Delightful decor ideas for the 12 Days of Christmas

Sarah Tolle – Homify Canada Sarah Tolle – Homify Canada
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The 12 Days of Christmas is more that just a fun (and very lengthy) holiday tune – in fact, it was created as a way for children to remember important elements of Catholic tradition by using objects to symbolize concepts and important religious figures. 

Likewise, you can create a modern adaptation of this song by decorating your home with a 12 days of Christmas scheme. While you can't bring ten maids a-milking into your living room, you can still follow a creative, numbered theme that uses repetition to create interesting displays. In this idea book, you'll find ideas for craft items or purchased items that won't cost a fortune and that are easy to duplicate – after all, you'll end up with 75 items total when all is said and done!

 Holiday visitors – and especially their children – will have fun finding the themed objects throughout the living room (in fact, some people create small scavenger hunts for the kids using a 12 days of Christmas theme). What your objects symbolize is completely up to you – have fun decorating with this seasonal theme!

​1 partridge in a pear tree

The protagonist of the hour, the partridge is a much-loved object from the song that people already include in their Christmas decor. For this one, get a small bird statue and hide it – many people place it in the branches of their tree, but you can also disguise it amongst the decor of a holiday-themed shelf like this one.

​2 turtle doves: a pair of perching pinecones

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A pair of anything will do, but this perfect pair of pinecones perching on a twig is too good to pass up. The best part? It's free, if you have a few minutes to search for it outside.

​3 French hens (or 3-headed candelabra)

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The three French hens were included in the song to symbolize faith, hope, and love. Symbolize the warmth and promise of these heart-warming elements of the holidays with a three-headed candelabra, or a two-dimensional depiction of one, like on this stylish holiday gift bag.

4 calling birds: 4 singing angels

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The four calling birds are a noisy bunch (originally symbolizing the four gospels that spread word of Christ and his life's work). You can symbolize the calling birds with anything intended to sing out -these simple paper angels are a great DIY choice.

​5 gold rings (or green ones)

Switch out the golden rings for green ones for a more down-to-Earth, natural take on this verse of the song.

​6 geese a-laying: 6 egg-like objects

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The geese a-laying were, of course, laying eggs. Find egg-shaped objects for this one – even spheres like these glowing orbs will do! You can cluster them together, or you can distribute them around the room.

​7 swans a-swimming: 7 sparkling stars

Sophie Allport Starry Night Christmas Tableware homify カントリーデザインの ダイニング 綿 赤色 アクセサリー&デコレーション

Seven elegant swans can be represented by seven sparkling stars! These silver stars from designer Sophie Allport have an additional function as candle holders for this romantic winter feast!

​8 maids a-milking (milk chocolate, that is)

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In the mood for milk chocolate? Add some edible decor to your decorating scheme with this modern and tasty take on the 8 maids a-milking verse.

​9 ladies dancing: 9 hearts

The nine ladies of the song represent all sorts of good things: Joy, Peace, Kindness, Patience, etc. Symbolize these elements with a display of hearts.

​10 lords a-leaping: 10 ornaments

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You can incorporate your usual Christmas decor into this scheme as well. Select 10 matching ornaments and designate these as your lords as they leap across your tree.

​11 pipers piping (or poppers popping?)

Sophie Allport Starry Night Christmas Decorations homify カントリーデザインの ダイニング 紙 アクセサリー&デコレーション

Not everyone can play a pipe, but every guest at your home can certainly pop a popper! Make these easy, budget-friendly crafts, and you'll have a chorus of 11 poppers popping!

​12 drummers drumming… with candlesticks

Drumsticks are one thing, but candlesticks add a more festive and lighthearted atmosphere to the room. Line them up across your dining room table for a romantic feast, or place the twelve candles side by side along the top of your mantle.

For more winter decorating ideas, have a look at this ideabook: 9 Ways to Feature your Fireplace This Winter

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