What the McGee & Co’s Holiday Collection Is Telling Us About Christmas 2025 Design Trends

As the holiday season of 2025 approaches, interior design enthusiasts and festive decorators alike are eagerly anticipating the trends that will define the aesthetic of Christmas celebrations. Among the most influential voices in home decor, Shea McGee and her brand, McGee & Co., consistently set the tone for sophisticated yet approachable design. This year, the focus is on a captivating blend of timeless elegance, personalized touches, and a dash of unexpected whimsy, ensuring every home can capture the spirit of the season in a unique and stylish way.

From cozy Nordic minimalism to playful mushroom motifs, the overarching theme for Holiday 2025 is the artful layering of textures, the harmonious mixing of eras, and the celebration of individual traditions. McGee & Co.’s upcoming holiday collection, slated for a September 23, 2025, release, promises to be a masterclass in understated glamor, offering pieces that are both chic and enduring. So after poring through the earliest holiday collections shaping Christmas 2025 decor, with a special emphasis on McGee & Co.’s contributions, let’s talk about how to integrate these looks into your own festive sanctuary.

Shea McGee’s Signature Touches: Twists, Tiny Wreaths & Tassels

Shea McGee’s influence on holiday decor is undeniable, and her upcoming McGee & Co. holiday collection for 2025 introduces several signature elements that embody her aesthetic of refined simplicity and subtle luxury. These trends are not merely fleeting fads but rather thoughtful additions designed to elevate classic Christmas decor with a contemporary twist.

The Allure of Twists

One of the standout elements from Shea McGee’s collection is the incorporation of ‘twists.’ These braided metallic accents are versatile and can be integrated into various aspects of holiday styling. Imagine delicate twisted metallic ribbons adorning a festive tablescape, serving as elegant napkin rings, or even framing cherished holiday photographs. The beauty of these twisted elements lies in their ability to add a touch of understated glamor and visual interest without overwhelming the overall design. They provide a subtle shimmer and a tactile quality that enhances the sensory experience of the holiday season.

The Charm of Tiny Wreaths

Another delightful detail from McGee & Co. is the emphasis on ‘tiny wreaths.’ Moving beyond traditional large door wreaths, these miniature versions offer endless possibilities for creative application. They can be used to adorn the backs of dining chairs, adding a festive touch to holiday meals, or even serve as charming place card holders, personalizing each guest’s experience. These small wreaths bring a sense of intimacy and handcrafted charm, reinforcing the idea that thoughtful details can make a significant impact on the overall ambiance of a space.

The Elegance of Tassels

Vintage-style tassel details are also making a prominent appearance in Shea McGee’s 2025 collection.  These elegant embellishments are found on a variety of items, including ornaments, lamps, and other decorative accents. Tassels give a sense of old-world charm and sophistication, adding a soft, luxurious texture to holiday arrangements. Their presence suggests a curated, collected aesthetic, where each piece tells a story and contributes to a rich, layered decor scheme. The subtle movement of tassels also adds a dynamic element, bringing a sense of life and warmth to static displays.

These three elements—twists, tiny wreaths, and tassels—collectively represent Shea McGee’s approach to holiday decor: a blend of classic motifs with fresh, refined details that create a truly timeless and inviting atmosphere.

Shop Tip

For those eager to incorporate these chic and timeless pieces into their 2025 holiday decor, I recommend bookmarking McGee & Co.’s website as the full collection usually launches in late September. Early access is key to acquiring these sought-after items that tend to sell out quickly!

 

Onto some other trends I am seeing from various retailers…

The Richness of Jewel-Tone Velvet

Velvet, with its inherent luxurious feel and deep, captivating hues, is set to be a prominent material in Christmas 2025 decor, particularly in rich jewel tones. This trend emphasizes tactile richness and visual depth, instantly elevating the sophistication of any holiday setting. The provided content specifically highlights forest-green velvet as a key color, suggesting a connection to nature and a classic Christmas palette, but with an added layer of luxury.  Be sure to check out our Amazon storefront Holiday section where you can a bunch of great holiday decor products including ribbon for decoration and wrapping presents!

