Martha Stewart's easy vintage Christmas tree requires no decorations – it taps into a 1950s trend dominating this year's holiday decor
Celebrate the holidays with no ornaments in style using Martha's vintage-style decorating trick – it's striking and exceedingly simple to set up


We always look for new ways to decorate for the holidays, but sometimes the old ways are the best option. Martha Stewart reminds us of the beauty of vintage decor with her faux aluminum Christmas tree.
The doyenne of homes took to Instagram to share her prickly silver nostalgia-core mini-tree. On her blog, Stewart explains that these tinsel trees were popularized in the 1950s, with millions manufactured across the US between 1958 and 1969. Previously relegated to garages and attics, these trees are gaining popularity in 2024. The sustainability and ease of set up of these trees makes them a wonderful option for modern homes.
Of her unorthodox Christmas tree choice, Stewart states: 'I have several vintage aluminum trees of varying sizes that have branches with rosette tips. These are really pretty even without decorations, but I always prefer them with ornaments, such as these pink and bright-rose ones. The tabletop tree stands on my counter in a large, ruffled galvanized-metal tray that is filled with artificial snow and finished with a still-life scene of deer figures.'
A post shared by Martha Stewart (@marthastewart)
A photo posted by on
Finish the look with a chic and stylish Christmas tree skirt. An accessory like this can help ground a tinsel tree and help keep the look from feeling too over the top.
Inspired by a snowy white Christmas, scene, this table tree is a smaller *but no less beautiful) alternative to Stewart's. Place on a tabletop or mantle to bring a Christmas shimmer to your home or desk in your office.
Replicate Stewart's technique affordably with this beautiful tinsel tree from Amazon. It's only 4 feet tall, so you can easily incorporate multiple into your decor scheme.
This pre-lit silver Christmas Tree features 400 LED Warm White lights for an unrivalled sparkle that Stewart would surely love. It's an ultra-luxe alternative to a traditional tree, but it's a risk that will surely pay off (if you dare).
A zoom into Stewart's ornaments shows that she loves a red/ dark pink/ cream color pairing. This luxe candy ornament perfectly taps into that palette. It has a bright, vibrant color and a fun swirl pattern, for a playful addition that will look perfect on any tree (whether classic or silver).
This set of 12 Christmas ornaments is the perfect way to elevate your Christmas tree with a simple, vintage touch. These would look beautiful on a colorful tinsel tree
Further, this nostalgic trend is right in line with current Christmas decor trends. Victoria Robinson, design expert, states: Nostalgia is making a strong return this Christmas, with many looking to decorate their homes with statement pieces that evoke memories of the past.' These retro designs have appeared across various celebrity homes this year, from Kris Jenner to Jessica Chastain to Joanna Gaines.
If you like the retro maximalist Christmas decor idea, it's easy to replicate in both big and subtle ways. Robinson suggests: 'While a complete throwback to the 70s might not be everyone’s preference, incorporating small elements like a ceramic tree to your window or mantlepiece display can add a touch of magic and sentimental value to your decorations. These vintage-looking accents should be layered, with each decoration joining to make a big celebrative display. To match their rustic and handmade appearance, ceramic trees and other standout ornaments can take their place as focal points on end tables, windowsills or mantelpieces and can be paired with natural small decorations like pinecones, snow-dusted artificial holly branches and garlands.
For a design more similar to that created by Stewart, you can choose several of these aluminum trees in different shades. Stewart uses a silver, bronze and blue tree in her home for contrast. When searching, it's worthwhile to get trees in different heights so that they can be layered in an appealing way. Since the feeling of this trend is nostalgia, there is no way to do it wrong as long as it captures that lived-in feeling for you. As per usual, Martha Stewart offers the blueprint.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.

Sophie is a News Editor at Homes & Gardens, where she works on the Celebrity Style team. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly excited when researching trends or interior history. Sophie is an avid pop culture fan. As an H&G editor, she has interviewed the likes of Martha Stewart, Hilary Duff, and the casts of Queer Eye and Selling Sunset. Before joining Future Publishing, Sophie worked as the Head of Content and Communications at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens and furniture brand. She has also written features on exciting developments in the design world for Westport Magazine. Sophie has an MSc from the Oxford University Department of Anthropology and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.
-
Step up your pool cleaning routine with Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra
Celebrate National Pool Opening Day by saving up to $618 on a luxurious pool cleaning solution from Beatbot.
By Sponsored
-
Isabella Rossellini's kitchen defines 'pantry perfection' – her sleek storage method is one of the most beautiful ways to bring order to your shelves
A custom Chilean applewood pantry lines the walls of the Conclave actress's kitchen – you can tap into her stunning technique from $42
By Megan Slack
-
Martha Stewart's nostalgic gray-green kitchen cabinet color is having a revival – and I predict it will be a huge trend in 2026
A timeless choice for the future – there is a lot to love about a serene gray green
By Jennifer Ebert
-
Martha Stewart's quiet luxury rose garden is the most magnificent I've ever seen – it's the jewel of her Bedford farm (but she doesn't gatekeep her planting tips)
Cantitoe Corners is a rose-lover's paradise – but you don't need acres of manicured grounds to enjoy this bloom, as Martha herself shares
By Megan Slack
-
Martha Stewart's 'ideal kitchen' is a hub of smart storage and strategic decorations – it's surprisingly easy to recreate in the smallest of spaces
Martha's TV set kitchen features a butler sink with hidden storage, boundless drawers, and decorative shelves for easy access
By Hannah Ziegler
-
Martha Stewart used this vintage-style pan to make cute bunny cakes for Easter – it's a real heirloom piece (and only $40 now)
It's not Easter without bunny-themed baked goods, and Martha set a precedent with a novel cake pan – it's American-made and has exceptional durability
By Megan Slack
-
Martha Stewart's intelligent cabinets 'take every inch into consideration' – their 'visually light' style will solve your small kitchen storage problems
'Every kitchen can be beautiful and functional, no matter what the size': 9 years since sharing her clever storage, Martha's cabinets are just as beautiful
By Megan Slack
-
Martha Stewart's smart laundry room shelving makes exceptional use of every inch of wall space – it will turn your smallest area into an ultra-functional space
'You can greatly expand the usability of your space by just installing some of these great shelving units': You can follow her technique for under $34
By Megan Slack
-
Martha Stewart's pale pistachio entryway is not just for Easter, it's for life – designers swear by this unique take on my favorite color for year-round calm
The trend for pistachio green shows no signs of waning
By Jennifer Ebert
-
Martha Stewart's houses – inside her most iconic properties, from Cantitoe Corners to Turkey Hill
The lifestyle guru built her legacy around her homes, some of which are the most recognized homes in modern American history – we explore her portfolio
By Megan Slack