Living in an apartment with a small kitchen but still want to decorate it for Christmas?

You’ve come to the right place!

Not only do I live in an apartment with a small kitchen, but I also decorate it every single Christmas.

In fact, these 15 easy Christmas kitchen decor ideas have all been personally tried and tested by me in my own home, so you know they actually work in real small spaces.

I know there are so many similar posts out there but what makes this one different is: there are no AI images here.

Every photo you see below was taken in my home, styled & photographed by yours truly!

As someone who juggles multiple jobs, I don’t always have time for complicated DIYs or over-the-top decorating.

So I promise you this: these ideas are simple, realistic, and easy to pull off, even if you’re short on time.

Yes, many of the items are bought. But they’re affordable, especially if you shop during Black Friday sales or snag deals after Christmas (perfect for next year!).

And remember, you don’t need to buy everything at once.

I’ve built up my Christmas decor collection over the years, and I often reuse the same pieces in different ways all around my home (not just in the kitchen!)

Ready to decorate your kitchen for Christmas? Let’s dive in!

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that are at no additional cost to you. I may earn a small commission. Read the full privacy policy here.

15 Easy Christmas Kitchen Decor Ideas For Small Kitchens

1. Style your kitchen counter with a vase of Christmas greenery
2. Display nutcrackers on open shelves
3. Dress up a simple vase with a festive Christmas bow
4. Turn a Christmas napkin into framed art and lean it against your backsplash
5. Swap out everyday tableware for Christmas-themed tableware
6. Set the mood by burning a festive scented candle
7. Prop a Christmas sign on your counter or shelf
8. Update your kitchen with Christmas-themed linens such as tea towels and oven mitts
9. Add a mini Christmas tree to your kitchen countertop
10. Create a simple holiday centerpiece by arranging ceramic houses and baubles on a cake stand
11. Lay garland along kitchen shelves or cabinets
12. Decorate shelves with bottle brush trees
13. Build a small Christmas village display on open shelving
14. Mix in festive figurines like Santas, reindeer, or snowmen
15. Wrap candlestick holders, cabinet handles, or cabinet doors with Christmas bows

Style your kitchen counter with a vase of Christmas greenery

One of the easiest ways to decorate your kitchen for Christmas is by styling your kitchen counter with a vase of Christmas greenery.

All you need is a vase (any vase works – I like using a neutral vase so the green pops!) & Christmas greenery (faux or real).

If you don’t have a lot of countertop space, this works because it makes the space feel festive without taking up much room. Perfect for a minimalist Christmas!

Not sure which Christmas greenery to get? You can use real pine branches, eucalyptus, cedar, or spruce if you want the home to smell fresh and inviting.

Or, opt for faux stems if you want something low-maintenance that you can reuse yearly!

Display nutcrackers on open shelves

Displaying nutcrackers on open shelves is one of my favorite Christmas kitchen decor ideas.

If you have a small kitchen like I do, lining up a few nutcrackers on open shelves is an easy way to decorate without taking up any counter space.

Nutcrackers are such statement decor pieces that you really don’t need a lot of them.

I only styled two on my shelves, but just look at how much holiday charm they’ve added to the space!

Sometimes less really is more, especially in a small kitchen.

But, hey, if you’re in the mood to go a little extra, you can mix nutcrackers in different heights and styles to give your decor more character.

Just keep them within the same color family so everything still looks cohesive rather than cluttered!

Dress up a simple vase with a festive Christmas bow

One of the easiest Christmas kitchen decor ideas I swear by is dressing up a simple vase with a festive Christmas bow.

It takes seconds, costs almost nothing (always recycle ribbons from gifts if you don’t already!), and instantly makes your kitchen feel holiday-ready.

Plus, bows are one of six viral Christmas decor trends in 2025, so your vase will feel both timeless and modern!

Satin, velvet, and wired ribbon all work beautifully for this, especially in classic Christmas colours like red, burgundy, forest green, navy, and gold.

If you love patterns, look for plaid, gingham, tartan, stripes, snowflakes, or metallic details.

