From nostalgic ornaments and traditional tartans to velvet ribbons and whimsical finishing touches, this year's holiday decorating trends celebrate the beauty of a home collected over time.
There's something undeniably magical about decorating for Christmas. The familiar ornaments, the twinkle of lights, the greenery draped across the mantel — each detail signals the arrival of a season steeped in tradition, nostalgia and celebration.
And this year, perhaps more than ever, holiday decorating is taking a decidedly sentimental turn.
Gone are the days of perfectly coordinated Christmas trees and overly curated holiday displays. In their place? Rich colors, vintage-inspired ornaments, playful patterns and meaningful pieces that tell a story.
At Curated Home Decor, we've always believed that the most beautiful homes evolve over time, filled with pieces that reflect the people who live within them. And this Christmas, we're particularly drawn to decorating trends that embrace that very philosophy.
Here are six holiday decorating trends we're loving for 2026 — and a few of our favorite finds to help bring them home.
1. A Return to Traditional Christmas
Classic Christmas decor is enjoying a well-deserved renaissance, and we're delighted to see it.
Think rich burgundy, forest green, navy blue and warm gold, complemented by tartan plaids, sumptuous velvet ribbons and timeless brass accents.
Often referred to as the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic, this decorating style feels equal parts nostalgic and sophisticated. It evokes the warmth of a traditional country home, where stockings hang from the mantel, greenery spills across the staircase and every room feels thoughtfully dressed for the season.
How to get the look: Incorporate tartan patterns into your gift wrapping, layer plaid textiles with existing furnishings and add antique-inspired accents to your holiday tablescape. The key is to create a look that feels collected rather than coordinated.
For a classic finishing touch, both our Mini Red Velvet-Look Bow Garland and Glitter Trees add old-fashioned charm to mantels, banisters and evergreen displays.
2. Nostalgia Takes Center Stage
Perhaps our favorite trend of the season is the renewed appreciation for nostalgic Christmas decor.
Vintage-inspired glass ornaments, whimsical figurines, traditional nutcrackers and old-fashioned holiday motifs are making a welcome return. Even tinsel, once considered a relic of Christmases past, is finding its way back onto beautifully decorated trees.
But nostalgia isn't simply about recreating the holidays of yesteryear. It's about embracing the pieces that hold meaning, whether that's an ornament passed down through generations or a new discovery destined to become a family heirloom.
How to get the look: Mix beloved family ornaments with a handful of new, personality-filled additions each year.
We're especially fond of the Retro Red Elf Glass Ornament, whose charming, midcentury-inspired design feels like something discovered in a treasured box of family decorations.
Explore our Christmas ornament collection for more nostalgic favorites.
3. More Is More (Again)
Minimalism is taking a back seat this Christmas, making way for holiday decor that's layered, colorful and unapologetically festive.
Oversized bows, abundant greenery, richly decorated Christmas trees and playful accessories are all having a moment.
And while maximalism might sound intimidating, the beauty of this particular trend is its flexibility. It's less about filling every available surface and more about thoughtfully layering pieces that bring warmth, character and personality to a space.
A mantel dressed with lush greenery, velvet ribbon and a collection of mismatched brass candlesticks? Absolutely. A Christmas tree adorned with everything from sentimental keepsakes to glittering glass ornaments? Even better.
How to get the look: Start with your existing holiday collection and build from there. Experiment with varying ornament sizes, unexpected textures and contrasting patterns.
Our Bell Garland is particularly charming layered over greenery, while a mix of glass Christmas ornaments adds color, sparkle and personality to the tree.
4. The Art of the Holiday Bow
If there's one accessory we're seeing everywhere this Christmas, it's the bow.
From oversized statement ribbons atop Christmas trees to delicate velvet bows adorning wreaths, candlesticks and garlands, this timeless embellishment continues to enjoy its moment in the spotlight.
And we're not complaining.
This season, we're especially drawn to rich velvet, traditional tartans and striped ribbons in unexpected color combinations. Deep burgundy, chocolate brown, dusty blue and forest green all offer sophisticated alternatives to conventional holiday red.
How to get the look: Tie velvet ribbon around the branches of your Christmas tree, embellish a simple evergreen wreath with an oversized bow or use coordinating ribbon to dress wrapped gifts.
For a singular piece, our Preserved Boxwood Wreath makes an effortless — and bold — statement.
5. Whimsy Is Always Welcome
Christmas is, after all, a season of wonder. And this year's holiday decor embraces that spirit with a healthy dose of whimsy.
Food-inspired ornaments, playful animals, miniature houses and delightfully unexpected decorations are appearing on Christmas trees and tabletops alike.
From festive cocktails and culinary curiosities to charming woodland creatures, these personality-filled pieces offer a refreshing departure from traditional holiday motifs.
We particularly love choosing ornaments that reflect individual interests, favorite destinations, beloved pets or cherished family traditions.
How to get the look: Don't be afraid to incorporate a little humor into your holiday decorating. A whimsical ornament nestled among classic glass baubles adds character and makes your Christmas tree uniquely yours.
Our Mantel Village Collection offers a nostalgic dose of whimsy, while our 2026 ornament favorites include everything from a festive holiday bar cart to plated oysters and a charming cottage mallard.
Better yet, start a tradition of gifting one meaningful ornament each year. Over time, those small additions become a treasured collection.
6. Nature-Inspired Holiday Decorating
While bold colors and playful accessories are certainly having their moment, there's also a growing appreciation for the quiet beauty of natural materials.
Fresh evergreen garlands, pinecones, dried citrus, woven accents and handmade decorations bring an organic sensibility to holiday interiors.
The result is a look that feels relaxed, welcoming and wonderfully timeless.
We're particularly fond of pairing natural greenery with antique brass, creamy white candles and understated ribbon. It's an effortlessly elegant combination that complements nearly every decorating style.
How to get the look: Drape greenery across a mantel or dining table, fill a favorite vessel with seasonal branches or incorporate dried orange slices into a holiday garland.
Our Rattan Bells, Set of Three offer a beautiful way to introduce natural texture. Style them together on a console, tuck them into a holiday vignette or embellish them with velvet ribbon for a festive finishing touch.
The Most Beautiful Christmas Is a Collected One
If there's one overarching theme defining Christmas decor in 2026, it's the return to decorating with intention.
Rather than starting from scratch each holiday season, we're embracing the beauty of collections that grow and evolve over time. We're mixing old with new, pairing heirlooms with unexpected discoveries and allowing our homes to reflect the traditions and memories that make the holidays meaningful.
Because the most beautiful Christmas decor isn't necessarily the most elaborate or expensive. It's the collection of beloved pieces that we look forward to unpacking year after year.
At Curated Home Decor, we believe the holidays should feel personal, festive and, above all, welcoming.
Whether you're searching for a whimsical new ornament, a timeless addition to your holiday tablescape or a thoughtful gift for someone special, we invite you to explore our carefully selected Christmas collections.
Here's to a holiday season filled with beauty, tradition and a little bit of magic.
