Are you the bold and beautiful traditional colors and styles type of Christmas decorator? Or maybe you march to the beat of your own drum with what Christmas décor looks like in your home? Or maybe you are one that loves all the latest and greatest in each season? Today we are talking trends—and just like any other decorating we do, Christmas decorating has trends as well.
Can I let you in on a secret? I am not someone who tends to follow trends right down to a T. I would say more that I take inspiration from a trend. A bit of this and a dash of that and put my own twist on it to get the look I love.
I have been seeing several different decorating trends popping up this year, so I am sharing a few style tips for 3 of those looks.
Gold & Beautiful Christmas Theme
Metallics are always big at Christmas. There is just something about all the beautiful twinkly lights mixed with gorgeous silvers and golds.
This trend is one that I think will always be popular, so I took a bit of that beautiful inspiration and added a few simple touches to create a charming mantel styling that will make silver and gold lovers swoon.
Tip: Mini trees and garland in gorgeous gold create a dazzling display on the mantel. Tuck two or three mini trees into the garland for a grouping that showcases your beautiful mantel and adds lovely height.
A couple of things I love about this styling are the Merry Christmas beaded garland and the Capiz Star garland. I love the stars lighting up the logs in this faux firebox. They both add a touch of whimsy to this elegant look.
I also styled this look in a more moody modern setting in our cottage to show just how versatile metallics can be for any room in the house. Against the dark rich colors in the cottage, they really pop.
If you don’t have a mantel area that is tall enough, you can also group the trees together on a sideboard like this for a charming look.
Woodland Charm Christmas Theme
Another favorite look year-round is a woodland-inspired look. Lush greens, natural touches, and of course a bit of whimsy are always popular for the holidays. This is a look that you can sprinkle faux snow on for a wintry setting or add fairy lights to warm it up even more.
For this styling, we dressed the attic staircase to show how that the landing and underneath areas of a staircase are perfect places for sprinkling a little bit of holiday magic.
Our attic staircase is a well-worn and loved little staircase and it has a rustic style and feeling that makes it perfect for styling with a woodland look. I started with a beautiful wintry garland and wreath that are dotted with pinecones, eucalyptus, and berries.
I love how these two charming antiqued deer statues add a whimsical touch. To create that charm and welcoming feeling, I think almost any styling needs a touch of whimsy.
Tip: For a woodland feeling, look to nature and bring those elements in. We used chunky pinecones and a sprinkle of glittery snow around the deer at the base of the stairs. For a glamorous touch—oversized large mercury glass ornaments add a perfect amount of elegance.
Traditional Vintage Christmas Theme
There is just something about those traditional Christmas colors that make me think of yesteryears and all those childhood memories.
Reds and greens are always a perfect choice for creating a nostalgic feeling, and by adding in a couple other elements you can really create a charming look.
For this look in the dining room, that frosty snow-covered garland and wreath dotted with red berries was the perfect starting point. We also used a single Frosted Fraser Fir Garland on the table as the centerpiece.
For an old-fashioned Christmas feeling, I added a few vintage-inspired ornaments for a bit of whimsy. I also scattered dried orange and apple slices here and there.
Tip: Create unique place setting decorations that your guests can keep. I love these beautiful Capiz shell star ornaments on the tree, but they are perfect for placing on napkins as a keepsake to remind guests of a lovely dinner.
On the sideboard, a simple vintage-inspired display that is so easy to put together. Just baubles and a big bowl.
Tip: Use chunky bowls filled with colorful baubles for a charming display. I love these red and silver mercury glass ornaments piled high in this wood bowl. It ties the other decorations on the table and armoire together with that beautiful rosy tone.
Add smaller potted trees to the sideboard for a bit of Christmas magic and twinkle without overwhelming the dining room. These potted trees are such charmers and add a European Christmas feeling to this room.
More Decorating Tips
Some other tips & ideas for each of these stylings?
- Think outside the box—and think outside. Gather up pinecones, leaves, and fresh berry branch clippings to tuck into faux garlands for a custom touch.
- The more the merrier when it comes to bowls of baubles. I used a couple of regular-sized salad bowls for this but don’t be afraid to go bigger! Big dough bowls and such are perfect for using on a coffee table or sideboard as well.
- Add something fun! The best stylings have a unique and charming aspect to them. One that makes you pause and soak it up for a bit.
As you start your decorating, I hope this helps inspire you to add your own twist to holiday style trends this season.
Happy decorating, all!
As the founder of lifestyle blog French Country Cottage and editor of Romantic Homes magazine, Courtney is known for bringing chic aesthetics and vintage elegance to her designs. Courtney offers readers creative ideas and decorating tips inspired by the ongoing renovations on her 1940s cottage home.
