Boost creativity along with family togetherness by getting your children in on the decorating action.
Children develop an understanding of the world through the senses. The changing seasons provide a great opportunity to engage them through the sights, smells, sounds, tastes and feels of fall and winter, as we decorate our homes to reflect the seasons. This year, don't resign your little ones to school crafts and jack-o'-lanterns—get them involved in decorating your home. Whether it's baking cookies, hunting for leaves or planting evergreen branches, there are plenty of opportunities for the entire family to get involved in your home's holiday decor. Here are some inspiring decoration ideas that are kid-friendly and family-approved.
1. Hang Autumn Leaf Wallpaper
Go on an outdoor trek with your children and collect bunches of colorful leaves around your yard, street or even at the park. Press them under a book overnight, then glue them to cut squares of textured paper. The result will be stunning enough to stay up year-round.
While you're out collecting leaves, grab a few extra to adorn your mantel. Twigs and leaves add a natural, whimsical element to existing fall decor and give your children a fun way to put their stamp on your home.
2. Arrange Decorative Pumpkins and Gourds
Let your kids have fun and pick out their favorite pumpkins.
Photo: Julie Ranee Photography, original photo on Houzz
These lumpy, bumpy gourds add festive fall color, and the unique textures make them fun and interesting for little kids to check out. Decorations that engage the senses are always a plus.
3. Explore the Wonder of Japanese Washi Tape
The designs are endless with this versatile tape.
Photo: Pullga, original photo on Houzz
Washi tape—decorative Japanese tape made of paper—is a great tool for kid-friendly decor. I love how this homeowner made a simple vignette with a washi tape tree on the wall. It is easy to use, is incredibly affordable, makes a big statement and comes down without a fuss. There's no need to stop at a tree with this stuff—encourage your kids to create snowflake, star and present shapes out of washi tape, too.
Encourage your children to go beyond traditional holiday colors. Give them free rein and see what creative color schemes they can create with a little low-VOC paint, some supervision and a few tree branches or blank ornaments. Who knows? They could come up with the star of your home's holiday decor.
4. Get Creative with Classic Candy Canes
Make sure to save one for a treat after you're done.
Photo: Michelle Edwards, original photo on Houzz
Some of the best holiday decor is the simplest. Give your children some candy canes (maybe one or two extra for snacking) and craft glue to turn something as simple as a white candle into a colorful holiday accent. This easy DIY project satisfies both the taste and smell sensory categories—once you light the candle, it'll give off a slight peppermint scent.
5. Pick a Bunch of Branches
Perfect for your favorite ornaments.
Photo: Planet Fur, original photo on Houzz
This decorative branch makes me think of adventure! Just imagine the fun you could have while hunting for the perfect collection of twigs or branches with your children. Add simple store-bought or homemade ornaments, or let your children paint it with kid-friendly paint.
6. Create a One-of-a-Kind Christmas Tree
No watering needed!
Photo: Julie Ranee Photography, original photo on Houzz
Spur children's creativity by encouraging them to use everyday items in unexpected ways. This holiday tree made of straw hats is a great example. I love how this clever display can be dressed down (as with the straw hats in this photo) or dressed up (by using top hats, bowlers or other fancy hats).
Written by Summer Baltzer for Houzz for Working Mother and Starling Skincare. Legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network.