Christmas Decor Trends and Ideas for 2024

Every year the same words come out of my mouth: “I can’t believe the holiday decorations are up already!” Don’t get me wrong, I love to decorate, but I think COVID life took down the rules on when to get in the holiday spirit.

We still haven’t gotten on board with the fake trees, although every year I’m tempted. We just can’t quit the smell of a freshly cut tree and also the ceremony around going to a tree farm to pick out our tree for the season. Our tree each year has a different personality–we like to mix up the species of tree, fullness–all of it is a tradition we just can’t quit. Because we like to go with a fresh tree, our kids have to wait a bit longer for the tree to go up (usually after Thanksgiving). Here are some decor trends and pieces I’m loving this year.

Nature Inspired Elegance

This year, Christmas decor is taking a cue from nature, embracing a palette of earthy tones and organic textures. Brown, in particular, is trending in interiors and extends into the Holiday Palette. Think beyond traditional red and green, and incorporate warm browns, muted greens, and always subtle metallic accents. Instead of going all faux on greenery, try a mix of fresh and faux to bring the outdoors in. Natural elements like pinecones, twigs, and dried oranges (or lemons!) add a hint of color and natural charm.

Speaking of dried oranges, I made a dried orange garland last year. It was so easy and fun!

Here is what you will need:

Naval oranges (count depends on the length of your desired garland, start with 2-3)
Serrated knife
Wax paper
Cookie sheet
Scissors
Twine

How to:

Heat your oven to 200 degrees F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment/wax paper.
Slice oranges about 1/8″ thick, pat dry and place on the baking sheet.
Make sure oranges are in a single layer before placing in the oven.
Flip the oranges every hour, for a total bake time of about 3 hours or until completely dry and slightly browned.
Let the oranges cool and dry overnight.
Cut two small holes in each orange to thread the twine through.

I love how House of Jade added their orange garland in with greenery and the copper bells. It’s just rustic enough but still elegant.

Tinsel

One of the big trends in the design world for 2023 was nostalgia. Although I believe neutrals will never be out of fashion, there has been a resurgence of pattern, color, creativity, and expression in interior spaces this year. “Granny chic” or “grandmillennial” have become known terms to describe more traditional and ornate (even frilly) design elements that you might find in your grandma’s home.

Holiday decorating in 2023 is no different, as tinsel is making a big comeback this year, as well as flocked trees. Raise your hand if your grandma added tinsel to her tree for as long as you can remember 🙋‍♀️.

It turns out that tinsel dates back to the 1600s in Germany where it was hammered into thin strands out of real silver. To top it off, they also used real candles mounted on their trees to illuminate the tinsel effect. Can you imagine how beautiful (but also terrifying)?! Of course, tinsel today is no longer made from metal but plastic, but either way, this vintage look is B-A-C-K! We are seeing tinsel used in fresh and ahem classy ways, including in the homes of Shea McGee. The pairing of tinsel with a restrained color palette of nutmeg, soft gray, dusty blues, and metallics brings a sophisticated and elevated spin on retro tinsel.

And if you’re after the ultimate traditional German tinsel tree look with candles and all, these clip-on LED candles (which can also be used as window candles) are the way to go.

Touches of Velvet

Velvet is always in style, especially this time of year. Here are some ways to incorporate velvet into your holiday decor:

Hand tied velvet bows on your Christmas tree
Secure a copper bell or jingle bells to an existing wreath with velvet ribbon
Secure your new dried orange garland to greenery with velvet
Velvet ribbon for gift wrapping

Be sure to check out my Holiday Idea list on Amazon for my favorite velvet ribbons.

Image: Amelia Lawrence Style.

Be sure to check out my Holiday Idea list on Amazon for my favorite velvet ribbons.

More Nostalgia and Maximalist Magic

Did you hear me on the nostalgia and creative expression again and over? This Christmas, more is more! Embrace the maximalist trend by layering textures, colors, and patterns. Mix and match different ornaments, garlands, and lights to create a visually rich and vibrant display. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold hues and unconventional combinations. A maximalist approach allows you to showcase your personality and create a festive atmosphere that’s as unique as you are.

Bring on the tchotchkes. This year I will be tucking away our matching quilted Pottery Barn Kids stockings and opting for the quirky hand-sewn and mismatched stockings. We have never really been into monochromatic Christmas ornaments versus our collected and handmade ornaments, so I’m glad to hear the sentimental decor pieces are in fashion (although I personally wouldn’t have it any other way if they weren’t).

DIY Personalization

Nothing adds a personal touch to your holiday decor like do-it-yourself projects and handmade pieces. My Mini Makers and Bakers are always down for a craft project, and some of our most treasured decorations are things like handprint ornaments that I will keep forever.

A couple years ago, my kids and I used white air-dried clay to form clay “beads” that we strung into a garland. It is simple, beautiful, and it makes me smile.

One of my favorite places to source handmade pieces is Etsy. This year I spotted this adorable spin on an advent calendar for a steal at $12!

Within a couple of days, it went totally viral and is now available on Amazon for $26, ha! Still seems such a whimsical and fun handmade piece.

