Christmas Decorating Trends to Avoid This Year

Christmas trends can be overwhelming. How do we know which ones are best for us? Let’s start by looking at Christmas decorating trends to avoid this year.

The anticipation of decorating our homes is one of the most exciting aspects of Christmas. We envision warm lights, festive ornaments, and cozy, inviting spaces celebrating the season’s magic. However, not all trends are created equal; some may detract from your holiday decor’s timeless and personal charm. By steering clear of these, you can ensure your home is festive, stylish, and uniquely you.

Christmas Decorating Trends to Avoid

This year, I am focusing on simplicity and intentionality by curating pieces that complement our home’s existing decor. I always skip the over-the-top trends that feel more like a fleeting fad and prioritize timeless elements with muted tones, natural textures, and meaningful accents that create a warm, inviting ambiance.

Overly Themed Decor

Themed decor can be a fun way to bring personality into your holiday decorations, but it’s easy to overdo it. Over-the-top themes like “Santa’s Workshop” or “Candyland Explosion” can feel overwhelming and detract from the season’s warmth.

Instead, choose subtle ways to incorporate a theme—use a few thoughtfully curated pieces rather than covering every inch of your space with themed items. Balance is key to creating a welcoming environment.

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Cluttered Tabletops and Mantels

A mantel or table brimming with decorations can quickly go from festive to chaotic. While filling every surface with oversized garlands, figurines, and candles has been popular, it often results in a cluttered look.

This year, adopt a “less is more” approach. Focus on a few statement pieces, like a beautifully arranged garland with understated accents or a curated collection of candles and greenery. Give each item space to breathe and shine.

Artificial Snow Overload

Artificial snow can add a whimsical touch to your Christmas decor, but it can look messy and tacky when overused. Avoid covering every surface in a layer of faux snow.

Not only can it create a fake, overdone appearance, but it can also be a pain to clean up. Instead, opt for natural winter elements like eucalyptus, pine branches, or snow-dusted pinecones to achieve an organic, refined wintery look.

Overuse of Red and Green

Red and green are quintessential Christmas colors, but relying solely on these hues can feel outdated. This year, consider incorporating alternative palettes like soft metallics, warm golds, frosty blues, or muted earth tones.

These colors can bring a modern and sophisticated touch to your holiday decor while still feeling festive. If you love red and green, use them as accents rather than the dominant colors in your decor.

Mass-Produced Matching Sets

While grabbing pre-coordinated sets of ornaments, stockings, and tree skirts is tempting, they often lack the personal touch that makes holiday decor feel special. Avoid the “big-box store” look by mixing and matching pieces that reflect your style and personality.

Incorporate family heirlooms, handmade decorations, or vintage finds to add character to your space. A tree adorned with ornaments that tell a story will always be more memorable than one that looks like it came straight from a catalog.

Excessive LED Light Displays

Holiday lights are magical, but excessive or overly bright LED displays can feel harsh and overwhelming. Avoid the “airport runway” effect by sticking to warm white or soft twinkle lights. Layer them thoughtfully—wrap them around your tree, drape them along your mantel, or use them to highlight outdoor features like bushes and trees. Subtlety is vital in creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Inflatable Lawn Decorations

Inflatable lawn decorations have recently been popular, but they can sometimes be more kitschy than charming. While they might appeal to children, they often clash with more elegant outdoor decor. To create a cohesive and sophisticated look, use natural elements like wreaths, lanterns, and string lights instead.

Ignoring Sustainability

In 2024, sustainability is more important than ever. Avoid trends that rely on single-use plastics, disposable decorations, or mass-produced items that don’t last beyond one season. Instead, invest in high-quality, timeless pieces that can be reused year after year.

Consider incorporating natural and eco-friendly materials like wood, fabric, or recycled ornaments. This will make your decor more sustainable and add a sense of authenticity and warmth.

Giant Statement Trees

While large, elaborately decorated trees may look stunning in photos, they aren’t always practical for most homes. A giant tree can dominate your space and make it feel cramped. This year, opt for a tree size that complements your room. Smaller trees, such as tabletop or slim pencil trees, are gaining popularity for their versatility and ease of decorating. They allow you to showcase your style without overwhelming your space.

Overly Fussy Tablescapes

Holiday tablescapes are an opportunity to impress your guests, but overly elaborate setups can feel intimidating and impractical. Skip the towering centerpieces, excessive layers of tableware, and decor that leave no room for food or conversation. Instead, focus on simplicity and functionality.

A table adorned with natural greenery, candles, and a few festive touches can be just as beautiful—and much more inviting.

Neglecting Outdoor Spaces

While indoor decor gets a lot of attention, it’s essential not to neglect your outdoor spaces. However, this doesn’t mean you must go overboard with lights and lawn ornaments.

Avoid creating an assortment of mismatched decorations. Instead, aim for a cohesive look with simple wreaths, garlands, and warm lighting that complements your home’s exterior.

Trendy Fads That Don’t Fit Your Style

Every year brings new trends, but not all will resonate with your style. For example, minimalist decor may not feel right if you love a cozy, maximalist aesthetic. Neon signs or rainbow-colored Christmas trees might be trendy, but they could clash with the rest of your home. The key is to stay true to your taste and choose decor that reflects who you are.

Too Many Faux Florals

While faux florals have come a long way in quality, using them excessively can still result in a dated or artificial look. Avoid overloading your home with plastic greenery and flowers.

Instead, mix faux with fresh elements. For example, a fresh floral arrangement can be combined with faux eucalyptus or pine branches. This combination adds depth and authenticity to your decor.

Neglecting Your Kitchen

The kitchen is often the heart of the home during the holidays, but it’s easy to overlook when decorating. Avoid leaving it untouched or overloading it with decorations that make it hard to cook or entertain.

Simple touches like a bowl of ornaments, a festive dish towel, or a small wreath can bring holiday cheer to this space without interfering with its functionality.

Decorating Without a Plan

Perhaps the biggest trend to avoid is decorating without a cohesive plan. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying new items and end up with a scattered look.

Before you start, take some time to plan your color palette, themes, and key elements. You will enjoy my post, How to Choose Christmas Colors for Your Holiday Decor. This will create a harmonious, intentional space that feels polished and festive.

Christmas decorating is all about creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that celebrates the season and reflects your personal style. By avoiding these trends, you can focus on what truly matters—bringing joy to your home and loved ones. Remember, timeless and meaningful decorations will always outshine fleeting fads.

This year, let’s embrace thoughtful design, sustainability, and simplicity. With a little planning and creativity, you can create a Christmas wonderland that’s both stylish and unforgettable. Happy decorating!

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