Seasonal Decor and the Marketing Machine

Did you know that thrift stores always have one entire shelf area they use to display seasonal decor? 

So much seasonal decor gets donated that these shelves are usually brimming with stuff. 

It's nearing the end of October and Christmas decor has been in shops like Hobby Lobby and Walmart for weeks now. Why?

The answer is simple, seasonal decor sells. 

Go watch Instagram reels for 5 mins and count how many of the reels include pumpkin, Fall or Halloween decor and arrangements. We can't blame big business for all the hype, 'normal' everyday people perpetuate the idea that you must have seasonal decor in your home because they have become desensitized by the marketing machine and it's constant churning out of stuff we don't actually need.   

What's sad is that often what doesn't sell in thrift stores is thrown away after several weeks on the shelf. So this massive industry around seasonal decor is simply adding to landfill as buyers want to update their seasonal decor, often annually. 

How can you avoid perpetuating this viscous cycle of trash creation and over consumption?

Buy Timeless Pieces

An example of timeless decor is buying something vintage that has already shown it's ability to beat the test of time. Or buying neutral pieces that aren't focused on the latest trending colors and styles. 

Buy Quality Products

There's a common reason many vintage items become collectibles... It's because they are made well. Instead of going to the local dollar store each year for what amounts to consumables, consider if you can buy something that will last many years and be a more sustainable habit.

Buy Seasonal not Specific Trending Holiday

Buy pieces that last longer than a few weeks on display and are well made. So instead of buying Halloween specific decor buy Fall or orange decor that can be displayed for an entire season. Instead of specific Christmas decor buy winter themed decor.  

Make It

Consider whether it's possible to make decor by repurposing or reusing things that might otherwise end up in landfill.

Keep it Simple

You don't need a thousand things to give a room a seasonal vibe. Try swapping out a few simple items like these:

• Cushion covers (not the whole cushion! Look for cushion covers so that you can have seasonal sets and swap them out as needed. TIP check out crafters on Etsy)
• Throw blankets/quilts (rather than seasonal prints look for solid colors e.g. red for Christmas, mustard or orange for Fall)
• Books on display (books make great seasonal decor whether you choose books relating to the season or simply books that convey a color scheme e.g orange cover or spine in Fall)
• Bowls and bowl fillers (bowls displayed can convey your color scheme too or have bowl fillers that suit the season such as pine cones around Christmas time. Also don't buy the fillers new each year, just sprinkle them with fresh essential oils each year to ensure a more sustainable approach)
• Vases and foliage/flora (thrift stores are usually overstocked with vases, tons and tons of them! So if possible buy used, you can paint etc to upcycle as needed. Consider faux foliage/flora or finding fresh foliage and flora in your area)

My sustainable and reusable, seasonal decor examples:

About 5 years ago in our Parker, Colorado home I hung this cute wood shelf as a faux mantle and under it an adorable jute line. I then made a series of cute wool applique pieces for each season. It is one of my favorite ways to switch up the seasonal vibe in our home, I can't wait to rehang this shelf in our next home and continue the tradition!

Winter jute line display!

In Spring I hang these delightful flowers:

Spring Jute line display!

Around Easter a bunny rabbit finds his way into the mix!

Easter display

For December I have a cute array of Christmas themed applique pieces:

Winter display includes A Christmas tree, Santa, reindeer and snowman!

And for the in-between times of year I just choose a few non theme specific pieces like this mid century style star:

At the moment I am working on some seasonal cushion covers that can be used all winter long rather than just at Christmas time. A big part of my reasoning is because we are currently in the midst of a major repatriation move back to Australia where Christmas is in the summer time, so I wanted to be able to use these cushion covers during an Australian winter that happens mid year NOT around Christmas time!

So no traditional Christmas colors here and the images are more winter themed than Christmas!

Here are some ideas of things to avoid when it comes to buying seasonal decor:

• Date specific decor (Valentines, Halloween, New Years. try a color themed approach e.g. red for valentines day) 
• Figurines (one or two is okay but sooooo many of these get dated very quickly by new trends so be careful to pick timeless styles
• Wall decor - I do not change any of my wall decor seasonally, I favor timeless and non-seasonal wall decor such as family photos and mementos from our travels.
• Bulky items that take up a lot of storage space

Obviously each person is different but if you are buying seasonal decor this year please consider this question:

Is it a timeless, sustainably made, good quality item that I can use again and again?