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66 Christmas Decoration Ideas to Fill Your Home with Holiday Cheer

These festive Christmas decoration ideas run that gamut from sophisticated to cozy to unexpected.

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Couple decorating for christmas smiling
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Fill your home with warmth and light this holiday season

Inspiration for Christmas decoration ideas, whether they’re store-bought or handmade, can come from just about anywhere—think nature, your favorite city, or a beloved Christmas movie. Ready to make your homes as cozy, festive, and personal as possible? Start with these outdoor Christmas decoration ideas, unique ways to wrap and display Christmas gifts, and original Christmas tree ideas. We have plenty of new, fresh takes on Christmas decoration ideas to inspire you.

And what is Christmas without getting the family involved and creating some DIY Christmas decorations or DIY Christmas ornaments? Gather everyone around the table for some wreath-making or gingerbread house decorating. We’ve got dozens of Christmas decoration ideas to make your home festive, fun, and full of this holiday season.

Stylish christmas wreath, white wooden sleigh and ice skate at front of store at holiday market in city street. Christmas street decor.
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Sleigh the stoop

A charming Christmas wreath next to a rustic wooden sled that makes your front door or steps pop is the perfect way to welcome guests. You can make it even more special with a seasonal message or your family name. Grab a can of paint, or purchase an already personalized sled.

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snowflakes in display window
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Dust your windows with snow

Nothing sets the tone for winter more than snow, and there’s no better way to decorate than with kids’ Christmas crafts. Whether you hang their cheery paper snowflakes individually or string them together to make a snow curtain in your window, they’ll add a crisp chill to the air no matter where you live.

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Christmas socks hanging on a fireplace
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Coordinate your stockings

Liven up your mantel by hanging stockings that match the rest of your decor—it’s OK if they’re not a matching set, in fact, patterns in coordinating colors are even more fun. Personalized stockings work well, or you can make your own without a sewing machine. Grab some fabric, scissors, and your trusty glue gun and you’ll have a whole new look in no time.

christmas ornaments hanging over dining table
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Hang ornaments in unexpected places

Ornaments are usually saved for the Christmas tree, but have you ever thought about using ornaments in unusual ways? Create a hanging centerpiece over your table, hang them in your windows, or fill a glass vase with colorful globe ornaments.

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Winter festive still life scene. Burning candle decorated by wooden stars, hazelnuts and pine cones standing near window on wooden cut board. Glittering Christmas lights. Fir branch on wool plaid.
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Welcome the great outdoors in

Turn your delicious-smelling candle into a visual stunner that would be gorgeous on any table (or in the bathroom, bedroom, or living room, for that matter) by adding some elements of nature to it. Some perfectly placed pinecones, fir tree sprays, or winter berries turn a generic candle into a thing of beauty.

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New Year and Christmas. Festive kitchen in Christmas decorations. Candles, spruce branches, wooden stands, table laying.
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Light up your kitchen

We all know that at parties, everyone usually ends up in the kitchen at some point. The food, the warmth, the smells, it’s just the center of the action, so you might as well make it as festive as your living room. String some lights around your cabinets, your light fixtures, or the top of your fridge to give the room an extra warm glow. (Just be sure you can still open and close any cabinets and doors to avoid any accidents.)

Shop Fairy String Lights

gingerbread house and christmas decoration on window sill
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Customize a gingerbread house

What is Christmas without a gingerbread house to decorate? This year, kick your construction skills up a notch and create a gingerbread city. With a gingerbread house cookie cutter kit, you can customize the shape and size of your house, or make more several so everyone in the family can decorate their own.

Shop Gingerbread House Cookie Cutter Kit

Oh, and check out the winners of America’s largest gingerbread house competition for some inspiration.

Beautiful red amaryllis flowers and Christmas decor on wooden table
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Add a pop of red

Red is a traditional color for the holidays, but there’s no reason you can’t find new and unique ways of utilizing the color. Swap out poinsettias for red amaryllis (shown) to create a centerpiece out of a vase of flowers surrounded by red globe ornaments, and candles.

Shop Fake Amaryllis Flowers

Mantelpiece with Christmas decor
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Make a magical mantel

Mantels are often the focal point of the holidays: It’s where we hang our stockings and leave cookies for the big man. Take your mantel back to nature by foraging for pinecones, sprays of pine, and acorns, and add some cinnamon sticks, driftwood, or holly to turn your hearth into a homey, rustic refuge.

romantic dinner table set up for two at home
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Add drama to your table with candles

A dinner can turn into a dramatic event if the scene is just right. Add some beauty to your table with some tapers of graduated heights, it will draw the eye in and create a whole mood.

Blue and silver Christmas interior room
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Have a blue Christmas

Swap the traditional red and green for a sophisticated palette of bold with blue? Add some cool tones to your decor with a new tree skirt, ornaments, or a table runner that sparkles and shines like the sea.

