Holidays & Entertaining Holidays 5 Ways to Create a Serene Home This Holiday Season It's the most wonderful (and busiest!) time of the year. See how Simply host Haley Cairo finds a little peace amidst the hustle and bustle. By Lisa Milbrand Lisa Milbrand Lisa Milbrand has more than 20 years of experience as a lifestyle writer and editor, writing thousands of articles on topics that help people live better and healthier lives for Real Simple, Parents, and dozens of other top publications. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on November 5, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email The holiday season can bring lots of joy and fun—but it can also add a whole new slew of to-dos to your already busy schedule. But there are some pretty simple ways to add a little serenity back to your holiday season, from choosing softer colors for your holiday decor to adding soothing scents to help you get in the spirit. 01 of 11 Organic Dried Oranges Courtesy of Nuts.com $9.99; nuts.com Dried orange slices can help add a festive scent to your space, without relying on artificial fragrances. 02 of 11 Cinnamon Sticks (Cassia Vera AA) Courtesy of Bulkapothecary.com $7.25; bulkapothecary.com Pair fresh cinnamon sticks with the dried oranges for a more complex and warm fragrance. 03 of 11 3 Piece Wooden Snowflake Hanging Figurine Set Courtesy of Jossandmain.com $16; jossandmain.com Spray wooden ornaments with your favorite holiday scent (like evergreen, orange, or cinnamon) and place them on your tree to give your room another subtle touch of holiday fragrance. 04 of 11 Evergreen Spray Courtesy of Thecrystalgarden.com $16; thecrystalgarden.com Spritz wooden or clay ornaments with this essential oil to get that lovely evergreen scent (even if you opt for an artificial tree). 05 of 11 Shabby Chic Country Style Rustic Metal Hanging Giant Cow Bells Courtesy of Amazon $31.88; amazon.com Festive vintage-style bells can add a cheery note whenever your door opens (or attach them to the cookie jar so you know when people are diving into your holiday stash). 06 of 11 Ivory & Green Striped Christmas Stocking Courtesy of JCPenny $14.99; jcpenney.com This creamy ivory and green stocking lends a more zen vibe to your holiday decor. 07 of 11 Faux Eucalyptus Wreath Courtesy of Target $12.99; target.com Create an easy, festive touch to your dining chairs by attaching faux wreaths with a pretty piece of ribbon. 08 of 11 White Christmas Tree Flameless Candles Courtesy of Amazon $29.99; amazon.com These pretty candles add a soft, warm glow—without creating a fire hazard. 09 of 11 Plush Throw Blanket Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond $24.99; bedbathandbeyond.com Add cozy texture to your living room with a super-soft throw in a calming blush or cream shade. 10 of 11 Reindeer Holiday Icon Mug Courtesy of Molly Hatch $16; mollyhatch.com Haley elevates her warming cup of chai or other holiday cheer with a charming reindeer-themed holiday mug. 11 of 11 Golden Gilt Metal Votive Candle Holders Courtesy of Amazon $49.99; amazon.com These perforated golden votive holders add a subtle glow to your holiday decor. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit