Kate Beckinsale's playful alternative to a classic Christmas tree 'throws out the rule book' for decorating – designers say it's 'undeniably wonderful'

The actress traded on tradition for a whimsical, kitsch feature that's a favorite among design experts – and it's right on trend for 2024

Kate Beckinsale
(Image credit: John Salangsang/Golden Globes 2024/Golden Globes 2024 via Getty Image)

There's something about a traditional Christmas color palette – comprising reds, greens, and gold – that has the ability to impress through the decades. With all that said, though, sometimes, we just want to have a bit more fun. This is where Kate Beckinsale's influence comes into play.

Last year, the Underworld actress unveiled her pink Christmas tree, decorated with gold lights and pink and silver ornaments for a playful impact. While we don't know whether the pink theme will make a return this December, designers reassure us that this hue is very much on trend for the season – so if there's ever a time to follow Beckinsale's lead, it's now.

'Although a green Christmas tree (whether real or faux) will always be classic at Christmas, we love introducing bolder pops of color to the home. The Christmas season is all about joy, and what is more joyful than a pink Christmas tree?! From hot pink to pastel tones, pink evokes happiness, creativity, and love. As a result, you will find plenty of pink in my home over Christmas,' comments Lucy St George, the co-founder of Rockett St George.

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'A playful alternative to classic Christmas styling, there is something whimsical, kitsch, and undeniably wonderful about a pink Christmas tree,' St George says.

'For homes where color is a defining feature, a pink Christmas tree makes far more sense and helps you to stay true to your style identity. However, in more neutral spaces, a pink tree makes a powerful impact and floods your home with color in preparation for the merriment and magic of the festive season.'

Lastly, St George says a pink tree, like Kate Beckinsale's, allows us to 'throw out the rule book when decorating' – and if we can't take this opportunity with Christmas decorations, when can we?

'As you are already breaking from tradition, feel free to embrace your inner maximalist and decorate with every color of the rainbow. A theme is not nearly as important as embracing what you love!'


Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.