Shop Blue Christmas Ball Ornaments

Holiday Savings Jar Filled with Coins and Christmas Ribbon and Bow
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Give back

Donating money to charities like the Salvation Army has long been associated with Christmas, so giving back can be a natural part of your home’s holiday theme (or even your Christmas party theme) this year. Collect your loose change in festive Mason jars before heading out to drop your money in Santa’s bucket this year.

cozy interior of modern home living room decorated christmas
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Keep it cozy

At Christmas, more is definitely more, so don’t stop decorating at your tree. A star twig wreath, garland-covered floating shelves, and a gingerbread house on your coffee table create a warm and cozy feel throughout your living room.

Home interior decorated for winter holidays
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Throw on a new blanket

There are two kinds of people in the world: those who own seasonal blankets and pillows, and those who do not. And nothing will spread cozy, hygge-filled cheer like a beautiful, functional blanket that serves as a beautiful decoration to boot.

Shop Plaid Throw Blanket

living room with Christmas decorations and lights
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Put the reindeer centerstage

These delicate reindeer pair with a pastel color scheme for a calm, yet sophisticated vibe.

pineapple decorated for christmas
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Take it to the tropics

Throwing a Christmas luau? Give your home a tropical holiday theme by creating a centerpiece from fruit like pineapple, dragon fruit, or lychee wrapped in string lights and ball ornaments.

Angels with horns at the rockefellar plaza Christmas tree in new york, NY
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Enjoy Christmas in the Big Apple

Even if you’re not in New York. These adorable ornaments featuring some of the most iconic aspects of the Big Apple, from yellow cabs to the classic pizza slice, are the perfect adornment for anyone who loves the city.

Shop Christmas in NYC Ornaments

Christmas table setting with pine tree branches and decorations top view
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Fold napkins festively

Turn your tablescape into a wintry forest with these adorable napkins folded to resemble Christmas trees with a twig of spruce tucked in.

wine bottles with fairy lights decorated for christmas
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Upcycle your old wine bottles

Instead of pitching that empty bottle of Merlot, create a glowing, gorgeous window display by adding some twinkly fairy lights to it. After rinsing it out, fill bottles from inside, or wrap lights around the outside of a few bottles to create a dramatic but inexpensive scene.

White and brown Christmas table decorations with eucalyptus leaves
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Fashion a white Christmas tablescape

Create a winter wonderland on your dinner table with white decor, such as bottle brush trees or globe ornaments. Scatter in some eucalyptus leaves for a calming contrast, too; their fragrant, flat leaves pack a two-for-one punch, adding some visual interest to your table while also making your house smell amazing.

Shop West Elm White Rope Ball Ornaments

Bottle Brush Christmas Trees
via food52.com

Bust out the bottle brush trees

Bottle brushes Christmas trees were first popularized in the early 20th Century, and their popularity is on the rise again. Give your mantel or tablescape a pop of color with a set of bottle brush trees in different heights and widths for a jolly holiday.

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Christmas decoration with three nutcrackers, Christmas baubles and nuts
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Get nutty with the nutcrackers

Thanks to The Nutcracker Ballet, traditional wooden soldier nutcrackers are synonymous with the holidays. A set of three in varying heights stands guard on the lookout for the Rat King.

yarn christmas tree decoration on dining table
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Twirl yourself a yarn Christmas tree

Choose the yarn of your choice, wind it around a cone, secure the ends, and boom, you’ve got yourself the start of a yarn pine forest perfect for the dining table, window sill, or as part of your wintry model train display.

mason jar christmas decorations
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Mix it up with Mason jars

Everyone has spare jars around, whether it’s a Mason jar or just a used-up jelly jar. Turn yours into a twinkly display with some lights, an ornament or bottle brush, or any other festive trinkets you can think of!

christmas mantel decorations
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Spruce up your mantel

Maybe you don’t have space for a full-sized tree, or maybe you just want to add some pine-spiration to other rooms in your house. Grab some pine branches and mini lights and make yourself a portable, adorable arrangement that looks every bit as great as a whole tree.

Shop Artificial Pine Branches

Christmas present and string
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Craft potato-stamp wrapping paper

Potato stamps are an easy way for even the littlest hands to get in on the holiday decorating. Use a cookie cutter to cut the desired shape out of a potato and get to decorating your own homemade wrapping paper.

christmas tree branch decoration in dining room
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Branch out

A swag of pine or a sturdy tree branch can turn into a pretty hanging centerpiece over your table if you add a few simple decorations, like oversize glass ornaments, a string of lights, or even some tinsel.

Get the Tutorial

christmas wreaths hanging on wall in house
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Design a wreath wall

If you have a bare patch of wall, go for a maximalist look by arranging several wreaths of varying sizes to cover the space. Coordinate them all with some bows and baubles to tie the whole look together.

