Kristin Chenoweth's top 3 nostalgic Christmas decor tips blend old traditions with new memories – she says 'your tree should tell a story'
The 'Wicked' singer swears by decorating for Christmas with both traditional and modern items for an eclectic, sentimental feel – and it's easy to recreate


Celebrities offer some of the most innovative and interesting ideas when it comes to decorating for the holidays. No one is a bigger fan of the holiday than Kristin Chenoweth.
For those seeking inspiration, the Wicked original Broadway cast member shared her top ideas for holiday decor. Many of them involved evoking family memories through nostalgic pieces. However, she doesn't let this stop her from integrating contemporary details. Here are Chenoweth's top three tips for mastering the look.
First, she swears by uniting traditional Christmas decor with newer designs that reflect her personal style. Chenoweth states: 'For me, the holidays are always about family and creating new memories together while honoring our traditions from the past. This sentiment really inspires my holiday decor, where I blend classic red and green colors with traditional elements like brass reindeer, alongside my personal glam style – like metallic tabletop Christmas trees and intricately detailed gingerbread houses. HomeGoods has such a unique variety of high-quality holiday décor I am always able to find unique pieces that speak to tradition while still being able to spice it up with eye-catching accents at an exceptional price.'
Shop the Traditional and Trending Edit
Red and green ornaments are the ultimate in traditional, but the stylish matte finish on these feels uniquely contemporary. These would fit in perfectly with bolder decor.
White Christmas lights work perfectly under retro ornaments to grant a more modern feel.
This beautiful snowman ornament is perfect for adding nostalgia to your classic Christmas tree. Interacts beautifully with white lights.
Luxe velvet
Bows have been trending for the last two years, but this long red version is a timeless classic. Its velvet texture is a perfect contrast to the leaves of a tree.
These traditional, natural wood nutcrackers add a classic energy to any tree. Simple, but elegant.
When looking for a traditional garland, it's hard to beat 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.
Second, she recommends crafting a sentimental Christmas tree design. 'Your tree should tell a story, reflecting cherished memories built over the years,' states Chenoweth. 'I’ve made it a tradition to collect an ornament from every show I’ve been part of, adding them to my tree year after year. To bring in a touch of glam without breaking the bank, I incorporate handcrafted ornaments from HomeGoods in various sizes to create a dynamic look, mixing delicate purple, teal, and pink handblown glass ornaments in unique shapes. To finish it off, I add pearl garland bows from HomeGoods for a beautiful display.'
Finally, Chenoweth adds a strong emotional valence to her vintage holiday decor with large, striking pieces. She says: 'I love discovering show-stopping statement pieces from HomeGoods – you really never know what you’re going to find, and the prices are just as positively jaw dropping too! Adding statement pieces into your home, like having a six-foot nutcracker guard your living room or home entryway can create a one-of-a-kind moment that wows your guests and brings some of that real-life holiday magic right to your doorstep.'
Through a mix of sentimental and modern pieces, it's easy to achieve a Christmas decor scheme that feels at once nostalgic and current. As recommended by Kristin Chenoweth, blending styles, creating a memory-filled Christmas tree, and integrating statement pieces are the perfect places to start.
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Sophie is a writer and News Editor on the Celebrity Style team at Homes & Gardens. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly passionate about researching trends and interior history. She is an avid pop culture fan and has interviewed Martha Stewart and Hillary Duff.
In her free time, Sophie freelances on design news for Westport Magazine and Livingetc. She also has a newsletter, My Friend's Art, in which she covers music, culture, and fine art through a personal lens. Her fiction has appeared in Love & Squalor and The Isis Magazine.
Before joining Future, Sophie worked in editorial at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens brand. She has an MSc from Oxford University and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.
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