We’re nearing the end of summer, and in New York City, where I’m currently writing, it’s muggy and hot. So when, in the middle of my habitual Instagram scroll, I saw – amid a sea of Pucci two-pieces on the Côte d’Azur – an image of Studio McGee founder Shea McGee standing beside a Christmas tree, I paused.
She was teasing the debut of her brand McGee & Co.’s holiday 2025 collection, officially launching September 23. This wasn’t entirely out of left field – I’d just been at the brand’s press preview days earlier, sipping an iced coffee in a glass-walled Brooklyn penthouse with the Manhattan skyline as the backdrop, sneaking peeks at hyper-realistic garlands, gathering Christmas decor ideas, and ultimately, walking away with a surprisingly chic canvas tote filled with seasonal goodies – quite unseasonal for a hot New York August morning
Still, the seasonal whiplash was a reminder: we have less time than we think to tap Christmas decor trends this year. People are already buying multiple Halloween costumes. My own winter holiday travel is booked. It's not too early to be thinking about holiday decor.
Which makes a little preemptive Christmas decorating strategy worth it – especially if you want pieces that can stretch from the first hint of the festive season. I won’t spoil the new collection for you, but I will share my biggest takeaways – plus a few pieces to tide you over until launch day.
Shea, ever the interior clairvoyant, never misses – and I have a feeling this lineup will be a bellwether for the holiday interior design trends we’ll all be talking about in the months ahead.
1. Twists
You could also call them braids. This equestrian-adjacent detail is already a Shea McGee house signature, but judging by the sheer volume I spotted at the holiday preview, braided metallic accents are the holiday flourish to have.
Think of them as jewelry for your home. The new collection includes picture frames, trays, and ornaments in gleaming twists, ready to add a hit of glamour to an otherwise quiet holiday table or credenza. Modern heirlooms in the making.
And between us? I’m already plotting where mine will live come January – because this is one of those ‘holiday’ details I fully intend to keep out all year.
Frames matter most during the holidays – partly to show guests whose home they’ve entered (a tasteful humble brag), and partly to give your freshest memories the stage they deserve. This gold rope frame by Shea is new, but its classic sensibilities slip seamlessly into any aesthetic.
Twisting taper candles aren’t exactly groundbreaking, but seeing them at Shea’s preview reminded me how good they are. Especially in this dark, almost edible chocolate brown – quietly decadent for cooler months, and perfect alongside winter’s usual suspects: velvets, fluting, and anything with a high shine.
Nothing elevates a tablescape, holiday or otherwise, like a napkin ring. These classic twisted gold designs would work all year round, pair with a plaid for the fall and switch to something more festive come December.
2. Tiny wreaths
We usually think of Christmas wreaths as front-door statements or maybe hanging in a window – but Shea made the case for crowning the back of a dining chair with the same festive flourish. There were also wreaths of a different kind: laurels – used as place card holders to direct guests to their seats – with flair.
The takeaway? If you’re stumped on how to finish a piece of furniture or redeem a forgotten corner, put a wreath on it. Make it a moment. Indoors, in unexpected spots, is the move for 2025.
You’d be hard-pressed to find anything fully festive in August – but Shea McGee’s Target line delivers a perfect in-between. It’s ideal for those who love decorating for the holidays but are also allergic to overt kitsch.
Sometimes the best new addition is actually an old one – something with history, patina, and, for the holidays, more than a little opulence. They don’t make candle sconces like this anymore, and the brass laurels – festive enough for December – will happily keep glowing all year with a pair of tapers (ideally the twisted ones above).
We’ve already discussed crowning chairs with wreaths, so placing them at the base of a plate doesn’t feel like such a leap. These look like full chargers but are really wreath-sized to hug your dinner plates. Even with your plainest everyday porcelain, the gentle flocking delivers the holiday memo loud and clear.
3. Tassels
Tassels are not just a holiday thing. Bullion tassels – the kind you’d spot at old-school cool hotels like The Hotel Chelsea or Château Marmont – have been everywhere lately.
Soon, thanks to Shea, we’ll be able to tassel our Christmas trees, too. Her collection includes bullion tassel ornaments in three colorways – a heritage hotel flourish for the crown jewel of your holiday decor.
But the true power of the tassel is its versatility. I’m thinking door knobs, dresser pulls, even looped into curtain tiebacks – anywhere calling for glamour. Could 2024’s bow be 2025’s tassel? I wouldn’t bet against it.
One could argue this entire table lamp is essentially one oversized tassel – which is probably why I’m obsessed. Its thick fringe brings a sense of movement to tabletops, and in this deep evergreen, it sets the stage for whatever you have in mind: frosted foliage, metallic glints, or even traditional candy-cane reds and whites.
You’ve probably been drooling over Sophie Bille Brahe’s ocean-inspired diamond-and-pearl creations for ages. But if those aren’t quite in the cards just yet, her petite tassel-pull jewelry box scratches the itch in rich royal purple.
I envy the fortunate guest who gets to sit on this retro-style tasseled seat. It's petite enough to move around, which is great for holiday entertaining, but it is also just a classic piece that you'll have in your collection for years.
Hopefully, those options will scratch the holiday itch until September 23rd. I will be sure to let you know as soon as Shea's holiday collection launches. Take it from someone who's seen a sneak peek, it's one you want to have on your radar.
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