Jessica Chastain's nostalgic Christmas decor turns her home into a festive grotto – design experts say her traditional look is setting trends for 2024
The actress uses a natural tree, nutcrackers, and wooden figurines to perfect one of this year's holiday's biggest trends – and it's replicable from $8
It's that point in the year when trend forecasters share their predictions for the holiday looks we will be seeing over the next month – and with them comes playful colors and TikTok-inspired aesthetics that are dominating conversations on social media. As fun as these looks are, however, our favorite 'trends' are those that will look just as fashionable in years in the future – and sometimes, that involves looking to the past. Jessica Chastain's Christmas decorations perfect this ideology.
In 2021, the actress shared footage from her New York apartment, which she had decorated for the holidays, and her style is just as trendy this Christmas. Chastain opted for a strong nostalgic theme – featuring traditional wooden figurines, nutcrackers, and a classic red and white theme on her natural Christmas tree. The timelessness of her ornaments and color scheme means they're similarly set to dominate trends this December, as design experts explain.
'2024 has been the year where we’ve all been chasing that sense of nostalgia, whether it be through our fashion choices or beauty looks,' comments Cassandra Leisz, Creative Director at Ruggable. 'Therefore, it’s no surprise that one Christmas trend set to reign this year encapsulates tradition for a nostalgic Christmas.'
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'When we think of traditional Christmas decor, we automatically think of timeless festive toys, such as The Nutcracker [much like Chastain's], statement poinsettia arrangements, needlepoint fireplace stockings, and the traditional color palette of deep, warming tones of rustic reds, forest greens, and glimmering golds,' Leisz explains.
You can shop these traditional Christmas essentials inspired by the actress's space here.
Chastain-inspired
If we could define Chastain's traditional decor with one piece, it would have to be her nutcracker. While this isn't her exact model, it has similar green hues (meaning it looks just as timeless) as the one in her home. You can invest knowing it will look just as good next year (and for many Christmases to come).
Traditional Christmas staple
Nothing makes a classic festive statement like a Poinsettia – just ask Leisz. This plant will look beautiful standing alone on a mantelpiece, but you can get a more maximalist look with this group of three – perfect for grouping on a console in your entryway.
Ornamental
Why have one Nutcracker when you can have 24? This set of traditional ornaments takes the trend to new levels, offering the opportunity to get playful wherever you hide them around your home.
Luxe velvet
Bows are back in a big way for 2024 – but a classic red colorway is a way to ensure it remains timeless. It's designed to sit on top of your tree instead of a star or angel, and we think it's a beautiful twist on the classic.
Minimalist
Chastain has filled her home with sweet wooden ornaments – reminding us that the most traditional decor can also be the most natural. These figures look understated but chic on your Christmas tree, on a festive wreath or as part of your tablescape (and is especially sweet if you're dining with children).
Garland
When looking for a traditional garland, it's hard to bear this faux red cranberry option. Its berries and natural green colorway look wonderful styled down the center of a festive tablescape, staircase railing, or on a mantelpiece in your living room.
'To ensure you master a timeless, nostalgia-filled look this Christmas, decorate a real tree, refresh your linens and softgoods with plaid tartan patterns, style your gathering spaces with taper candles, heirloom treasures, and vintage finds, and keep your favorite Christmas album on repeat for maximum festive vibes,' Leisz adds.' We'll be refreshing our feed to see how Chastain styles her home this year – but we can hazard a guess that it'll be just as timeless.
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Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
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