Forest-Green Velvet Ornaments

Among the most striking examples of this trend are forest-green velvet glass ornament sets. These ornaments, often accented with gold, are designed to impart a sense of high-end design without the prohibitive cost. The deep green provides a rich backdrop, while the velvet texture adds a soft, inviting quality that contrasts beautifully with the sparkle of traditional Christmas lights. Similarly, individual forest-green velvet bauble ornaments offer a budget-friendly way to introduce this texture and drama to a Christmas tree, instantly enhancing its mood and visual appeal.

Velvet Bow Clip-On Ornaments

Further reinforcing the velvet trend are velvet bow clip-on ornaments. These versatile pieces, noted for their affordability, can be easily integrated into various decorative schemes. They can adorn tree branches, wreaths, garlands, or even be used as elegant accents on gift wrapping. The bows add a touch of classic charm and a soft, inviting texture, making them a simple yet effective way to infuse a sense of luxury and warmth into your holiday decor. The tactile quality of velvet encourages interaction and creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere, making it a perfect choice for the festive season.

I love this set of six from West Elm for $28! 

Affordable Luxe: High-End Vibes on a Budget

One of the most appealing aspects of the 2025 Christmas decor trends is the emphasis on achieving a high-end aesthetic without a hefty price tag!  Who doesn’t love that? This trend, dubbed “affordable luxe,” focuses on smart shopping and discerning choices that deliver significant visual impact for under $40. 

Key Elements of Affordable Luxe

Several specific items are highlighted as trending hard in the affordable luxe category:

• Crystal-look ornament sets: These ornaments mimic the sparkle and elegance of genuine crystal, adding a touch of glamour and refinement to any Christmas tree. Their reflective surfaces catch and refract light, creating a dazzling display that belies their modest cost.
• Faux-fur tree skirts: A faux-fur tree skirt instantly elevates the base of a Christmas tree, adding a layer of warmth, texture, and luxury. The soft, plush material creates a cozy and inviting foundation for gifts and ornaments, contributing to a more polished and cohesive look.  Okay this one from Home Depot is technically over $40, ringing in at $48 but still a great value and look for the season!  This one around $20 is a great option too!
• Metallic candlesticks: Metallic accents, particularly in gold, silver, or bronze, are perennial favorites for holiday decor due to their inherent festive glow. Metallic candlesticks, whether holding traditional taper candles or LED alternatives, add height, shimmer, and a touch of classic elegance to mantels, dining tables, or sideboards. Love these!

Retailers for Budget-Friendly Luxury

To successfully embrace the affordable luxe trend, consumers are advised to explore specific retailers known for their seasonal collections that offer both style and value. The recommended stores include:

• Anthropologie: Known for its unique and artistic home decor, Anthropologie often features distinctive holiday pieces that can add a touch of bohemian luxury.
• Target: A go-to for accessible and stylish home goods, Target’s holiday collections frequently include on-trend items at competitive price points.
• Michaels: Michaels is an excellent source for both finished decor items and supplies for DIY projects, allowing for personalized touches that can also be budget-friendly.
• Etsy: This online marketplace is a treasure trove for handmade and vintage items, offering unique finds that can contribute to a high-end, curated look without breaking the bank.

Vintage Nostalgia with a Modern Twist

The nostalgia trend that has been gaining popularity in design the past couple of years continues into Christmas 2025 with a heartwarming blend of the past and the present. Think cozy, old-fashioned atmospheres that still feel fresh and relevant. The key lies in thoughtfully combining retro-inspired elements with contemporary accents.

Embracing Retro-Inspired Flair

The essence of this trend is captured by incorporating classic holiday decor items that evoke a sense of childhood wonder and cherished memories. These include:

• Bubble lights: These iconic lights, with their mesmerizing bubbling effect, instantly transport one back to Christmases past, offering a whimsical and nostalgic glow. Did you have these lights on your childhood Christmas tree too?  I just ordered three sets of these that look just like the ones we used on our tree.  
• Ceramic ornaments: Hand-painted ceramic ornaments, often featuring classic holiday motifs, add a touch of artisanal charm and a sense of heirloom quality to the tree.
• Nutcrackers: Traditional nutcrackers, with their intricate details and vibrant colors, serve as both decorative figures and symbols of holiday tradition.
• Vintage string lights: The warm, soft glow of vintage-style string lights creates an inviting and cozy ambiance, distinct from the brighter, more modern LED lights.

