The Christmas Tree Decor Trends Designers Are Seeing Everywhere This Year
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.
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:
1. Kurt Adler Early Years Glass Ornament Assortment, $35
Amazon
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.
2. Granny's Box Assorted Pale Pink Vintage Glass Ornaments, from $35
Etsy
How stunning would it be to do an entire tree in different glass ornaments in the same color scheme?
3. Fleur Elise Kitsch 1970s Ornaments, $20
Etsy
Leigh suggests sourcing vintage ornaments from Etsy, to add some authentic kitsch to your tree.
4. Philips 50ct Christmas LED C3 Warm White, $8
Target
Get the vintage look (without the electrical hazards) with these large-bulb LEDs, which come in a variety of color options.
5. Jonathan Adler Porcelain Women's Peace Hand Ornament, $18
Amazon
Jonathan Adler's perennially chic menagerie of porcelain ornaments only looks like something you spent hours hunting for at antique shops.
6. MoMA Royal Swan Globe Ornament, $50
MoMA Design Store
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:
1. Luxe Habitat 9ft Garland with Ornaments and Snow, $30
TJ Maxx
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.
2. Stargazer Garden Lights Color Story Bulbs (set of 7), $22
Terrain
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.
3. Flotsam + Fork Champagne German Blown Glass Ornament, $30
Flotsam + Fork
Surely no tree theme with "glam" in the name is complete without a mouth-blown, handpainted German glass Champagne bottle ornament.
4. Sumind Rustic Metal Bells, $17.99
Amazon
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.
5. CB2 Puff White Pom Pom Garland, $25
CB2
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:
1. Terrain Pre-Lit Faux Big + Bright Noble Fir, $398
Terrain
Yes, you can still get that Scandi-inspired "perfectly imperfect" sparse look, even if you're not willing to commit to a live tree.
2. Living Spaces Seagrass Baskets (set of 2), $60
Living Spaces
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.
3. Aspen Tessa Knit & Sherpa Tree Skirt, $40
TJ Maxx
Luxe (faux) sherpa on one side, cozy knit on the other — we're fans of incorporating both these textures into holiday decor.
4. Living Spaces Metal Glass Candle Lantern, $54
Living Spaces
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.
5. World Market Nordic Animal Ornaments (set of 2), $20
World Market
These die-cut wooden animal ornaments look so Scandi.
6. VietGather Rattan Swedish Advent Star Topper, $26
Etsy
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.)
7. Shades of Light 6' Round Wooden Bead Garland, $28
Shades of Light
The unfinished character of natural wood makes this garland feel minimalist and ultra-appealing.