15 Christmas Decor Ideas for a Festively Chic Holiday Season

Decorating your home is one of the most exciting parts of the holidays. It's the moment every room in your home gets a festive overhaul, and suddenly everything feels cozier, warmer, and all the more charming.

Whether you embrace a traditional aesthetic or something more trend-led, your Christmas decor ideas are what really bring your home to life for the holidays – and designers have a few favorite approaches they always recommend.

Not sure where to start this year? Here are a few fun and festive ways to decorate for Christmas this year, from nostalgic ornaments to unexpected decor placements.

15 Christmas Decor Ideas for 2025

Whether you love nothing more than a traditional Christmas filled with nostalgia or prefer bold colors, trending aesthetics, and unexpected applications, these are the holiday decor looks designers are loving this year.

1. Surround Your Fireplace with Christmas Decorations

The living room is usually the main focus when it comes to decorating for the holidays, and if you have a fireplace, it becomes the true centerpiece. As such, surrounding the heart of the room with your decor is a timeless way to create a warm, cozy scheme.

And this space is a perfect example. An elegantly decorated tree stands beside the fireplace, with the mantel draped with a simple natural garland and four matching Montreal Velvet Stockings.

It's a pared-back approach to decorating for the holidays, but by curating a small area, it becomes the hub of warmth and festivities. For extra cosiness, consider rearranging your furniture so the sofas and chairs face the mantel.

2. Drape a Garland and Stockings Down a Stairway

If there's one area in your home you shouldn't overlook, it's your hallway. Christmas stair decor is one of the most classic looks, and creates a sense of nostalgia in one of your less-considered zones. In this home, the designer chose to embrace a more natural decor scheme.

'Plastic decorations can be lovely, but a more natural and sustainable approach to Christmas decor will make you feel merrier about the season. To create instant holiday vibes, you can drape a fresh garland on your stair rail – this classically beautiful touch also fills the air with the wonderful scent of winter,' says Nicole Yee of NY Interiors.

'If you don’t have a fireplace mantel, then a stairway is also the perfect place to hang your stockings with care. I love the look of handmade stockings and some fresh winter greens, red berries, or seasonal flowers sourced from the local flower mart.'

3. Embrace a Sense of Nostalgia

Nostalgia-core is set to be a big Christmas theme this year, and for good reason. It brings back that excitement and joy reminiscent of childhood, and creates the most classic Christmas feel. And a mix of collected and curated decor is key.

'Look for pieces that feel classic, storied, and textured. Patchwork quilts or flannel blankets in tartan patterns are perfect when mixed with family heirlooms. Quality is key here. Creating that holiday-nostalgia feeling means seeking out well-crafted pieces that will age right alongside your family,' suggests Melissa Oholendt of Oho Interiors.

There are some beautifully traditional ornaments on offer right now, all of which imbue that sense of nostalgia. The Six Bells Holiday collection offers some charming vintage-inspired pieces, and this Patchwork Garland Chain from Wayfair will instantly transport you back to Christmases past.

4. Introduce a Classic Look with Ralph Lauren-Inspired Decor

A Ralph Lauren Christmas is the talk of the proverbial town, and it's a surprisingly simple way to decorate for the holidays. Think classic tartans, wooden decor, and hints of forest green for an elevated take on a traditional Christmas.

'I love that “Ralph Lauren Christmas” is trending right now, because to me, that’s just classic, old school Christmas. The plaids, the layered textures, the evergreen and deep reds, it’s the Christmas I grew up on,' says Cassidy Montalvo.

'I’ve never been into the metallic or disco styles, or the blues and silvers. I want my home to feel cozy, nostalgic, and full of warmth, the kind of holiday my girls will remember forever as warm and inviting.'

5. Add a Christmas Tree to the Hallway for a Grand Entrance

If you have the space, a Christmas tree in your entryway can make quite a statement. The moment guests step into your home, they are instantly met with the festivities and get a sneak preview of the decor scheme to come.

You can usually fit a taller tree in a hallway, too, which means you can go bigger and more statement with the ornaments. Think oversized baubles, a show-stopping topper, and baskets filled with gifts at the base.