Gingerbread christmas cookie tree on white wooden surface
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Decorate a cookie tree

Why just bake cookies when you can bake a cookie tree? Make a stunning 3-D display of your goodies with some creative stacking and then let your family chip away at it until there’s nothing left but the stump.

cozy living room during christmas time
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Embrace a minimalist vibe

If all-out holiday decorating isn’t your style, a few strands of twinkle lights and oversize lanterns filled with pillar candles are enough to warm up even the most sophisticated of spaces.

Shop Lanterns

christmas message board in room for holiday decorations
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Write a Christmas message

Whether you’re counting down the days till Christmas, welcoming friends over, or just want to say hi, these customizable message boards can be mounted pretty much anywhere you want to share some jolly Christmas spirit.

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Festive Snow Globe
via westelm.com

Shake things up with a festive snow globe

Snow globes may seem like a ubiquitous gift shop novelty, but when you think about it, they’re the perfect Christmas decoration, mesmerizing adults and kids alike. This sleek gold and white version will match any holiday color scheme.

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decorated Pink Christmas tree in home
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Think pink

A pink tree can feel like a breath of candy-scented fresh air in a season of red and green. Decorate it with shimmering ornaments in hues of champagne and blush to lean into the look.

Shop Pink Christmas Tree

Woman hanging up Holiday cards for decoration
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Hang up those Christmas cards

Displaying holiday cards from friends and family is a classic tradition, but it can create clutter if you have limited surface area. Hanging cards by the mantel or on the wall is a space-saving and beautiful way to show off all the mail you’ve gotten.

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clove orange pomander balls
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Squeeze some cheer out of oranges

Did you know that oranges with cloves stuck in them are actually called pomander balls? Think of them as nature’s incense, a beautiful holiday decoration that also releases a fragrant, delicious aroma in your home. Play with patterns to create an assortment of pomander balls for every room in your home.

DIY Christmas advent calendar hanging from driftwood
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Light up your advent calendar

Count down the days till Christmas with this rustic DIY advent calendar. Clip numbered burlap bags with a tiny treat inside each to twine hanging from a mounted piece of driftwood.

Illuminated Christmas Tree with ornaments
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Make a wall tree out of ornaments

The great debate is usually real tree or artificial? But how about no tree at all? Use your wall as the tree this year, arranging your ornaments using temporary, removable hooks for a unique, minimalist approach.

Christmas Porch Sign Decoration
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Bring some cheer out to the porch

Every house has its own decorating style: there are those who blow up the inflatables, and there are those that keep things subdued with a simple wreath here and there. If you fall somewhere in between, try out this rustic “Merry Christmas” sign that got vintage appeal, and can be dressed up or down depending on how bold you want your outdoor decor to be.

Shop Wooden Christmas Porch Sign

DIY an advent calendar

There’s no better way to prep for Christmas than with an advent calendar, and you can make yours extra special this year by creating your own. Use brown paper bags or upcycle your old jars, cans, or other containers to present your daily treats.

Get the Tutorial

Hang a pom-pom wreath

A pom-pom wreath adds a pop of charm to any room, and it stores well for use year after year.

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Set the mood with wood tea light holders

These wooden tea light holders are a festive way to label your place settings for your holiday feast. Rustic and chic, they scream winter wonderland.

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Makeover Scrabble tiles

These adorable crafts make great ornaments or gift tags. Just hot glue some Scrabble tiles onto a decorative ribbon and add some jingle bells.

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Close-Up Of Christmas candle with decorations on table
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Shine a light on pretty petals

Turn your homemade candles into a centerpiece by adding some flower petals, herbs, or spices into the melted wax as you pour them.

birch log votive holder for christmas decoration
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Build a birch log votive holder

There’s something about papery, white birch bark that evokes the chill of winter. Why not

Warm up a wintry birch log by drilling in holes for small votives or tealights—we recommend using battery-operated ones. These birch logs are simple and clean and make a striking holiday centerpiece.

Shop Battery-Operated Tealights

Christmas Crackers
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Ring in the season with Christmas crackers

Christmas crackers are a tradition for many, and these festive, bright poppers are a fun addition to your table this year. Add a place card to them so everyone at the table will get a crack at them. Looking for inspiration? Check out these cute printable Christmas cards.

Shop Christmas Crackers

DIY angel made with medical mask
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Craft a mask angel

If there’s one item many of us still have an abundance of this year, it’s spare surgical masks. Make a clever Christmas ornament that screams “Pandemic Christmas!” by turning unused masks into angels.

Wrap with Washi tape

Washi tape is a wonderful way to decorate simply wrapped gifts with a pop of color. It comes in hundreds of colors and patterns and is sure to make a splash under the tree.

