Is it just us, or does holiday decorating seem extra important this year? Blame it on the mood of 2020 (ugh), but we're more excited than ever to step outside our usual repertoire of decorating go-tos.
In case you're feeling the same burst of inspiration (or urge to go all-out), we've asked some of our favorite decorating pros which Christmas tree themes they're focusing on this year. Read on for the trendiest trees and expert tips — and then click "add to cart" to get the look.
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
Colorful Vintage
"This idea was inspired by some vintage ornaments that my grandmother passed down to me from the '50s," explains Tiffany Leigh of Tiffany Leigh Design. "I love to use white lights to set the stage, and then decorate the tree with colorful vintage ornaments that I've collected over the years — I fell in love with them as a child and have been collecting ever since! They feel appropriately nostalgic for the holiday season."
Get the Look:
It's always okay to supplement your vintage ornaments with some reproductions, especially when you're just getting your collection started. This assortment has just the right retro-inspired shapes.
How stunning would it be to do an entire tree in different glass ornaments in the same color scheme?
Leigh suggests sourcing vintage ornaments from Etsy, to add some authentic kitsch to your tree.
Get the vintage look (without the electrical hazards) with these large-bulb LEDs, which come in a variety of color options.
Jonathan Adler's perennially chic menagerie of porcelain ornaments only looks like something you spent hours hunting for at antique shops.
Undeniably over-the-top, in the absolute best way.
Evergreen Glam
"I look for pinecones, decorative rattan reindeer, and natural elements to bring this theme to life," says designer and HomeGoods Style Expert Jenny Reimold. She suggests incorporating a mix of organic and glam accents to achieve this theme — and she has a few trademark tricks, too. "A foolproof finishing touch is to stick faux individual sprigs or branches like frosted berries, holly leaves or white flocked, glittery pinecones in with the natural branches to fill in holes and to create an even fuller look. They require no wire or hooks, so they're an easy way to finalize the tree and make it picture-perfect," she advises.
Get the Look:
Yes, you can put a garland of greenery on the tree — especially when it's this glam. This snow-flocked, ornament-studded option lets you fill in sparse spots and decorate in one fell swoop.
Reimold suggests using a variety of green ornaments — from opaque pastels to transparent glass balls in bright green — to achieve her "Evergreen Glam" style. We're taking it a step further this year with lights in every shade of green, too.
Surely no tree theme with "glam" in the name is complete without a mouth-blown, handpainted German glass Champagne bottle ornament.
Sprinkle these rustic bells in a decorative bowl for a unique centerpiece, or go the DIY route and craft up some Christmas cheer in the form of a bell garland for the tree.
Fluffy, puffy, luxurious. What more could you want for your favorite fir?
"My favorite Christmas tree theme this year is a Scandinavian-inspired tree," says Jessica Harris, Production Designer at Living Spaces. "This approach to Christmas decorating stands out because of how naturally the tree is incorporated into the surrounding space. Instead of being conspicuously designated as a focal point, the tree simply adds to the space's overall look."
When it's time to decorate, Harris suggests sticking to a subdued palette of neutrals — think gray, white, and pops of black — to achieve this understated aesthetic. "The Scandinavian design takes on a minimalist approach to decorating which includes clean lines, straight edges, and a reliance on a neutral color palette with natural elements scattered in as highlights. In essence, the Scandinavian Rustic look favors functionality, instead of overcrowding a space with decorations. This quiet, clean aesthetic can be a welcome change from the over-the-top opulence that generally marks the Christmas season."
Get the Look:
Yes, you can still get that Scandi-inspired "perfectly imperfect" sparse look, even if you're not willing to commit to a live tree.
Harris foregoes the traditional tree skirt in favor of baskets, which incorporate more natural materials like jute or seagrass. Better yet, get a set — and let the smaller one hold gifts.
Luxe (faux) sherpa on one side, cozy knit on the other — we're fans of incorporating both these textures into holiday decor.
Metal lanterns can be spotted throughout the Scandinavian countries, clustered on doorsteps and outside shops in the long winter months. Bring this element inside by grouping a few at the base of your tree — just opt for artificial candles if they'll be near natural branches.
These die-cut wooden animal ornaments look so Scandi.
This style of star has a long history — and this handmade rattan version can be handed down throughout the generations. (Feeling crafty? There's also a DIY version.)
The unfinished character of natural wood makes this garland feel minimalist and ultra-appealing.