Tinsel is back in style this year – and Shea McGee's chic Christmas tree shows how this retro holiday decor should be used
This holiday decor trend was last popular in the 1950s
Love it or hate it, tinsel is back. The 1950s Christmas staple has been appearing in some of the world's most stylish homes across social media, including in the house of the final harbinger of what's cool in interior design: Shea McGee. The McGee & Co. founder's style is sleek, coastal, and neutral.
Basically, the opposite of the gaudy maximalism we've come to associate with tinsel. However, as is to be expected, Shea has made the silver garland look effortlessly chic and completely in line with her signature style. Her Christmas tree loudly declares: It's time to give tinsel a chance.
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Shea McGee's Christmas decor is full of cool, neutrals, incorporating several pieces from the 2023 McGee & Co holiday collection. Unexpected silvers and blues form the basis for the look with grayish-blue, brown, and silver ornaments on the tree amongst the cascading tinsel.
This shade of modern Christmas decor is trending, according to color experts. Research from Hiatt Hardware shows that searches for Blue Christmas Decor reached over 3 million views on Google and TikTok this year.
Ryan Calvert, color expert at Hiatt Hardware states that when it comes to Christmas tree decor, 'A focal point of one color can work well when executed correctly.' He continues, 'Different shades of blue will add dimension to your interiors and prevent a flat, 2D look from developing, whilst achieving a wintery and cool effect. To execute this trend, you can buy a blue Christmas tree, like this on-sale blue tree at Lowe's or decorate a regular one with blue ornaments, tinsel, and lights.'
$30.99 at Walmart
You don't need to buy a blue true. Decorating with mixed blue ornaments like these is a much less expensive way of achieving the same effect.
$8.54 at Walmart
Ignore the retro packaging – let's call it nostalgic. This pack of 2000 tinsel icicle strands provides more than enough pieces of silver garland to make your Christmas tree sparkle.
Was $17.99, now $15.19 at Amazon
The best-value way to get blue Christmas lights is with color changing lights like these. You have multiple flash modes, and if you get bored of the blue, you can pick something else.
Ryan is a product expert at Hiatt Hardware, where he specializes in pairing the company's finishes with other elements of interior design. This holiday season, he predicts that blue Christmas decor and vintage Christmas decor will be some of the biggest interior trends.
Furthermore, many experts welcome the return of tinsel. Jennifer Ebert, digital editor at Homes & Gardens states: 'This trend will always cycle back around because it has the ability to turn your living room into a magical winter wonderland. Silver tinsel cascading down your tree reflects light around the room, creating an icicle-like effect. When paired with blue ornaments like Shea has done, the trend looks sophisticated and stylish.'
Jen is the Editor (Digital) of Homes & Gardens. Before starting this position, she had completed various interior design courses at KLC Design School, as well as working across Ideal Home, LivingEtc, 25 Beautiful Homes and Country Homes & Interiors as an interiors writer.
Shop The McGee & Co. Holiday Collection
Was $650, now $325 at McGee & Co.
This large faux tree is stunningly reminiscent of real pine. Designed to add beauty to your holidays year after year, the tree features integrated twinkling lights. Also available in 5' and 9' sizes.
Was $26, now $13 at McGee & Co.
Crafted from glass with a classic green finish, this pretty ornament makes for an elegant addition to your mantel or side table for the holiday season.
Was $60, now $30 at McGee & Co.
Add a more rustic and organic touch to your Holiday decor with these Woven Wicker Bells. Their light, natural hue creates a calming feel while bringing playful sophistication to your space.
Was $28, now $14 at McGee & Co.
A charming addition to everything from trees to doorways and coffee tables during the holiday season, these bells hang in an elegant cluster. Crafted from iron with a gold finish and finished with rope for a natural touch of organic material.
Was $158, now $79 at McGee & Co
With varied textures and tones, this Faux Maple & Pine Wreath is an elevated take on a classic holiday staple. Crafted from high-quality faux foliage and flowers, we love the pretty pink touches.
Was $118, now $59 at McGee & Co
This versatile faux garland is perfect for adorning a mantel, tabletop or staircase, adding inviting and colorful natural texture to your space.
Will you use tinsel on your tree this Christmas? There are a whole host of Christmas decor trends interior designers are using in their homes this year, but the best policy is always to take what you like and leave the rest. By blending trends with your personal style, you can create holiday decor that feels both timeless and like a true reflection of you.
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Sophie is a London-based 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.
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