Shop Christmas Washi Tape

Little child holding a Christmas tree made with painted cardboard rolls and accessories
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Upcycle toilet paper rolls

This is another project that’s perfect for small kids: The toilet paper roll Christmas tree. It’s easy, virtually unbreakable, and there’s no wrong way to decorate it.

Decorate your tree with cinnamon sticks

Cinnamon sticks may just be the underrated hero of Christmas. You can use them in your cider, in potpourri, and even turn them into ornaments. Break out the glue gun and add some buttons, jingle bells, and googly eyes to create these tiny trees and adorable reindeer.

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Macrame Display Ring
via anthropologie.com

Step back into the 70s

Clip your Christmas cards onto this macramé display ring, and, eventually, as you fill it in, it will turn into a clever little wreath of its own.

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Artificial Snow Blanket
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Bring the snow indoors

Create a whimsical, snowy village by your window, or add a coating of snow under your tree. With this versatile snow cover blanket, you can bring the outdoors in and give any room the look of freshly fallen snow.

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Christmas Light Projector
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Create a Christmas light show

Make your neighbors ooh and ahh with an ever-changing cycle of projections on your house with this Christmas-themed light projector that features over 50 different images and effects.

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Modge podge glitter ornaments

Turn your plain old ornaments into ones that shine. All you need is a bit of glue and some glitter.

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christmas decorations on home balcony
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Decorate your balcony

Apartment dwellers, this one’s for you. Decorate your balcony with some weather-proof lights, garland, and oversize ornaments and bells, for a cheery look you and your neighbors can enjoy.

Create a Christmas shadowbox

Have some leftover ornaments lying around that couldn’t fit on the tree? Try making a Christmas shadowbox to brighten up a corner of your house that may need a bit more cheer.

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Artificial gold Christmas Tree
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Go for a gold tree

This year, make your tree glow with gold. Monochromatic trees add a sleek look to your home and all you need is a few shimmery, gold ornaments to make it happen.

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Colorful Mantle Garland
via anthropologie.com

Add a colorful garland

This fair trade wool felt garland is made for wrapping around your tree, above a door frame, or even on the dining table.

Shop Wool Garland

Plaid Table Plates Set
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Set a pretty in plaid table

Use festive placemats or chargers to add some color to your dining table. These plaid chargers stand out for their bright color and bold pattern.

Shop Highland Plaid Chargers

Bedeck your trees with whimsy

These wooden lanterns look delightful when strewn from pine trees or grouped around your front door. The battery-operated lanterns have color-changing LED lights that are remote-controlled.

Shop Christmas Lanterns

Santa Door Mat
via amazon.com

Welcome your guests with a Santa doormat

Swap out your usual doormat with this delightful Santa face that’s not just festive, but it’s made out of sustainable coconut coir to boot.

Shop Santa Doormat

Try out an aluminum tree and color wheel

Once upon a time when aluminum trees became popular, people would use colorful fan-like lights to cast a rainbow glow on them. If you want to try something similar grab yourself a Christmas tree color wheel to add some ambiance to your home.

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Christmas Throw Pillows
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Swap in some holiday pillows

Give your couch some love when it comes to holiday decor! Swap out your everyday throw pillows for festive ones.

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Christmas Puppies Puzzle
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Piece together a holiday puzzle

Gather the family ’round to have some fun together assembling this adorable holiday puzzle, and when you’re done, you can keep the whole thing on display for the rest of the season!

Shop Jigsaw Puzzle

Light Up Garland Arch
via westelm.com

Add an arch

These arch tree lights can be used indoors or outdoors to add major drama to any entryway. Add some ornaments or ribbon, or leave them unadorned.

Shop Arch Tree Lights

Faux Red Berries
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Have a berry Christmas

A spray of red berries looks modern set in a sleek, minimalist white or gold vase or sprinkled across the dining table for a splash of color.

Shop Faux Red Berry Branches

Snowman Stocking Holding
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Set the scene with snowmen

Instead of hanging your stockings with a nail or regular hook, add some fun with some whimsical stocking hooks. These enamel snowmen get the job done while adding loads of charm to your mantel.

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Liz Kocan
Liz is an entertainment, lifestyle and culture journalist with more than 20 years of experience. A former senior editorial director at VH1.com, she has interviewed celebrities, created web series, reviewed TV shows and movies, and created countless guides to help readers decide what to watch in their precious free time. Her byline appears in USA Today, Vulture, VH1, Decider, Reviewed.com, Mommyish and SheKnows. Whether writing recaps of prestige shows like The Gilded Age or lower-brow fare like And Just Like That..., or creating guides to free streaming platforms, her extensive TV-watching as a kid has really paid off. In addition to TV, Liz's interests include breakfast burritos, regular burritos and the Oxford comma.