Your go-to Christmas styling guide: Traditional decor tips and where to buy the best pieces
As the holiday season approaches, there's a special kind of magic in transforming your space into a cozy, festive retreat. Whether you're someone who starts decking the halls by November, planning every last detail of your tree and table, or you’re a last-minute planner who waits until December (or even Christmas Eve!), creating a beautiful holiday setting is always worth the effort. Me? I’m all in from November, and I’ve put together the ultimate Christmas Styling Guide, complete with a curated list of my favourite decorations to help you craft your own seasonal haven. So, grab a warm drink, settle in, and let’s make this holiday season your most beautiful yet!
Traditional Christmas Styling Essentials For me, Christmas is all about nostalgia and crafting a space that celebrates the joy of classic holiday movies, cozy gatherings, and family traditions. A chance to step outside my usual styling palette and embrace the timeless red and green combination that defines the season.
Key elements to styling a traditional Christmas include:
Red and Green (and a touch of gold) Colour Scheme
The foundational palette, red and green brings instant holiday warmth, from deep evergreen hues to bright, cheerful reds. While touches of gold add a sense of luxe. Incorporate these colours in ornaments, ribbons, and decorative accents.
Christmas Tree
Whether you prefer the fresh scent of a real Christmas tree or the convenience of a faux one, finding the right tree to fit your space is key to creating a beautiful holiday atmosphere. If you're leaning toward a faux tree, Balsam Hill is my top choice for lifelike, easy-to-assemble options. We have the Norway Spruce with clear LED lights, allowing us to enjoy a cozy, flickering glow without the hassle of tangled cords. And a tip: if you wait until Boxing Day, Balsam Hill often has great sales on their trees.
For those who love the charm of a real tree, local businesses like Real Christmas Trees Melbourne and Dandenong Christmas Trees offer delivery and removal services, making the process easy and hassle-free. Be sure to research and place your order early for the best selection.
Once you have your tree, it’s time to decorate! Add twinkling lights, traditional ornaments, and festive bows, and top it off with the perfect tree topper to complete the look. To finish it off and hide the base, add a beautiful Christmas tree skirt that complements your decor.
Where to buy the best Christmas Trees:
Lush Greenery
If you’re looking to add an extra touch of Christmas to your space then greenery is the perfect addition. Choose from real or faux evergreen branches, pine, cedar, or holly to create beautiful garlands, wreaths, and table accents. For a festive pop of colour, add a few sprigs of red berries, they’ll make your holiday decor feel vibrant and inviting. Where to buy the best Christmas Greenery:
Festive Wreath Welcoming your guests with a wreath of evergreen or holly with a bold red bow on the front door is an iconic symbol of Christmas. Smaller versions can be used as wall decor, chair accents, or table centrepieces. We have a beautiful Christmas wreath from Balsam Hill that perfectly complements our tree.
Where to buy the best Christmas Wreaths:
Plaid Patterns
Wrap me up in all things plaid; seriously, nothing captures the essence of Christmas like a classic plaid pattern. Whether it's your tablecloth, stockings, ribbons, blankets or even your wrapping paper for a rustic, classic feel, plaid is a signature element of a traditional Christmas, adding a cozy, festive touch to every corner of your home. Where to buy the best Christmas Plaid Patterns:
Ribbons and Bows
It all began with a simple bow on our Christmas tree, and now it’s the perfect way to elevate any space that needs a little extra charm. Add them to your tree, tableware, mantelpiece, or gifts, bows are all you need to create that wow factor and bring a touch of festive elegance to your home.
Where to buy the best Christmas Ribbons and Bows:
Traditional Ornaments
When I think back to Christmas as a child, I remember the joy of rummaging through an old box of decorations, each one holding sentimental value or a handmade memory. Every year, my favourite ornament would change, and I couldn’t wait to add them all to the tree, especially the moment I was held up to place the star on top. This is the feeling I want to continue to evoke with each ornament we place on our tree and as a mum, it’s the feeling I want to pass on to our daughter. Alongside the timeless, traditional ornaments, I love adding new ones each year, ones that reflect who we are in that moment. These are the ornaments we’ll look back on in years to come, remembering the story of where they came from. For me, it's about stepping back, taking in the beauty of the tree, and feeling the love of our family; now and for generations to come.
