Nate Berkus's approach to holiday hosting (and decorating) is surprisingly low maintenance – here's how to follow his example

Entertaining for the holidays can be fun, but it also comes with a lot of stress. That's why, this year, Nate Berkus is opting out. The famed interior designer took to Instagram to share his advice for hosting this season. As the caption on his post proclaims 'don't.' 

Aside from his low-maintenance attitude towards entertaining, the video reveals Nate Berkus and his husband Jeremiah Brent's also minimal-effort approach to holiday decor. As the video shows, low maintenance doesn't have to mean boring or un-festive.

Nate Berkus's holiday decor involves natural garlands wrapped in Christmas lights. We see the first trailing around the doorway when Nate opens the door to say: 'Happy Holidays everybody! So I wanted to share my number one tip, the one thing really that I think will make your holiday party a huge success. Come on in,' He smiles, inviting the cameras in. 

Nate walks down the stairs, revealing the second decorative garland wrapped around the railing to his stairs. He then settles down on the couch, and pulls out the remote. 'What should we watch? Lessons in Chemistry? Real Housewives? Salt Lake? Beverly Hills?,' he smiles, listing some of his favorite BravoTV shows. 

While Nate has opted not to host or decorate extensively, the simplistic approach to the holidays can still be fun and festive: Nate is enjoying his favorite shows, and the garland looks ultra-chic.

Nate Berkus

Since Nate’s first appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2002, he has become one of the world’s most recognizable interior designers. He has authored two New York Times bestselling books and stars alongside his husband, Jeremiah Brent, in HGTV's Nate & Jeremiah Home Project.

'We've seen a growing interest in minimalist Christmas decor over the past few years,' says Homes & Gardens digital editor Jennifer Ebert. 'It's a great option for busy families or professionals who don't have extended time to dedicate to decorating. Using a simple decor option like Nate's garland can also save costs associated with buying and preserving a larger volume of holiday decor.'

Jennifer Ebert

Jen is the Editor (Digital) of Homes & Gardens. Before starting this position, she had completed various interior design courses at KLC Design School, as well as working across Ideal Home, LivingEtc, 25 Beautiful Homes and Country Homes & Interiors as an interiors writer.

Jennifer continues, 'Especially if you have a mid-century modern home or minimalist decor scheme already, this type of decorating can fit in well with what you already have in your home for a stylish and complimentary look.'

If are worried you are not doing enough for the holidays, don't be, you're in good company. If Nate Berkus can enjoy the holidays without excessive decorating or hosting himself, then so can we.