I Thought This Retro Christmas Tree Trend Wasn't for Me, Until I Saw a Stunning Twist in Simone Biles's Home – It's Never Felt More Modern

Seeing Simone Biles’s white Christmas tree in her Texas home made me rethink the appeal of a retro holiday staple – and it's replicable for $3

Simone Biles
(Image credit: Michael Loccisano/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)

I will be the first to admit, I never saw the appeal of white Christmas trees. While I know they look stunning in the right setting, I have always thought that the style of my home lends itself to a more traditional, natural option. After seeing Simone Biles's twist on the white tree, however, I confess, I've changed my mind.

While I await seeing how the Olympic gymnast decorates her Texas home this year, I'm returning to her white Christmas tree from 2023 for inspiration.

White Christmas trees gained popularity in the 1960s with the rise of artificial designs, but their history dates back to 1953. A magazine feature promoted the look and grew in line with the decade’s fascination with sleek, modern holiday decor. In Simone's home, however, the retro white tree has never felt more contemporary.

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Despite its retro roots, holiday trend forecasters say that Simone's cool-toned tree taps into one of 2025's biggest Christmas decor trends: The 'Arctic Wonderland' look. It's easy to follow her example.

'“For those drawn to a cooler palette, Arctic Wonderland offers a frosty, magical atmosphere. Featuring blues, whites, silvers, and golds – with night blue emerging as a standout accent – this trend captures the serene beauty of winter,' comments Tristan Sissons, the Christmas Buyer at Hillier.

'Sparkling polar bears, penguins, and owls bring character and charm to the décor, while icy baubles, glittering snowflakes, and frosted branches create the impression of a snowy landscape. Fill your tree with a mixture of matte and shimmering ornaments in crisp whites and deep blues, then add statement icicles and frosted stars to heighten the wintry feel.'

I'm returning to Simone's space as my unexpected decorating blueprint for 2025. Will you be joining me?


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.

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