This is such a fun time of year to see what's out there for holiday trends. For one thing, bows have been everywhere lately, and they’re here to stay. I mean, bows are made for the holidays—you can put a bow on anything to make it feel festive! However, while I've had a flocked tree out every year since probably 2012, I'm ready to keep it in storage this year.
What I'm craving is the traditional holiday look: the true reds and grounding greens, the plaids and tartans, the striped ribbons. It’s going to feel like pre-2000s Christmas this year, and I'm so here for that nostalgia!
Shop Holiday Ornaments
Here are my top 5 trends and how you can apply them to your holiday decor.
1. Traditional Red & Green Are Back
Shop the CLJ + Pottery Barn Kids Collection
I think that a true cardinal red (and every variation from burgundy to poppy) and a rich pine green are going to reign this year. But every time something circles back around, there's a fresh element added to it. This year, I’ve been dreaming about a buttery yellow theme with warm whites, or satin-y champagne ribbon, red and green, and chocolate browns. I love the idea of wrapping solid colors mixed with other solid-colored ribbons: green wrapping paper with red ribbon. Red wrapping paper with green ribbon. Or going monochromatic and color-blocking presents under the tree would be so beautiful.
My takeaway: Red and green are back, but pair them with butter yellow and/or brown tones to modernize it. (A pale blue pairing would also be stunning!)
2. Maximalist MESSY Christmas Trees
Source: Domino Magazine
We've seen really minimal and perfect trees in the past few years, but now people are craving imperfect, messy trees and I'm here for it. TINSEL is back (go figure!). But also, a lot more maximalists trees that are freeform in shape--chubby, branches out of place. Ornaments piled on. The only question is, how many ornaments can you fit on the tree? How many colors can you add? It’s about layering it all on, so don't be shy. The more, the merrier has never been more true.
My takeaway: Christmas trees should have character and don't need to be perfect triangles. Also, no need to get precious about perfect ornament placement—just pile them on!
3. More Silver than Gold, tbh.
The age-old Christmas song, "silver and gold" is great and all, but where has silver gone all these years?! Gold has been the star, but I predict we'll be seeing A LOT more silver than gold decking the halls this year. I can't wait for more silver. Gold will always be beautiful, but I can totally see silver candlesticks lining a mantle with other silver accents in ornaments, platters, candles, etc. Think everything from polished nickel to pewter, to mercury glass and antique mirrors. But also, don't be afraid to mix the metals. I think they are SUPPOSED to be mixed if we listen to the song at. all. It will be such a beautiful metal for this season.
My takeaway: Mix metals on the mantle and beyond for sparkling light.
4. Flock the Ornaments (Not the Tree)
Chris Loves Julia Decoupage Balls Ornaments
I'm loving the return to traditional decadence in textures and prints. I'm loving velvet flocked or decoupage ornaments. Extra large silk ribbons. Fine ribbon trim. I think sticking to a color scheme and bringing in as many textures and patterns in that color scheme is so great. There's a rise in the prints of yesteryear: the toile, tartan, quilted patterns that give off that feel of traditional decadence. It's 100% giving vintage Ralph Lauren catalog—please take me back!
My takeaway: Layer up traditional prints & luxe textures with timeless decadence.
5. Nostalgia is Back in a Big Way
The vintage, kitschy Christmas decor your mom had is ripe for the plucking for your holiday home. From vintage-inspired stockings to ceramic gingerbread houses to wooden nutcrackers—dust off those collectibles you've held on to over the years! Kitschy Christmas decor makes it feel more like home for the holidays because it brings back lots of memories.
My takeaway: Don't be shy about your vintage or vintage-inspired Christmas collections—they bring joy!
Check out my Pinterest board for more inspiration. And P.S. If you're shopping for holiday decor, the CLJ Shop has got you covered!
Leave a Reply
WE'RE CHRIS + JULIA
Portfolio
Projects
Would you share what red ribbon you used on the garland on your staircase and tree? Thank you!
I've collected all of my favorite ribbons here!
Sounds like my house will be the trendiest on the block using the same decor I always have! Love that! :)
Haha mine too!
I’d been decorating like that for years and still love it!