The Art of Mixing Eras

The key to mixing eras is simply a strategic blend of authentic vintage with modern LED accents This fusion gives of that nostalgic charm and contemporary functionality. For instance, pairing antique glass ornaments with energy-saving LED string lights will give you a layered and visually interesting display that feels both timeless and current.

Where to Discover Vintage Treasures

For those seeking to curate a collection of vintage-inspired holiday decor, several retail avenues are recommended:

• HomeGoods: Known for its ever-changing inventory of unique home decor, HomeGoods often carries items that evoke a vintage feel.
• World Market: This retailer offers a diverse range of global-inspired decor, including pieces that can contribute to a nostalgic and eclectic Christmas theme.
• Thrift shops: For authentic vintage finds, local thrift shops and antique stores are invaluable resources. These establishments can yield truly unique and character-filled pieces that add a personal touch to holiday decor.

Whimsical Mushrooms & Country Charm

Seriously though, what’s with the mushrooms?  I don’t know either, but I don’t hate it! 

In a delightful departure from purely traditional holiday motifs, the Christmas 2025 decor trends embrace a sense of playful whimsy and rustic charm, with mushroom motifs and “Country Christmas” vibes taking center stage. This trend offers a refreshing and imaginative approach to festive decorating, inviting a touch of the enchanted forest into the home.

The Magic of Mushroom Motifs

The emergence of mushroom motifs in holiday decor is an interesting and unexpected development. These whimsical elements add a sense of fun and fantasy to Christmas arrangements. The trend encompasses a variety of interpretations, from handmade mushroom ornaments that exude a rustic, artisanal quality to crystal-encrusted mushroom hangings that offer a more glamorous and sparkling take on the theme. This versatility allows for the mushroom motif to be integrated into a wide range of decor styles, from woodland-inspired to disco-infused.

Here are the cutest felted mushrooms that feel nostalgic and handmade.

I also love these mushroom ornaments from West Elm.  

 By the way if you haven’t noticed, West Elm is on it this year with their holiday decor!  Here is another option.  

The Allure of “Country Christmas”

Complementing the mushroom trend is the broader theme of “Country Christmas.” This aesthetic emphasizes a rustic, cozy, and inviting atmosphere, drawing inspiration from the simplicity and charm of countryside living. It often incorporates natural materials, such as wood, burlap, and pinecones, alongside a warm and earthy color palette. The “Country Christmas” vibe is about creating a sense of homespun comfort and celebrating the simple joys of the holiday season.

A Fusion of Fun and Charm

The combination of whimsical mushroom motifs and the rustic appeal of “Country Christmas” creates a unique and captivating holiday aesthetic. It is a celebration of the imaginative and the authentic, offering a welcome alternative to more boring, conventional decor themes. I love that this trend brings back a sense of wonder and charm that is enchanting and comforting.

Maximalism, Rococo Revival & Castlecore: Over-the-Top Elegance

For those who believe more is indeed more, Christmas 2025 ushers in a celebration of opulent maximalism.  This trend is characterized by rich textures, ornate details, and a dramatic flair, moving away from minimalist aesthetics towards a lavish and expressive style.  If you read my article with the top 20 Design Trends for 2025 you will notice that many of the trends are carrying over to Holiday 2025, including maximalism.  

The Resurgence of Rococo Revival

Pinterest reports indicate a significant surge of interest in Rococo Revival, a style known for its ornate, feminine, and theatrical elements. This translates into holiday decor that is highly decorative, featuring intricate carvings, elaborate embellishments, and a sense of playful extravagance. Expect to see:

• Moonglow velvet: This luxurious fabric, with its subtle sheen and deep pile, adds a touch of vintage glamour and tactile richness.
• Ruffles: Ruffled details on textiles, such as tree skirts, stockings, or decorative pillows, contribute to the feminine and romantic aesthetic of Rococo Revival.
• Romantic curves: Furniture and decor pieces with graceful, curved lines, reminiscent of 18th-century French design, will be prominent, adding a sense of fluidity and elegance.

