Each holiday season, I change the decor for my home and porch. Most years I choose a simple theme that uses what I already have. Because who has the time or money to go out and purchase all the latest trends?

This year I was craving the warmth and coziness of plaid. When I decorate, I blend regular items with my Christmas decor to keep things festive and fun.

To get a plaid “look” for your holiday decorating, you don’t have to go out and purchase a lot of new items. Instead, look around your home and find what you already have first, before you decide if you need anything new. Let me show you how easy it is to decorate with plaids this Christmas.

Types of Plaids…

Plaid is a classic Christmas decor pattern to use. While red plaid is the quintessential holiday color, you can certainly use shades of blue, green, and even brown plaid patterns.

Before we look at where to find plaids in your home, I wanted to share a few different plaids for you to choose from. The classic plaid patterns used during the Christmas season are often tartan plaids. Tartan plaids are based on the patterns of Scottish clans. Each clan has its own plaid pattern. That gives us a large variety of plaids to choose from.

Plaid is basically a repeating grid of varying stripes. While all tartan patterns are plaids, not all plaids are tartan plaids. Below is a list of patterns that are considered plaids.

Plaids:

• Tartan plaid (many patterns)
• Buffalo Check
• Gingham
• Houndstooth
• Tattersall
• Windowpane
• Shepard’s Check
• Madras
• Glen

As you can see, there are many options of plaid to use. Choose what you have the most to work with. Or choose the type of plaid that brings you the most joy. Also, the plaids you use don’t all have to be identical. You can mix and match these plaids in your decorating. So, be creative in choosing your plaids.

Plaid Items to Decorate with…

Fabric

Fabric items are some of the easiest plaids to find. Tablecloths, napkins, blankets, placemats, sheets, and winter scarves are just a few of the fabric items you might already have. You can certainly purchase a piece of plaid fabric as well.

Another great resource for plaid patterns is flannel shirts. Look for these at your local thrift store.

Containers

If you love to collect vintage items from the 1950s, you might have an abundance of plaid containers. Thermoses, picnic carriers, lunchboxes, ice chests, pencil boxes, metal bread boxes, and the list goes on. Even if you don’t have vintage containers, you can often find remakes of plaid items such as my cake carrier.

I have quite an assortment of plaid containers. I sourced most of my vintage containers from thrift stores and yard sales. Keep in mind that I’ve collected these slowly over the years. So if you’re just getting started gathering plaids, just keep an eye out when you’re shopping. And over time you’ll find pieces to love.

Ribbon and Bows

It’s easy to find plaid ribbon this time of year. Because it’s a more traditional holiday decoration, craft stores often have a selection of plaid ribbon for sale. The patterns change from year to year, so if you love and collect plaid like I do, you can gather a variety of plaid ribbons and bows to use.

Wrapping Paper/Craft Paper

Paper is an inexpensive way to incorporate plaid into your decor. Whether you use wrapping paper or craft paper, it’s easy to gather a variety of options.

Here are a few suggestions for how to use paper in your decorating:

• Line a cupboard or shelf with paper
• Wrap a stack of books to use for display
• Crinkle or shred plaid paper to use as filler in gift boxes
• Wrap a gift box and lid separately to use from year to year
• Decoupage a paint can with wrapping paper
• Make ornaments out of wrapping paper
• Make a paper chain out of plaid paper

Ways to Decorate with Plaids…

When decorating for the holidays, I prefer simple decor. But I like to mix it with other holiday items. Here are some easy ways to use plaid in your holiday decor.

1. Use fabric to line your display tables, porch containers, baskets, and mantel.
2. Arrange a grouping of plaid vintage thermoses.
3. Use a vintage thermos to hold real or faux greenery or branches
4. Group plaid containers together as a backdrop
5. Decorate a small tree with plaid ribbon
6. Display and use your plaid blankets
7. Make plaid pillow covers for your porch or couch
8. Line your serving trays with plaid
9. Tie a plaid ribbon around your kitchen containers for a simple update
10. Make a Tartan Plaid Bunting

When you decorate with plaids for Christmas, you can get as simple as just adding ribbons or over the top with plaid “everything.” I’m somewhere in the middle with multiple displays of plaid but not so much that it’s overwhelming. Here are my three rules for decorating my home for the holidays.

