Halloween has come and gone and we must face the fact that all thoughts have zoomed right into the holiday season. It may seem too early, and at times too warm, but it will be here before you know it. Now’s the time to start collecting gifts for family and friends – maybe even wrapping and delivering them early. It’s time for Christmas lights, trees and other festive décor to be dusted off once again.

Many say that Innsbrook is an almost magical place to celebrate the holiday season. Just imagine a gathering of loved ones, a crackling fire, the serene silence of snow gently falling through leaf-less trees to the forest floor. The moon and stars shine bright overhead, able to be adequately appreciated with the lack of city lights to drown them out.

You watch your kids and grandkids squeal with delight as their favorite holiday treats are unveiled, while behind them you spot two deer picking their way through the snow and trees.

It’s time to replace pumpkins with poinsettias and trade candy for cranberries. Do you need some inspiration? Here are some of our favorite items you can use to decorate your cabin or home for the holidays this year.

This beautiful, festive runner from Lights in the Northern Sky would perfectly welcome winter visitors to your cabin. The color blends wonderfully with the warmth of the cedar tongue and groove walls that are part of the charm of an Innsbrook chalet interior. The runner is hand-hooked and 8 feet long.

How cute is this tabletop snowman? And it’s easy to make with items you probably already plan on using. Eat off this appealing plate display then go outside and build a snowman of your own!

Dress up the banister leading up to the loft with red and green! This idea from Midwest Living can be bought or created with materials found around your property.

That’s right, not all of your holiday décor requires a purchase. There are plenty of items you can bring in from right outside your door!

Branches: Forage for some earthy branches on a crisp autumn’s eve. Real Simple shows how you can display them in a glass vase, then hang mini acorns in various spots with thread or a fishing line!

Photo by Ditte Isager

Pinecones galore! Walk around your property and collect fallen pinecones. Turn a cluster of them into a Christmas tree topper using this method described by Good Housekeeping.

Don’t forget your A-frame’s exterior when dressing it up this year. A simple string of lights outlining the ‘A’ and wrapped around a few trees or trunks is a delight to see as you drive toward your lakeside retreat.

Photo by Mike Trube

Festive décor doesn’t stop have to stop at visual appeal – you can also delight your guests with aromatic scents of the season.

Your cabin’s wood-burning fireplace and freshly baked gingerbread cookies will add an intriguing essence to your holiday mirth. You say you have a gas stove and you’re not cooking this year? No problem! There are plenty of ways to recreate these festive fragrances.

Get more inspiration for decorating your chalet for the holidays on our Pinterest board.

We’d love to see how you decorate your home or chalet for the holidays! You can share them on our Facebook page or email them to information@innsbrook-resort.com.