Where to buy the best Christmas Ornaments:
Classic Christmas Stockings
It might have been the classic holiday movies that sparked the dream, but I’ve always imagined hanging beautiful red stockings across a mantel, each one embroidered with our names or initials. While I don’t have a fireplace yet, I’ve created my own little tradition by hanging stockings on our stunning custom-built shelf as you enter our home. It's one of my favourite spaces to style each year for Christmas, and I look forward to it every holiday season.
Where to buy the best Christmas Stockings:
Christmas Lights
As soon as the sun sets during the holiday season, it’s the soft twinkle of Christmas lights that truly captures the festive spirit. Whether adorning the tree, lining the table, or framing the windows, these twinkling lights are a simple yet magical touch that instantly fills the home with holiday cheer.
Where to buy the best Christmas Lights:
Candles and Scents
Fill your table and home with the warm glow of candles (and always follow safety instructions, of course). The flicker of the flames, paired with the delightful scents of Christmas, creates the perfect finishing touch for your holiday decor. Some of my favourite Christmas scents include gingerbread cookies, cinnamon spice, fresh pine, and peppermint bark; each one adding a festive, cozy atmosphere to your home.
Where to buy the best Christmas Candles:
Festive Table Settings
If you know me, you'll know I love a beautifully styled table, and Christmas is the perfect occasion to go all out. Whether I’m hosting or not, the dining table will be set as thoughtfully as our Christmas tree, adorned with elegant tableware, candles, and fresh greenery. I always begin by selecting a tablecloth and build the look from there. You can design a custom tablecloth (like mine, pictured below) or find one that perfectly fits your vision.
Next, I layer in tableware and decor I already have, adding special touches where needed to bring the table to life. These accents often include festive bonbons, napkins, candles, and a gorgeous centrepiece as the focal point. For extra magic, consider adding name cards, small holiday-themed place settings, or even mini wreaths or candy canes for each guest. A hint of sparkle with metallic details, such as gold or silver cutlery or napkin rings, can add a refined, festive touch.
Let your imagination run wild, and create a setting that’s both beautiful and memorable, perfect for celebrating the season with loved ones.
Where to buy the best Christmas Table Decor:
Cozy Home Furnishings and Decorations
My Christmas styling continues throughout my home, from cushions to throws to kitchen details like mugs and tea towels. Don’t forget about the decorative elements to add to bookshelves, coffee tables and bedrooms. These little details carry the Christmas theme and make your house feel complete.
Where to buy the best Christmas Home Decor:
Gift Wrapping
Just when you think there’s nothing left to style, it’s time to wrap your Christmas gifts! I always reach for brown kraft paper or a classic plaid gift wrap, adding elegant ribbons and bows for that special touch. I love knowing that my gifts bring joy twice; first with the wrapping, then with what’s inside. Plus, there’s something magical about seeing beautifully wrapped presents nestled under the Christmas tree, enhancing its festive charm. Don’t forget the finishing touches with thoughtful cards and gift tags!
Where to buy the best Christmas Gift Wrapping:
Christmas Playlist
Last but certainly not least, hit play on your Christmas playlist! There’s nothing like singing along to your favourite holiday tunes to bring the festive spirit into your home throughout November and December. Spotify is my go-to for all things music, with a fantastic selection of Christmas playlists featuring both classic and modern hits, ready to set the perfect holiday mood.
Where to listen to the best Christmas Playlists:
As you bring together the elements of a traditional Christmas, remember that every detail, from the twinkle of lights to the cozy scents contributes to a warm and festive atmosphere. While my style leans traditional, your Christmas decor doesn’t need to follow the same path. I hope this Christmas styling guide sparks a little inspiration to help you create your own perfect space for the holidays, whether that means classic touches or something entirely unique. Embrace the joy of decorating, and let your home reflect the magic and warmth of Christmas for you and your loved ones.
I wish you a beautiful holiday season filled with love, joy, and unforgettable moments.
Additional brands to consider for your Christmas shopping:
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