Every year, as the holidays approach, so does the pressure to create a picture-perfect home. We are surrounded by images of flawlessly coordinated decor that push the latest trends and colour palettes. It is easy to feel that achieving a charming holiday atmosphere requires a complete overhaul, a new set of decorations, and an expert’s eye for what’s currently stylish.
But the most impactful decorating secrets are not about buying more or chasing fleeting trends. Instead, they are about shifting your perspective. The most memorable and elegant holiday homes are often the ones that break the unwritten rules, prioritising personality, story, and feeling over perfection.
We have distilled the wisdom from top designers and stylists to bring you five surprising takeaways. These counterintuitive truths will not only simplify your decorating process but also help you create a home that feels more authentic, warm, and magical.
1. Your “Imperfect” Ornaments Are Actually Your Most Valuable
For years, the ideal Christmas tree was one of perfect symmetry and flawless colour coordination—a monochromatic masterpiece that could have been plucked from a department store window. Today, designers are moving in the opposite direction, favouring what they call “colourful, collected trees” that embrace personality, history, and even a bit of charming imperfection.
The philosophy is to joyfully mix old with new, treasured heirlooms with handmade children’s crafts, and delicate glass baubles with simple felt pieces. The goal is no longer to achieve a static, store-bought look but to create a tree that feels dynamic and tells the story of the family who gathers around it. It’s a celebration of memory over aesthetic rigidity.
“There’s something nostalgic and grounding about the mix of old-fashioned ornaments, the ones that feel collected over time… It’s that return to sentiment and story that makes a tree feel alive again.” – Sara Swabb, Storie Collective.
By freeing yourself from the pursuit of an unattainable standard, decorating becomes more meaningful. The lopsided clay star your child made in kindergarten or the faded ornament from your grandmother’s collection are no longer outliers to be hidden, but the celebrated heart of your holiday decor. This celebration of personal history naturally extends to items with a history all their own, which is why some of the most sought-after “new” decor is, in fact, decades old.
2. Some of the Best “New” Decor Is Decades Old
Just as personal heirlooms add soul to a tree, vintage finds from thrift stores or passed down from relatives offer a broader sense of history that retail decor can’t replicate. Decorative items once dismissed as dated are making a major comeback. Two prime examples are antique glass ornaments and tinsel.
This season, designers are specifically seeking out antique ornaments from the 1950s, treasured for their intricate details and nostalgic glow. These pieces bring an immediate sense of history and warmth to a tree.
“Each one feels like a little story you can hang on your tree, adding instant character and warmth.” – Paige Dick, Paige Designs.
Tinsel, long considered a gaudy relic, is also back and now with a modern, refined approach. Rather than covering the entire tree, designers recommend using it intentionally and sparingly. Woven into a garland or layered thoughtfully with simpler ornaments, tinsel adds a “playful, nostalgic vibe” and a festive shimmer that catches the light beautifully without feeling fussy or overwhelming.
3. High-Quality Fakes Can Be More Practical Than the Real Thing
Nothing compares to the classic holiday scent of a real Fraser fir or fresh cedar boughs. The traditional appeal of live greenery is undeniable. However, many designers are now making a compelling case for high-quality artificial greenery, arguing that it is often the more practical and elegant choice.
Modern faux options have come a long way from the plastic-looking garlands of the past. Vlogger Jenna Pierce highlights a “gorgeous cedar garland that’s a real touch,” which looks incredibly lifelike and drapes naturally without shedding needles on furniture or floors. This practicality is a major win if you want to create a lush look without the upkeep or potential damage.
“It allows for festive decorating without the mess or worry of damaging cherished pieces.” – Tracy Morris, Tracy Morris Design.
Investing in good faux greenery is not only less stressful but is also more sustainable in the long run. You get a perfect, pristine look year after year without the annual expense and disposal of real branches, making it a smart and stylish staple.
4. Decorate for All Senses, Not Just Sight
While visual elements are the primary focus of decorating, the most immersive and memorable holiday homes are those that engage all the senses. A beautiful room can feel sterile without the subtle cues that create a truly festive atmosphere.
Scent is one of the most powerful tools for evoking the season, as fragrance connects us emotionally to memories. Classic aromas like pine, cinnamon, and cloves can fill your home through scented candles or a simple simmer pot on the stove, making your decor not just seen but deeply felt. Equally important is the lighting. Beyond the sparkle of string lights, the gentle flicker of candles brings a warmth and enchantment that nothing else can quite match.
“There’s just nothing like that warm glow; it makes everything feel calm and a little magical.” – Alexis Earman, The Woodbury Home.
This multi-sensory approach is what transforms a decorated house into a festive home. The combination of sight and scent creates a powerful nostalgic anchor, while the soft quality of light encourages you to slow down during a hectic season, creating an experience that is cosy, immersive, and deeply comforting.
5. The Ultimate Elegance Is Restraint
The holiday season often feels synonymous with maximalism; more lights, more ornaments, more everything. Yet, one of the most sophisticated decorating secrets is the power of restraint. In a world of excess, a “less is more” approach can feel surprisingly fresh and profoundly elegant.
The art of restraint lies in “editing” your decor, ensuring that each piece is intentional and has room to breathe. Instead of cluttering every surface, a carefully curated display allows each item to be appreciated. True elegance doesn’t need to be loud; you can find it in simplicity and quiet beauty. As the design publication Decorifca notes, timeless style thrives in restraint, and “elegance doesn’t shout, it glows quietly in the background.”
Designer Lauren Gilberthorpe echoes this, stating that subtle, meaningful details can evoke the season beautifully “without ever feeling overdone.” This approach allows you to create a home that feels both festive and serene, a calm, celebratory retreat from the chaos of the season.
Ultimately, the most timeless holiday decor isn’t dictated by trends, but by personality, memory, and atmosphere. It’s the glow of candlelight on a treasured ornament, the scent of pine in the air, and the stories held within the objects you choose to display. Embrace these principles, and you can create a home that is not only beautiful but is a true reflection of what the season means to you.