This Pre-Lit Downswept Douglas Fir Tree is available in sizes up to 10 feet, perfect for every room height. Take inspiration from the scheme above with the Laurel Tree Topper from McGee & Co. and weave in floral stems like this Large Red Velvet Christmas Poinsettia from Afloral.

6. Swap Out Your Pillow Covers for Festive Designs

Decorating for the holidays isn't just about adding trees and garlands around your home. Smaller swaps can make all the difference to the feel of a room – swapping the throw pillows in your bedroom or living space instantly adds a cozy nod to the festivities.

'When it comes to decorating, I try to keep things timeless but easy to store. Instead of buying bulky seasonal pillows, I get pillow shams I can swap out; they take up almost no space and are way more affordable,' explains Cassidy.

You can lean fully into the holidays with a themed pillow, like this Holiday Lights Embroidered Pillow from Pottery Barn, or simply embrace the color palette like in the design above, which features the Bella pillow Cover from McGee & Co.

7. Decorate with Antique Pieces

We're advocates for decorating with antiques all year round, but there's something particularly alluring about these time-worn pieces during the holiday season. The ages of materials tell a story, and any decor made from metal instantly looks better over time.

'I like using antique ornaments on holiday trees, especially in the family room, adding the charm and character that mass-produced pieces just cannot replicate,' says interior designer Tracy Morris.

And it's not just the Christmas tree that benefits from antiques. Drew Michael Scott of Lone Fox makes a strong case for adorning your mantel with antiques, too. From rustic ceramics to aged candle holders, they add a layer of interest when mixed into seasonal greenery.

8. Add Festive Curb Appeal by Decorating Your Front Door

We often focus so much on our interiors, we forget about our outdoor spaces. But your front door is the perfect place to decorate for the holidays, whether you hang a wreath and garland or fill pots with seasonal blooms.

'When I decorate a front door or a porch, I like to keep it simple and natural. Using fresh materials and vintage accents is an eco-friendly way to add charm and natural beauty. I always line my own entry with poinsettias,' explains Nicole, who created a classic look with her own front door, pictured above.

'I don’t always go with red – some years I switch up for white or pink poinsettias, and I pair them with a natural cedar garland around the door with warm white lights for a very merry welcome,' she adds, noting that 'fresh garlands and real wreaths never go out of style, and give you the flexibility to customize your holiday look. I love using these and other natural materials.'

9. Make an Unexpected Feature of Doorways

There are so many ways to make the rooms of your home sing during the festive period, but sometimes it's the most unexpected details that have the most impact – and this striking doorway garland is a chic addition.

It's a more exciting way to decorate with garlands, and it feels more curated than simply draping it along a mantel or banister. Pinned up with a classic pointed top, it feels expensive and looks like you put in more effort than you did.

It's also incredibly customizable – you can intertwine lights, cover with ornaments, or even weave in other seasonal foliage, like berries, poinsettia, or even dried orange slices. Just make sure you secure everything well to avoid any breakages.

10. Pair Your Existing Room Decor with Holiday Accessories

Incorporating your existing room decor into festive vignettes is a stylish way to make your pieces work harder. And it's an approach that works in every room, from a living room sideboard topped with a mix of Christmas decor and pieces that live there year-round to your kitchen shelving, as Cassidy explains.

'I like to reuse things I already have, like I’ll take a glass vase and fill it with extra ornaments, or use my cookbooks with red or green spines on the coffee table,' explains Cassidy.

'I don’t buy decorated garland, but buy plain (it’s also cheaper), and I’ll use the same garlands and wreaths year after year, but change the ribbon and ornaments to fit my vibe that year, plaid one year, velvet the next. It’s an easy swap for under $10,' she explains.

11. Spruce Up Your Kitchen with Festive Foliage

'When decorating, focus on using natural tones of foliage, dried fruits, and berries to bring interior spaces alive for the season. Holly and spruce look lovely tucked behind artworks, mirrors, and pictures, as well as on tables, banisters, and fireplace surrounds,' says Ottalie Stride, creative director of design studio Albion Nord.

