When it comes to holiday decorating, the word “trend” is something that most designers and creatives tend to shy away from. “We like to lean into the unique rather than adopting too many trends or a one-size-fits-all approach,” shares Kemper Hyers, chief creative officer of Auberge Resorts Collection, which includes hotels like the Mayflower Inn and Spa in Washington, Connecticut, that go all out for the holidays.
However, that doesn’t mean they don’t pay attention to the pulse of the latest Christmas decorating trends. We’ve reached out to creatives and designers from across the country to share their thoughts on the hottest Christmas decor for this holiday season, and let’s just say: You might want to reevaluate before enrobing your rooms in red and green.
“Today there is greater emphasis on personal preferences, whether you are mindful of other holidays or really enjoy another color scheme aside from customary red and green.” explains Sean Stewart, the director of event production for the Design Studio at the Breakers Palm Beach.
From taking on DIY projects to reevaluating the color wheel, everything is focused on what speaks specifically to you (because isn’t holiday decor the ultimate form of dopamine decorating?). Below, discover what designers and decorators of your favorite hotels predict will be the biggest Christmas decor trends for 2024 and beyond.
Thinking Beyond Red and Green
Yes, this one might be hard to believe, but almost all of our design experts mentioned one thing: It’s definitely not a requirement to stick to a traditional color palette during the holiday season.
“While red and green might come to mind for Christmas and blue and silver for Hanukkah, holiday decor doesn’t have to stick to those traditional color palettes! You can get creative with almost any Pantone in the book,” shares Lynn Easton, Easton Porter Group’s co-founder and creative director.
There are some hues that come more highly recommended than others: “We can expect to see more [shades of] white, cream, navy, and silver for Christmas, moving away from the traditional red and green,” shares Hyers. “Instead of following tried-and-true tropes of holiday decoration, people are embracing a more playful and creative approach.”
Opting for Jewel Tones
As you know from our 2025 color of the year, Cosmic Cobalt, we happen to be quite partial to jewel tones for well beyond the holiday season. However, there’s something special about these rich colors for a time of year that is filled with so much spirit.
“We tend to lean toward the jewel tones,” explains Easton, whose luxury hotel group includes the Charleston-based Zero George. She notes that tablescapes in these shades are especially fun and interesting during the holiday season: “When you color outside of the lines, you give your guests something to converse over—Champagne cocktail in hand, of course!”
Layering on the Tinsel
Believe it or not, everyone is loving “tinsel, tinsel… and more tinsel!” Easton shares. The glittering metal foil which was once a favorite of Jackie O for her own holiday displays, is back in vogue thanks to a call for more retro Christmas decorations. The silver accent brings the prettiest shimmer to your Christmas tree and adds a nostalgic feeling of bygone Christmases.
Lizzie Whitcher, who works as the floral manager for the Biltmore, explains that maximalism, like more tinsel than you can ever imagine, is a mainstay. “Anything en masse,” she says, from tinsel to furry accents, is in.
Brite Star Silver Tinsel
Decking the Halls with Natural Touches
If the maximalist trend doesn’t speak to you, there’s a simpler—but equally beautiful—camp that people are looking to: the natural world.
Xavier Donnelly, creative director of Ash, which includes hotels such as Hotel Peter and Paul in New Orleans says that he likes to focus “on simple decorations using natural materials and florals that feel festive while not overwhelming the space.”
This trend adds pared-back sophistication to a space that’s not typical when it comes to holiday decorating, but looks absolutely stunning. Think of layering in natural accents like branches, live greenery, pinecones, and even real fruit.
“I have been loving incorporating oranges, apples, and pomegranates into our holiday decor,” shares designer Barrie Benson. “The colors of the fruit look so pretty with the Christmas greenery. It adds a brightness that feels perfect for the holidays.”
Decorating with (or Making!) Nostalgic Pieces
The holidays have always been an excuse to bring back the memories and styles of yesteryear, but recently, there’s been more of a desire to embrace family heirlooms and unique vintage holiday decor.
“I think we’re getting back into making the holidays more personal and incorporating pieces that mean something to us or have been handed down to us and less about creating a ‘theme’ each year,” shares Josh Young, the artist, author and designer of Josh Young Design House. He adds that “incorporating vintage ornaments, being more playful with holiday decor, and mixing old with new” can all add a soulful, layered effect.
The call for handmade Christmas decor is also strong this year. “Custom holiday décor will continue to grow, and people will gravitate away from store-bought items,” explains Stewart. “With social media you are seeing a lot of DIY holiday displays, and people naturally want to join in on the creativity—plus it’s fun!”
Making your own garland, ornaments, and other decorations brings so much joy back to the holiday season, and allows you to spend time with loved ones. Plus, these pieces, whether vintage or homemade, are ones you’ll use for years to come.
Benson reveals,”I love unwrapping our old ornaments and nutcrackers each year, which bring back so many dear memories from Christmases past.”
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Mary Alice Russell (she/her) is VERANDA’s assistant style and market editor. Since 2023, she’s split her time between assisting with the production of print stories and writing for VERANDA’s website. From researching luxury brands and sourcing products to writing about trends and curating gift guides, Mary Alice is always on the hunt for the chicest finds and what’s next in the design world. She also helps coordinate VERANDA’s bi-weekly newsletter Instant Obsession, which features five favorite items editors are loving from dresses to luxury scents. Prior to joining VERANDA, Mary Alice worked as a fellow for Southern Living after graduating from Washington and Lee University where she majored in journalism and art history. She is an avid baker, compulsive crafter, and a lover of all things art and design.
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