Move Over, Pared-Back Decor: Rosie O’Donnell’s Joyfully Crowded Christmas Tree Is a Masterclass in Using Personal History to Build a Cozy Sanctuary
Decorated with plenty of nostalgic ornaments, Rosie's tree feels familiar and inviting in the best possible way
While some like to keep things minimal all year, when it comes to decorating a Christmas tree, pared-back designs should take a backseat. Christmas is all about embracing festivity and going all out, so playing it safe by keeping things simple can feel a little... cold.
I've long decorated my tree with ornaments I've lovingly collected over the years. Transporting me to past holidays shared with loved ones, nothing beats an abundance of nostalgic Christmas decorations that have a story behind them.
While I've long believed that trees decked out in plenty of personal ornaments are some of the best, Rosie O'Donnell's has convinced me even more of the power of designing with sentiment.
A post shared by Rosie O’Donnell (@rosie)
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Featuring red baubles, sentimental photo frames, and an array of nostalgic ornaments, Rosie's tree is a familiar ode to Christmas. It proves the power of personal decorations and the importance of not holding back over the holidays.
A classic choice that you'll want to bring out every year, these vibrant red baubles are timelessly festive.
Fill with your favorite family photograph for a timeless nod to past happy memories that you can enjoy all Christmas long.
Just like Rosie's, this festive tree skirt couldn't be more nostalgic. Featuring a white and red wintry pattern, it'll instantly elevate the base of your tree.
This monogram ornament adds a simple, personal touch to the Christmas tree with its zinc construction and polished finish. Exclusive to Anthropologie, it’s an easy, gift-ready keepsake that brings both individuality and a bit of shine to the season.
These personalized name tags add a custom touch to gifts and celebrations, from Christmas trees to weddings and birthdays long after December. Made from durable acrylic with laser-engraved designs, they come in multiple colors and fonts and can be reused year after year.
Made from durable wood with clear, long-lasting engraving, these ornaments can be personalized with names or short messages. They offer a simple, lasting way to mark holiday memories, the Jon Bon Jovi way.
David Sumner, Sales Manager at Christmas Tree World, comments 'Rosie’s tree feels effortlessly classic and traditional. The shape and height of the tree create a strong foundation that instantly makes it look full and balanced. It’s decorated subtly, but still feels festive and inviting. The use of traditional Christmas colours and timeless baubles feels warm, familiar, and very much in the Christmas spirit.'
David adds, 'Each year, we see homeowners becoming more creative and intentional with how they decorate their Christmas trees, and 2025 is shaping up to be all about refined warmth and personal storytelling. Nostalgic ornaments play a huge role in this, as they instantly add meaning and character to a tree. Whether it’s a decoration passed down through family, a keepsake from a special trip, or a classic bauble brought out year after year, these pieces help tell a story.'
'We’re also seeing a strong move towards meaningful decorating, where trees reflect memories as much as style. Ultimately, the best Christmas trees strike a balance between symmetry and sentimentality.'
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Rosie's tree is simple but classic. Featuring nostalgic decorations, it proves that Christmas is the time to decorate with meaningful pieces that evoke gratitude and joy.

I am the Interior Design News Editor at Homes and Gardens, covering mainly US-based designers and trending news stories. My love for interiors began when I interned in an interior design studio, working on commercial and private spaces. My passion grew while working in production, where I sourced beautiful locations for photoshoots and campaigns. Outside of work, I enjoy collecting antique decor and mid-century furniture for my home.