This trend is about creating a visually abundant and highly decorative environment, where every element contributes to a sense of  artistic expression.  This is definitely a dramatic departure from the minimalist and neutral trend.

Castlecore and Modern Surrealism

Further amplifying the maximalist theme are the emerging trends of Castlecore and Modern Surrealism. Castlecore, as the name suggests, draws inspiration from medieval motifs, tapestries, and the romanticism of ancient castles. This can manifest in:

• Medieval motifs: Heraldic designs, gothic arches, and other elements reminiscent of medieval architecture and art.
• Tapestries: Richly woven tapestries or wall hangings that add texture, warmth, and a sense of historical depth to a space. You may have seen that McGee and Co just dropped new tapestries in their line as well as other online retailers from Loloi to Potery Barn. I’m loving this one.  

 

Moving on to Modern Surrealism, this design movement introduces dreamy shapes and unexpected juxtapositions, creating a fantastical and imaginative atmosphere. This could involve whimsical, dream-like ornaments, or decor that plays with scale and perception. Both Castlecore and Modern Surrealism contribute to an overall aesthetic that is bold, imaginative, and highly personal, allowing for a truly unique and immersive holiday experience.

This maximalist approach encourages decorators to embrace their creativity and indulge in a rich tapestry of textures, colors, and historical influences, resulting in a Christmas decor scheme that is truly unforgettable and reflective of a grand, theatrical vision.

Retailers to Bookmark for Holiday Decor

Premier Destinations for Holiday Finds

• Pottery Barn: Pottery Barn is a reliable source for high-quality holiday textiles, charming village houses, and elegant tabletop picks. Their offerings often lean towards a sophisticated and enduring style, perfect for creating a cohesive and traditional Christmas look.
• Balsam Hill: If you’re in the market for the most realistic artificial trees, wreaths, and garlands, Balsam Hill is the undisputed leader. Their products are meticulously crafted to mimic the appearance and feel of natural evergreens, providing a stunning and maintenance-free foundation for holiday decorating.  Be prepared to pay up for their artificial trees but also enjoy them for many years to come!
• King of Christmas: Specializing in artificial trees and nostalgic pieces, King of Christmas offers a range of options for those who appreciate both convenience and a touch of vintage charm in their holiday setup.

Diverse Options for Every Style and Budget

Beyond these specialized retailers, here are some other popular stores that offer extensive and varied seasonal collections that cater to a wide range of styles and budgets:

• Home Depot: While primarily known for home improvement, Home Depot often carries a surprising selection of outdoor and indoor Christmas decor, including lights, inflatables, and artificial trees.
• Wayfair: As an online home goods giant, Wayfair provides an immense selection of holiday decor from numerous brands, making it a one-stop shop for almost any style or budget.
• Target: As mentioned previously, Target is a consistent source for on-trend and affordable holiday decor, often collaborating with designers like Shea McGee to offer stylish collections at accessible price points.
• Michaels: A haven for crafters and DIY enthusiasts, Michaels offers a vast array of holiday decor, from ornaments and garlands to craft supplies for personalized projects.
• Anthropologie: For unique, bohemian, and artistically inspired holiday pieces, Anthropologie remains a top choice, offering distinctive items that add character and charm.
• Etsy: The online marketplace Etsy is an excellent resource for handmade, vintage, and personalized holiday decor, supporting independent artisans and offering truly unique finds.

Trend + Product Pairings

Christmas 2025 decor is all about a blend of contrasts, where lush velvet meets rustic woods, smart technology coexists with cherished heirloom antiques, and subtle neutral bows become maximalist fantasies.  I hope these trend predictions can serve a guide for you to create a space that is not only beautiful but also deeply reflective of your personal style and nostalgia of Christmas.