Just tie a bow around the neck of your vase (or even around a jug or jar) and voila – you’ve just decorated your small kitchen with barely any effort!

You can also add other Christmas elements like bells (like I did!), mini baubles, or faux berries.

Turn a Christmas napkin into framed art and lean it against your backsplash

One of the easiest Christmas kitchen decor ideas, especially on a budget, is turning a festive paper napkin into framed art and leaning it against your backsplash.

It’s such an affordable way to decorate your kitchen for Christmas because all you need is a pretty napkin and a frame you already own.

The best part? There are so many gorgeous designs to choose from. Think vintage Santas, winter scenes, classic plaid, and whimsical holiday illustrations!

You can easily choose one to match your Christmas theme without spending a whole ton of money.

Just like how I picked this playful Santa and reindeer design to add a little fun to my traditional Christmas decor!

Swap out everyday tableware for Christmas-themed tableware

Bring a little Christmas magic into your kitchen by swapping a few everyday tableware for holiday-themed ones.

Now, you don’t have to change everything… the last thing you want to do is add clutter to your small kitchen!

What I like to do is swap my everyday mugs for these cute Mr. & Mrs. Claus mugs.

The key is to focus on items you actually use, so your kitchen stays functional AND festive.

Don’t have Christmas-themed tableware? Don’t worry! Fill clear jars or bowls with holiday candy or seasonal snacks for a delicious yet practical piece of decor!

Planning to get a set of Christmas tableware? I highly recommend melamine dishes because they’re lightweight and easy to stack and store. Plus, melamine is durable, shatterproof, and dishwasher-safe, making it practical for everyday use during the holidays – especially if you have kids or like to entertain.

Set the mood by burning a festive-scented candle

Another simple way to decorate your kitchen for Christmas is to light a festive-scented candle.

For me, it’s not Christmas at home without a cozy holiday scent like cinnamon, pine, gingerbread, or vanilla.

Not only do scented candles smell amazing, but candle jars can also double as seasonal decor.

These days, Christmas candle jars come in all sorts of colors, shapes, and patterns.

Classic reds, forest greens, and metallics are always a safe bet, while traditional patterns like plaid and tartan add a festive touch.

Make sure to choose candle jars that complement your overall kitchen Christmas theme so they feel like part of the decor instead of just a random scented accessory!

Prop a Christmas sign on your counter or shelf

If you have kids at home, can I suggest propping a fun festive sign on your kitchen counter?

It’s truly one of my favorite easy Christmas kitchen decor ideas because it’s 100% customizable!

You can keep it simple with a classic letterboard, or design your own sign on Canva, print it, and pop it in a frame.

This is such a simple way to add character to your small kitchen because you can go with timeless quotes like “May your days be merry or bright” or something punny like “Sleigh my name, Sleigh my name.”

For something that doesn’t cost a lot of money or take up a lot of space, the options are endless!

Need inspiration for your Christmas signs? These Christmas letterboard quotes are some of the funniest I’ve ever read!

Update your kitchen with Christmas-themed linens such as tea towels and oven mitts

Updating your kitchen with Christmas-themed linens is another effortless way to decorate a small kitchen.

Swapping out everyday tea towels, oven mitts, or pot holders for festive ones immediately adds holiday cheer without taking up any extra space.

These changes are practical, so your small kitchen is still functional (and festive!) all month long.

The only tricky part is picking just one pattern when there are so many cute options to choose from!

I always keep classic plaid linens on hand, but because tea towels are so affordable, I like to mix in a few fun seasonal prints each year like poinsettias, snowflakes, or gingerbread designs.

Add a mini Christmas tree to your kitchen countertop

If you live in an apartment and have no space for a full-sized Christmas tree, placing a tabletop tree to your kitchen countertop is a great alternative.

Tabletop trees are perfect for small kitchens because they don’t take up much space, yet they make tight spaces look so festive!

Many come in black plastic pots that are too small for the tree, so I like to swap them for something cuter like a metallic pot or a woven basket.

