Christmas KitchenThere are four kinds of people in this world. The first is a group called the It’s Not Even Halloween But I Still Put Up Christmas Decorations Enthusiasts (this group tends to include department stores in its ranks). The second, the Day After Halloween Means Christmas Crowd (In this group we also lump the Day After Thanksgiving Means Christmas Organization, as they use prior holidays to justify when they can begin decorating). The third is a group called Too Lazy To Take Down Christmas Troop (the group that has their decorations up year round, not due to their personal excitement for the holiday, but sheer laziness). The last group, the How Did Christmas Sneak Up On Me It’s Two Weeks Away And I Haven’t Even Started Planning Gang is the category that most people belong to. If you have procrastinated decorating for Christmas, don’t worry! We are here to help you out. Below are 5 easy tips to help you decorate your kitchen for Christmas in a jiffy.

Put Up A Cute Garland or Lights
You’ll be amazed at how quickly a well placed garland will transform your kitchen. Line the tops of your kitchen cabinets and windows with a Christmas garland or a string of lights. If you can, use both a garland and lights to make your kitchen stand out. It will look like you planned the decorations for weeks.

Utilize Neighbor Gifts
If your neighbors give you presents for the holidays, you can use them to make your kitchen look more festive. Typically, the gifts will come in cute wrappings and have festive bows. Put them on a silver (or Christmas) platter in the middle of your counter. This is another instant decoration that will make a world of a difference.

Change Your Tablecloth (Or Use One)
Put a cute Christmas tablecloth on your dining room table. It does not have to incredibly fancy, even a simple solid red or green table cloth will pull in the Christmas Spirit. Put a table runner on your counter top as well.

Pay Attention To Smells
The smell of your kitchen can say “Christmas” faster than anything else in the room. If you like to bake, make gingerbread cookies or a stove top potpourri that is full of cinnamon, vanilla, cloves, and nutmeg. If you’re not the baking type, purchase a candle and keep it burning, or use a candle warmer. Favorite flavors are Peppermint, Pine, Cinnamon, and Gingerbread.

Don’t Forget A Centerpiece
The last thing you can do to quickly get your kitchen ready for Christmas is add a centerpiece to your table. You can purchase an already made jumble, or if you’re feeling crafty, take on a centerpiece DIY project. Here are a few fun DIY ideas: put small ornaments in a glass jar tied off with a ribbon; float cranberries, pine needles and a candle in a round bowl; make gingerbread houses with your kids and put them on display; or you can spray paint pine cones silver and gold and put them in a wicker basket.