflies.
“I’m a big fan of butterflies. They are everywhere in my apartment. Everywhere you look, there’s a butterfly,” says Chassie.
Not only is this a great, year-round option for the person looking for an alternative to the traditional holiday wreath, but it’s super easy to assemble.
“You just take the foam wreath and wrap the ribbon around and then you can buy these faux butterflies on Amazon. You just take a little glue and glue them on. You can’t mess it up – the more, the merrier! Just put them on top of each other,” says Chassie.
Then wait for all of the compliments to roll in.
Shop it: FloraCraft Foam Wreath, $18; Paper Mart Monarch Butterflies, $10; Kel-Toy Satin Ribbon $10, amazon.com
Chic contact paper
Last, but certainly not least, Kennedy is currently experimenting with and enjoying this Marble Contact Paper.
“Basically, [it’s] a sticker you can put on your table or countertops like I did in my kitchen. When it’s done, you can just peel it right off!,” she says.
Chic and easy to use, as well as remove for no-fuss updates? Yes, please! Scoop it up in a range of sizes.
Shop it: Marble Contact Paper, starting at $6, amazon.com
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