To make the tree look fuller and more realistic, I always take the time to fluff each branch.

From there, you can leave the tree undecorated for a rustic and minimalist look, or you can decorate yours with tiny baubles and even a small bow as a topper!

Faux Christmas Tabletop Trees That Look Real

1. Mini Faux Christmas Tree in Basket Decor // 2. Spruce Christmas Artificial Tree Blue // 3. Faux Lit Cedar Berry Pine Tree // 4. Pre-Lit Faux Potted Green Tree w/ Planter // 5. Faux Lit Topiary Pine Tree // 6. Lit Faux Pine Trees in Basket // 7. Faux Lit Burlap Potted Pine Tree // 8. 3′ Norway Pre-Lit Faux Potted Tree

Create a simple holiday centerpiece by arranging ceramic houses and baubles on a cake stand

Want to create a simple holiday centerpiece for your small kitchen?

One of my go-to Christmas kitchen decor ideas is arranging ceramic houses and baubles on a cake stand.

If you don’t own any ceramic houses, you can use mini bottle brush trees, pinecones, or even tiny holiday figurines like Santas, reindeers, and snowmen.

You can also use this centerpiece for your dining table decor, making it a versatile piece that works in multiple spots.

It’s quick to assemble, takes up very little space, and you can use almost any ornaments you already have at home!

Lay garland along kitchen shelves or cabinets

Laying garland along your kitchen shelves or cabinets is one of the easiest yet most effective Christmas kitchen decor ideas.

Just don’t make the same mistake I did and purchase a flimsy garland!

If you’re going for a faux garland, choose a lush one that has life-like foliage like faux pine, cedar, or spruce. They’re lightweight, reusable, and drape beautifully against any surface.

I personally prefer starting with a plain, undecorated garland because you can style it differently every single year without needing to buy a new one.

From there, you can dress it up with mini ornaments or bows, or leave it as-is for a clean look.

One thing I always recommend adding though is fairy lights.

Once it starts getting dark, switch them on and your garland will give off the softest, warm glow in your kitchen.

It makes the whole space feel extra cozy and magical with barely any effort!

Decorate shelves with bottle brush trees

Are your kitchen shelves looking a little empty? Try decorating your shelves with bottle brush trees!

Bottle brush trees are great decor pieces for the kitchen because they’re lightweight, affordable, and compact.

Plus, they come in so many colors and sizes, which makes it easy to mix and match for a layered look.

You can cluster a few together for impact or spread them across shelves (tuck them amongst your garland to make your decor blend seamlessly!)

Build a small Christmas village display on open shelving

Building a small Christmas village display on my open shelves is something I do every year because it’s truly one of my favorite Christmas kitchen decor ideas. (I just find it so nostalgic!)

Since I love collecting little ceramic houses over the years, styling them together like a mini village is the best way for me to show them off.

This works especially well on higher shelves since they’re delicate and not exactly kid or pet-friendly (best to keep them away from curious hands and paws!)

If you can, get pre-lit houses so you can turn them on in the evening.

I promise there’s something truly magical about a warm glow twinkling in the kitchen at night!

Mix in festive figurines like Santas, reindeer, or snowmen

If you’re looking to add a bit of cheeky fun to your Christmas kitchen decor, try mixing in festive figurines like Santas, reindeer, or snowmen.

Each year, retailers release so many cute Christmas figurines – there’s always something new and fun to choose from!

Most of mine are ceramic, so they add a nice weight to my shelves and countertops.

Don’t worry, if you want something lighter or easier to move around, there are many kid-friendly figurines made from resin, wood, or fabric.

Wrap candlestick holders, cabinet handles, or cabinet doors with Christmas bows

Finally, here’s an easy Christmas kitchen decor that makes a big visual impact with very little effort!

Just tie bows onto candlestick holders, bar stools, cabinet handles, or even cabinet doors!

I love this hack because it dresses up plain cabinets and everyday items without using any tools.

All you need is fabrics like velvet, satin, plaid, or tartan and a pair of scissors!

