Christmas is such a magical time of year, and there’s something extra special about celebrating it in nature. The cozy feeling of being all together in the RV, with the simplicity of a home that only takes 20 minutes to clean, means more time for family and holiday joy. Plus, let’s be honest—campers look absolutely adorable all decked out for the holidays!
If you’re like me and love decorating for the season, you know the challenge of limited space. When you live in an RV or camper, every inch matters, and storage is precious. So, where do you store all your holiday decor once the season ends? The trick is to decorate with items that are compact, sustainable, and easy to store (or even compost!) when it’s time to pack up. Here are my favorite ways to keep things festive without cluttering up your home on wheels.
Miniature Christmas Tree
A Christmas tree, even a small one, brings that classic holiday magic. Since space is limited, try a tabletop tree that fits neatly on your dining table, or, if you’re parked somewhere scenic, a slim 4-foot tree outside your RV door. Decorate it with small pinecones, seashells, or even handmade garlands to keep it simple and sustainable. These natural decorations add a personal, earthy touch to your tree. Plus, using compostable or reusable items means no bulky bins or boxes to store after the season. If you’re set on adding lights, go for a set you can reuse elsewhere in the RV.
DIY Garlands
Garlands are a holiday staple, and they’re surprisingly easy to make in a way that’s eco-friendly and compact. Try crafting a garland from dried orange slices, popcorn, or even wine corks. These add a warm, rustic charm and natural fragrance. For oranges, simply slice them thin, bake at low heat until they’re dried, and string them along twine. For popcorn, you just need plain, cooled popcorn, sturdy thread, and maybe a few cranberries for extra color. And if you love a rustic look, wine corks strung with twine make a great garland for windows or to drape around your mini tree. Each of these is easy to toss in the compost or recycle after the holidays, so no storage needed!
Origami Stars
Origami stars are an easy, creative way to add holiday cheer without adding clutter. All you need is some recycled or colored paper and a quick online tutorial, and you can make a whole string of stars. These stars bring a fun, whimsical feel, and you can hang them on windows, walls, or even from the ceiling. When the season’s over, these paper stars are easy to recycle or store flat with your holiday decor. If you’re feeling extra festive, try making stars in different sizes or colors to create a fun, layered effect.
Swap Pillowcases
A quick pillowcase swap is one of the simplest ways to bring in holiday color without extra bulk. Just find holiday-themed or solid-color pillowcases to cover your existing pillows. Whether you go for traditional red and green or a cozy plaid, it’s an easy refresh that doesn’t take up space. After the holidays, the cases fold neatly with your other linens, so you’re ready to pop them on again next year without having to store anything bulky.
Multipurpose Indoor and Outdoor Lights
Nothing brings cozy warmth to a small space like a soft string of lights. Opt for small, clear fairy lights or a strand of warm white lights. Drape them around windows, weave them along your ceiling, or even string them up outside your awning for a holiday glow. When the season’s over, these lights can double as year-round decor in your RV—great as nighttime reading lights, mood lighting, or outdoor ambiance. For outdoors, we love color changing string lights that can be set to holiday colors during the season, and then whatever other colors your fancy the rest of the year (this set is what we use, and they are controlled by an app).
Miniature Wreaths
Mini wreaths made from natural materials are a classic touch that works perfectly in an RV. Make your own with materials like pine branches, eucalyptus, or rosemary—just wrap a few sprigs around floral wire, shaping it into a circle. Hang them from your cabinet doors, windows, or even on your entry door. These wreaths add a fresh, natural scent and can be composted once the season is over. You’ll enjoy the holiday aroma and avoid storing anything bulky.
Seasonal Kitchen Towels
Switching out your kitchen towels for holiday-themed ones is an easy way to add some festive flair without sacrificing space. Choose towels with subtle holiday patterns or colors that fit your style. They’re useful and bring holiday cheer to everyday routines. Once the season’s over, just wash and fold them with your regular linens. Simple, functional, and always ready for next year!
Festive Door Mat
A holiday-themed doormat is a small change that makes a big impact, welcoming you home every time you step into your RV. A coir mat with a cheerful holiday message or pattern is durable, functional, and compact. It keeps dirt out and creates an inviting entrance. When the season’s over, simply roll it up and store it with other small items—no bulky storage needed, and it’s ready for the next holiday season.
Holiday-Scented Essential Oils
Holiday scents like pine, cinnamon, and clove add a nostalgic feel to your RV without adding any visual clutter. Place a holiday simmer pot on your stove and enjoy the sweet aroma of the holidays. Scents create an instant holiday atmosphere, making your RV feel cozy and festive. Plus, they take up almost no room and can be switched out for other scents after the season.
Decorative Mason Jars
Mason jars filled with seasonal items are a compact, charming holiday decoration. Fill them with pinecones, cinnamon sticks, tiny ornaments, or fairy lights and place them on shelves or counters for an instant holiday touch. These jars are easy to change out seasonally or used as storage or even drinkware—no need to pack them away, just refresh for the next season!
Fabric Gift Bags in Solid Prints
Reusable fabric gift bags in solid colors are both stylish and sustainable. They’re perfect for wrapping gifts in a way that’s festive yet versatile enough to be used all year. Once gifts are unwrapped, fold them up flat for storage, or keep them on hand for future birthdays and celebrations. They’re easy to tuck away and make gift-giving both practical and beautiful.
Stick-On Window Decals
Stick-on window decals are a festive way to add holiday decor to your RV without taking up space. Choose holiday-themed decals for your windows or mirrors to create a cheerful, seasonal look. They’re easy to apply and remove, and when the season is over, you can store them flat with other decorations. They’re lightweight, fun, and save you from clutter.
Mini Stockings
Mini stockings are a fun, classic holiday decoration, perfect for a small space. Hang them on cabinet handles, windows, or even hooks in the bathroom for a little extra cheer. Choose a few colors or patterns that fit your style. Once the season’s over, these soft, flexible stockings fold up easily and take almost no storage space, making them a great option for small spaces. We also use them to “cushion” some delicate items in the RV when not in use.
Holiday-Themed Table Runner
A table runner in holiday colors or patterns can brighten up your dining space without any clutter. Choose a runner that complements your RV’s style and adds a warm holiday feel to your table. After the holidays, just roll it up and store it with other linens—it’s compact, easy to store, and perfect for adding a seasonal touch next year.
Holiday-Themed Garden Flag
Y’all know campers love a good garden flag and a holiday-themed garden flag is a fun, simple way to bring seasonal cheer to the outside of your RV. These flags are compact, easy to store, and can be placed in a small patch of ground or even a flower pot near your RV. Choose a festive design that matches your holiday vibe—anything from classic snowflakes to a cheerful holiday message. After the season, roll it up and store it with minimal space, making it a perfect addition to your clutter-free holiday decor. Just pop it into the ground next year to create an instant holiday welcome!
With these space conscience holiday ideas, you can make your RV feel just as festive as any home—without adding clutter. Each of these options brings warmth, joy, and a little holiday magic to your space, all while keeping things simple and practical. So have fun decorating, making memories, and soaking in the season’s coziness in your home on wheels!
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