Rule 1… Start With a Clean Slate

When I decorate, I try to remove all the regular decor items rather than just add in the seasonal decor. If you combine them together, you’ll end up with too many items on display, which feels very cluttered. For every area that I’m going to decorate, I remove the current items and then dust and clean the surfaces. Once you’ve cleaned the area, add the new decor items for the season.

Some items I continue to use each season, but this is a choice I’m making to include them. For example, I use a vintage scale season after season in a display space because it adds height to my arrangements.

Rule 2… Use What You Already Have

I try to use what I have available rather than purchase a lot of new products. For the past few years, I’ve been on a decluttering journey, so I try not to buy too many new items unless I absolutely love them. Each season, I start with my seasonal decor items and then think about whether I have non-holiday items I can mix in.

When you’re using a theme such as plaid, go on a treasure hunt to see what you have available. Look in your linen closet, craft supplies stash, and stored containers to see what you already have.

Rule 3… Don’t Overdo It

Simple is always better when it comes to decorating. Begin by adding touches here and there. Tie on a ribbon or bow. Dress your couch with a plaid blanket. If you have more items, slowly add them to your decor. Move things around and adjust until you like the look. I rearranged this surface with my plaid thermos carriers several times before I settled on the current version.

Easy Ways to Decorate with Plaids…

Here are some easy ways to add plaid to your normal Christmas decor.

1. Use Plaid Containers as a Backdrop

Arrange containers on a surface as a backdrop for your displays.

2. Tuck Plaid Items Into Your Holiday Vignettes

Small touches here and there bring the charm of plaid to your decor when you don’t have a large quantity of items.

3. Line Your Tables With Plaid Fabric

Line your flat surfaces with a fabric of some type. A napkin, kitchen towel or tablecloth works great. Get creative with what you have available.

4. Tie a Plaid Bow on Your Normal Containers

A simple ribbon or bow can change the look of any display.

5. Wrap Your Gifts in Plaid

Purchase a large roll or two of plaid wrapping paper, and you’ll have decorating options for many years.

6. Use Plaid Dishware and Napkins

It’s fun to eat or drink out of plaid dishware. However, you might not want to invest in a new set of dishes. Instead, look for paper products such as plates, cups and napkins to use. Or purchase a set of dessert plates to top your regular dishware with for the holidays.

7. Cover Up With Plaid Blankets

Vintage plaid blankets are often made of wool. But some of the newer ones are soft and fuzzy. While I enjoy wool, some people can’t stand its itchiness. So, look for some of the newer blankets for that cozy factor.

8. Use Plaid Items in Creative Ways

Plaid doesn’t have to be used just to decorate your home. Consider wearing more plaid this season. Use plaid ribbons as shoelaces. Pull out your plaid shirts and jackets. Wear plaid boots. Add a plaid ribbon to your hair. For the holidays, wear a plaid scarf anytime you go out.

9. Plaid Ornaments and Garland

While you can purchase plaid ornaments and garland, it’s easy to make your own. Try these simple ideas:

For ornaments:

• Use strips of plaid fabric to wrap and glue onto styrofoam balls.
• Trace holiday cookie cutters onto plaid paper. Cut out and then outline the shape with tinsel or pipe cleaners. These also work well as gift tags. Find the directions here.
• Cover a piece of cardstock with plaid fabric. Then glue on an image from an old Christmas card or postcard, leaving a plaid edge for a frame.

For garlands:

• Tie plaid ribbons onto pinecones and attach to a real or faux garland.
• Cut plaid craft paper into strips and use to make paper chains.
• Tie plaid strips of fabric onto a twinkle light strand.

Plaid is one of my favorite holiday patterns. It is so easy to use in your holiday decorating. Start with just a few pieces and add to them over time. Whether you go all out or just invest in a roll of plaid ribbon, it’s an easy start to your holiday decorating. Decorate with plaids this year for a festive Christmas.