It's a decorating ethos that has been taken into this kitchen, but rather than adding foliage to artworks and tables, the team at Coco & Jack Design Studio has added a festive touch to the heart of the kitchen, with a garland above the mantel and a charming wreath on the backsplash.

These small touches add a dose of holiday cheer without impeding on the functional aspects of the kitchen. You can take it one step further by adding ribbons in your color of choice, but avoid anything that hangs down in your kitchen Christmas decor, as it could become a fire hazard over a cooktop.

Another option is to add holiday kitchenware, like this Holiday in the City Stoneware Platter from Anthropologie or this Ice Skating Scene Dish Towel from Crate & Barrel for a charming nod to the season.

12. Don't Forget to Decorate the Dining Room

If you're hosting the festivities this year, you'll need to consider how you decorate the most-used rooms in your home. And one room that often gets forgotten – even though it's usually the heart of Christmas day – is the dining room.

It's the one room where everyone gathers around to enjoy a home-cooked meal and celebrate the holidays, so it's only right that this room receives the same decorative treatment as the living room.

How you decorate will depend on space – this dining room features a large Christmas tree in the corner, but in smaller spaces, a beautifully designed table centerpiece can make all the difference. Layered with linens in seasonal hues, it's the recipe for a picture-perfect holiday setup.

If you want to recreate this scheme, start with Lulu and Georgia's Darcia Vase filled with seasonal foliage for a beautiful centerpiece, add the Wickham Mini Cordless Table Lamp for a cozy ambiance, and top every place setting with these Romaric Table Linen Napkins.

13. Bring the Festivities into a Children's Bedroom

The magic of Christmas truly comes into its own when there are children in the household, and something as simple as a garland or wreath in a kid's bedroom adds instant charm and festivity – and creates a place to display those decorations they picked out but don't look quite right anywhere else.

'In the kids’ room, I want to spark joy and imagination,' says design expert Anita Yokota. 'A garland, mini trees, and soft lighting make the space feel safe and story-like. It is a reminder that home can still feel magical, even in simple ways.'

In content creator Ciara Kenaston's home, she likes to bring in paper decorations and colorful motifs that feel slightly more playful than the collected, vintage decorations throughout the rest of her home. The wreath above the headboard, the garland over the curtain pole, and the paper snowflakes on the ceiling add just the right amount of holiday style.

14. Set the Scene with a Christmas Tree on Your Porch

A spacious porch is the perfect opportunity to bring some of the Christmas style you've brought to your interiors to the outside of your home. And if you have a large space like in this design, a full-size tree is the perfect Christmas porch decor.

'A tall, live tree decorated with ribbons, pine cones, and other natural elements is perfectly placed at the end of this large Southern porch, greeting guests as they arrive. The magnolia garland with yellow ribbons on the railings and around the light fixtures creates a festive entry to this charming home,' says interior designer Kelley Proxmire.

The reason it works? Everything feels natural – foliage is the basis of the decor, which feels right at home in the outdoor space. With the subtle ribbons and baubles on the tree, it gives a preview into the home's decor theme without overwhelming.

Just make sure any decor you introduce to a porch is meant for outdoors. Foraging natural greenery is a stylish and sustainable option, or shop for hardwearing examples you can reuse year after year.

15. Keep it Classic by Layering Red and Green Decor

'For me, holiday decorating is about emotional regulation through sensory design by using color, texture, and light to nurture calm connection. In the living and dining areas, I layer traditional reds and greens with warm gold lighting to create that nostalgic serotonin hit we all crave in winter,' explains Anita.

This more simplistic approach to holiday decor is incredibly timeless and creates the coziest atmosphere. In this living room, a green garland is paired with deep red stockings on the fireplace, and in the bay window, a small tree has been decorated with a mix of red, green, and brass accents.

'The repetition of ornaments and soft glow from string lights activate what neuroscience calls pattern recognition comfort. This promotes our brains to relax when we detect symmetry and warmth,' Anita adds.

There are so many stylish ways to decorate every room of the home for the holidays, whether you prefer to keep things pared-back and natural or lean into those classic, nostalgic Christmas themes.