Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling Use Miniature Christmas Trees to Add a Charming Festive Touch to Their Kitchen Island – Achieve the Look for under $20

With the shift toward the festive season, we are warmly welcoming in holiday decor with open arms, and this year, the focus is distinctly on the kitchen. Transforming this space – the true heart of the home – is a significant 2025 trend, moving beyond simple tablescapes to integrate Christmas decor ideas into everyday design.

Celebrities are leading this elegant movement. Eva Mendes provided beautiful inspiration last year with a sophisticated display that remains highly relevant.

In her memorable post, the actress demonstrated how to elevate a kitchen island, pairing simple additions like miniature evergreen trees and a fresh, festive bouquet with her permanent fixtures, such as a gold faucet and woven lampshades. This subtle infusion of cheer into unexpected spaces is the key to spreading warmth throughout the entire home.

Before diving into new purchases, it’s essential to create a pristine canvas. Megan Slack, Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, advises on the critical first step for achieving this serene look: ‘Before diving into the excitement of decorating, take the time to clear away any clutter. A clear and tidy space will leave you with a calm, relaxing, and welcoming environment that’s perfect for unwinding during the busy holiday season.’

A thorough decluttering ensures surfaces, especially kitchen countertops, are ready to accommodate festive accessories without feeling visually overwhelmed.

Once the space is arranged, plotting a coherent palette is paramount. Megan Slack recommends deciding on a Christmas color scheme that reflects your style, particularly when setting a table:

‘Begin by deciding on what color scheme reflects your style – reds, greens, golds, and whites are perfect for incorporating Christmas-themed colors. Next, use a festive tablecloth or runner as the base for your display. For an elegant touch, think velvet or linen. You may want to choose the same color runner and napkins to create a harmonious feel to your table.’

For the centerpiece, the focus is on natural abundance and texture. Rachel Bull, Head of Gardens at Homes & Gardens, suggests incorporating both foliage and flowers:

‘For the Christmas centerpiece, use seasonal flowers such as white lilies, red roses, or amaryllis and arrange these in a vase. Incorporate evergreen branches for added texture. Traditional Christmas plants such as poinsettia, Cyclamen, and mini pine trees can also be used to create a focal point. Use Christmas napkins, name settings, ribbons, and crackers for an added decorative touch.’

To complete the sensory experience – a crucial component of any elegant space – scent is vital. We recommend adding high-quality scented candles to counters or tablescapes. Rachel suggests experimenting with home fragrances that evoke the season: ‘Experiment with different scents such as cinnamon and apple to get your home smelling like Christmas.’

By combining a clean, organized space with intentional, fragrant accessories, you transform your kitchen into a warm, convivial setting, ready to host and inspire throughout the holidays.

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