Don’t forget to stick to a color palette that matches your kitchen. Red and green always works if you’re going for a traditional Christmas or you might want to try blue and white for a coastal Christmas!

This is also a great option for renters since the bows can be removed in seconds.

P/S: You can reuse the same ribbons year after year in different spots around the house!

Want more Christmas decorating inspiration? Click any of the links below to read the full blog post!

• 6 Christmas Decor Trends You’ll Love & Want To Copy In 2025
• How To Decorate Your Home For A Traditional Christmas
• 3 Unique Neutral Christmas Tree Ideas
• Our Minimalist Christmas Home Tour
• How To Style A Traditional Red Christmas Tablescape (Even On A Budget!)
• Whimsical Green And Gold Christmas Table Settings
• A Simple & Minimal White, Gold & Green Christmas Table Setting

The post 15 Easy Christmas Kitchen Decor Ideas For Small Kitchens appeared first on That Isle Life.

For example, have you ever wondered how some beautifully styled shelves look so effortless?

Well, after plenty of trial and error, I finally discovered how to style open shelves in the kitchen with six easy steps.

Spoiler alert – you don’t have to be creative, but it does require some effort.

Related: How To Style A TV Console In Six Easy Steps

1. Choose a color scheme

Firstly, you should think about a color scheme that makes the most sense for your kitchen.

If you have white or neutral-colored kitchen cabinets, using a neutral color palette with bright accents works.

On the contrary, if you have dark kitchen cabinets, a white color palette with metallic accents will pop.

It’s important to choose a color scheme first because it streamlines the process of selecting the final display pieces for your open shelves.

2. Be practical

Open shelves in the kitchen should always be functional.

While it’s tempting to style decorative items first, start by displaying items you use frequently like plates, bowls, and glasses.

If you have more than one open shelf, always display these everyday items on the bottom shelf for easy access.

I know many people are concerned about the dust and grease that cling to open shelves.

Well, here’s my secret – the more you use these items, the more you’ll wash them.

And if you’re constantly washing them, then you’ll get rid of any dust or grime.

3. Add meaningful decor

Here’s the thing about styling open shelves in a small kitchen like ours.

If you use too few decor pieces, your shelves will look sparse.

However, too much (unnecessary) decor will make your kitchen look cluttered.

It can be difficult to strike a balance, but a good rule of thumb is to stick to decor that brings meaning to you and your family.

You can style your favorite cookbooks or prints, handmade ceramic mugs, and trinkets from your travels.

Additionally, we love adding life to our decor by including greenery.

We especially like trailing plants like our golden pothos, which give our kitchen a little color and a whole lot of character.

Related: How To Style Coffee Table Books Like A Pro (And Which Ones To Buy!)

4. Master the art of contrast

When it comes to decorating open shelves in the kitchen, keep things interesting by arranging items of different sizes, heights, and textures next to each other.

For instance, you can mix and match your ceramic mugs next to your glasses.

Or put a tall vase next to a shorter one.

You can introduce texture by adding woven placemats, wooden chopping boards, and brass tableware.

Mastering the art of contrast in shelf styling will make your kitchen feel organic and homely.

5. Edit, edit and edit

Once you’ve completed your styling, take a step back and assess your work.

Usually, less is more.

If something doesn’t look right, you may want to consider editing your selection and re-arranging the pieces until you’re satisfied.

Remember, it’s your kitchen, so nothing else matters as long as you’re happy with it.

Related: 5 Classic Kitchen Backsplash Ideas To Try Right Now

6. Enjoy your beautifully styled open shelves!

… And do it again after six months!

Seriously, that’s the beauty of open shelves.

You can either start from scratch or do as we do and update your favorite pieces every once in a while.

Life’s too short to stick to one look!

What is your favorite way to style open shelves in the kitchen?

Still not sure if open shelving is a good idea? This may convince you to change your mind.

The post How To Style Open Shelves In The Kitchen In 6 Easy Steps appeared first on That Isle Life.