'We're team whatever makes you happy this holiday, especially if it means covering your tree with tinsel,' says Studio McGee.
There is no denying that tinsel has become one of the most popular Christmas decor ideas this holiday season. This retro decoration can not only create a magical-looking icicle effect on your Christmas tree, but it can also be a perfect last-minute Christmas decor idea, too.
Whether you've yet to decorate your tree and require some inspiration or are on the fence about joining team tinsel this year, much-loved design duo, Syd and Shea McGee of Studio McGee show us how decorating with tinsel can establish a stand-out Christmas scheme.
Interior designer, Shea McGee founded her iconic design firm, Studio McGee, with her husband Syd in 2014. They later launched their e-commerce brand, McGee & Co, and starred in their very own Netflix show, Dream Home Makeover.
For the main, 'pretty' Christmas tree in the McGee family home, a beautiful combination of brown, blue and silver ornaments from McGee & Co. form the decoration foundation, Shea says this Christmas color scheme was used 'to create a darker feeling'. For the final flourish, silver tinsel adorns the tree, which works wonderfully with the darker-toned ornaments to establish a more cool and contemporary feel.
We love how these more muted color palettes on the ornaments establish a subtle, rustic feel, with the playful use of tinsel bringing in a contrasting shimmer and sense of movement.
The beauty of working with tinsel is that little skill is required to create a fabulous look for your Christmas tree ideas, this retro decoration will always be an easy and fun way to elegantly elevate your tree with a final, shimmering touch.
'There's a point of no return with tinsel, and sometimes, you just have to go for it,' says Shea.
While their main tinsel tree embraces a beautiful blend of the retro and the modern, for the festive decoration across the rest of their home, McGee & Co. have embraced more natural, rustic Christmas decor ideas.
From classic Christmas wreaths and Christmas garlands hung on doorways, walls and mirrors, to smaller Christmas trees used to add decoration to tables and countertops, their choice of festive decor works in elegant harmony with the pared-back, rustic modern aesthetic that they are so well known for.
FAQs
What can I put on my Christmas tree instead of tinsel?
From garlands made from beads, paper chains and orange slice decorations, to ribbon and bows (undoubtedly, another one of this year's biggest Christmas trends) and tinsel crafted from paper – we love this colorful paper tinsel from Etsy, perfect for more sustainable Christmas decor ideas, there are plenty of other ways you can add a stylish final flourish to your tree.
For some more last-minute Christmas decor inspiration, explore our collection of DIY Christmas decor ideas, which make the most of materials and objects you will already have in your home – the result can create a truly unique, elegant handmade display.
-
5 tips for making living room shelves look more expensive on a budgetYour shelving can make a big difference to your home's overall aesthetic – here's how I make sure they elevate and intrigue
-
Kevin Costner's living room color confers calming, luxurious energy – it's a palette that will look just as good in 100 yearsThe 'Yellowstone' actor uses an ever-stylish color choice to turn his living room into a designer-approved oasis
-
5 sustainable Christmas decor ideas – embrace a more eco-friendly festive display this yearFrom handmade ornaments to styling your space with flowers and foliage, sustainable Christmas decor can not only look beautiful, it's better for the planet, too
-
Last minute Christmas decor ideas – 5 easy (and speedy) ways to add a festive touch to your homeIf you're yet to decorate your home and are feeling a tad time-stressed this holiday season, our last-minute Christmas decor ideas have got you covered – and they're still wonderfully chic
-
Interior designers say these 5 Christmas decor trends now feel outdatedWhat are the most outdated Christmas decor trends? We spoke to interior design experts to round up five Christmas decor trends that no longer feel chic
-
5 simple ways to make a Christmas tree fit in a small space – from someone who has mastered itStruggling to know where (and how) to put a Christmas tree in a small space, I have all easy tips and tricks
-
6 Christmas color schemes – choose the perfect palette for your holiday decorThese Christmas color schemes go way beyond classic red and green, from cozy neutrals to playful brights, explore some of our favorite festive looks
-
5 non-traditional Christmas decor ideas to try out this yearFrom alternative Christmas trees to unique festive ornaments, swap the classic for the contemporary with our collection of non-traditional Christmas decor ideas
-
5 unexpected places to decorate for Christmas for a more unique festive displayTo make your home feel extra special this holiday season, be sure to uplift these unexpected places with beautiful festive decoration
-
6 Scandinavian Christmas decor ideas – create that cozy hygge feeling this holiday seasonEmbrace a serene holiday scheme with Scandinavian Christmas decor ideas, a style that celebrates a more rustic and simple approach to festive decorating