Winter Kitchen Accents

The holiday spirit doesn’t have to stop in the living room. This year I’m bringing it into the kitchen with seasonal dish towels, holiday-scented candles, and a sprinkle of pine in a small vase by the sink. If you’re hosting, think about layering in seasonal touches like vintage mugs, a hot cocoa station, or festive serving trays. Bonus points if you make your own stovetop potpourri—orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a splash of vanilla will make your home smell like Christmas in no time.

After Dark Ambiance

Once the sun sets, it’s all about soft lighting. We’ve added battery-operated fairy lights in our kids’ rooms and even tucked some into our bookshelves. I love the twinkle effect and how it brings a calm, cozy glow. If you haven’t already, try swapping some bulbs in table lamps for warmer-toned light to create that hygge feeling. Candles (LED or real) grouped together on trays also bring elegance and warmth.

Entryway Statements

Your front entry sets the tone for your holiday style. This year I’m dressing up our entry table with a small faux tree in a woven basket, layered with a mix of handmade and collected ornaments. Add a holiday-scented diffuser, a framed family Christmas photo, and a bowl of wrapped chocolates for guests. Bonus idea: hang a mini wreath on your coat hooks or wall hooks for a sweet, unexpected touch.

Family Movie Night Setup

One of our favorite traditions is Christmas movie night. We pull out the coziest blankets, wear matching pajamas (yes, even the dog), and binge-watch our holiday favorites with popcorn and hot cocoa. This year I’m adding a dedicated “movie night corner” to the living room with a festive pillow pile, twinkle lights, and a little basket of everyone’s favorite treats. Add a framed holiday movie schedule to your coffee table for a fun touch!

Tree Collar or Skirt Upgrade

If you haven’t upgraded your tree skirt (or collar) in a while, consider it! Wicker baskets, plaid skirts, or even a DIY quilted fabric base can totally transform the look of your tree. I saw someone wrap an old chunky knit sweater around the tree base last year and it looked so cozy! It’s such an underrated way to make your tree feel polished and intentional.

Kids’ Tree or Mini Playroom Tree

Let your little ones have a mini tree of their own this year. It doesn’t have to be big or expensive. A tabletop tree in their bedroom or playroom can be decorated with felt ornaments, paper chains, and candy canes. It’s also a great way to let them express their creativity without turning your main tree into a glitter bomb (although we love that too).

Deep Dive into Nostalgic Holiday Touches

If there’s one thing I keep coming back to in my decorating style year after year, it’s the feeling of nostalgia. There’s just something about unboxing ornaments from childhood, pulling out handmade decorations from years past, and replaying the same classic holiday music that feels like stepping into a warm memory. For Christmas 2024, this pull toward sentimentality is stronger than ever.

I recently came across a set of ceramic village houses—yes, the ones with the little glowing lights inside—and it immediately brought back memories of my grandparents’ mantle display. I can still remember peeking through the little windows and imagining what life inside those cozy, snowy cottages must be like. So this year, I started building our own version of a village, piece by piece. It’s not perfect, but it’s perfectly nostalgic.

If you’re looking to add more memory-lane moments to your holiday style this year, start by pulling out what you already have. Vintage ornaments, even the ones that might not match your current color scheme, tell a story. That glittery macaroni star your kindergartener made? Front and center. The wooden soldier your uncle carved? Hang it with pride. These pieces add soul and personality that store-bought trends just can’t match.

Another fun way to tap into nostalgia is to recreate traditions from your own childhood—or even your partner’s. Did you grow up with popcorn garlands, old-fashioned candy canes, or bubble lights? These retro classics are all coming back into style, and now’s the time to revive them. We tried the popcorn garland again this year and let’s just say…it’s a test in patience, but totally worth it once it’s up.

You can also bring in nostalgia through scent. Scent is so deeply tied to memory, and a few sprigs of rosemary, a batch of sugar cookies, or even an orange clove pomander can instantly transport you. One of our family’s favorite holiday crafts is making pomanders—just take an orange and press whole cloves into the skin in patterns. They look beautiful in a bowl and smell incredible.

Music is another instant memory-maker. I made a playlist this year full of old-school holiday classics—think Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, and The Carpenters. Every time I play it while decorating, it feels like being back in my childhood home, wrapping gifts at the kitchen table. If you don’t have a playlist yet, I highly recommend curating one. Or even better, bring back your old CD or record player and let the crackle of vinyl be part of the experience.

Finally, if you’re a parent, this is the perfect time to start building traditions that your own kids will carry into the future. Let them help hang those old-school ornaments. Teach them the story behind the vintage nutcracker on the shelf. Let them make a mess baking cookies or crafting ornaments. Nostalgia isn’t just about looking back—it’s about creating those moments now, so they’ll be the warm memories your children return to one day.

In a world full of digital everything and perfectly curated social media aesthetics, choosing to lean into nostalgia feels grounding and real. It’s not about perfection—it’s about connection. And that, to me, is what decorating for Christmas is all about.

What is your favorite Christmas decor trend for 2024?