For the past few years, holiday decor has been all about quiet neutrals, minimal mantels, and “perfect” Pinterest trees. In 2025, that look is officially soft-launching its retirement. This season is about personality. Richer color, nostalgic details, and decor that feels collected and cozy instead of staged.
If you’ve been craving more red, more green, and more “this feels like home,” this is your year.
1. Color: Reds, Greens, and Jewel Tones Are Back
Designers are leaning into deeper, moodier color palettes this season: think forest and moss green, burgundy, navy, and jewel tones, often layered with brass or antique gold. House Beautiful+2Southern Living+2
A few easy ways to bring that in:
- Swap white ribbons for tartan or velvet in deep red or green.
- Add jewel-toned glass ornaments (emerald, sapphire, ruby) to a basic tree. www.livehome3d.com+1
- Layer plaid throws and pillows on the sofa for that “Ralph Lauren lodge” feel.
You don’t have to abandon neutrals entirely, just let saturated color do some of the talking.
2. Nostalgic Details: Bows, Felt, and Vintage-Inspired Ornaments
Nostalgia is a major theme this year. Bow-covered Christmas trees are trending (yes, trees decorated almost entirely with ribbon bows), and they’re surprisingly chic and budget-friendly. ELLE Decor
You’ll also see:
- Felt garlands and ornaments (very 80s/90s kid Christmas…in the best way). Homes and Gardens
- Retro tinsel, mercury glass, and old-fashioned Santa or angel ornaments. Better Homes & Gardens+1
Mix a few new nostalgic pieces in with what you already own and your home instantly feels more personal and less like a catalog.
3. Skinny Trees, Statement Trees, and Where They Work
Another fun shift for 2025: super-skinny Christmas trees. Popularized by Martha Stewart this year, these minimal-profile trees are perfect for tight spaces like entry corners, dining rooms, or small city apartments. Homes and Gardens
Ideas:
- Place a skinny tree by the stairway with just lights, ribbon, and a few meaningful ornaments.
- Use a second, slim tree in the dining room with only candles (LED), glass, and metallics for a grown-up moment.
Your “main” tree can still be full and traditional. Think of skinny trees as your stylish sidekicks.
4. Tree Collar vs. Tree Skirt: Which One Wins in 2025?
The tree collar vs. tree skirt debate is real…so let’s break it down.
Tree Skirt
- Best for: Traditional, cozy, or nostalgic styles.
- Pros: Soft, easy to store, great for hiding cords and tree stands.
- Cons: Can look messy if gifts pile up or if pets/kids are constantly tugging it.
Tree Collar
- Best for: Clean, tailored, or modern looks (and for fake trees that need a little help at the base).
- Pros: Instantly polished, hides the stand completely, less likely to get rumpled or chewed on.
- Cons: Takes more storage space and can be tricky if your stand is oversized.
For 2025, we’re seeing more woven, metal, and painted wood tree collars, especially in homes that lean modern or farmhouse. A chic compromise: a neutral collar with a small faux-fur or knit “mini skirt” tucked inside to soften the look.
5. Quick Ways to Update What You Already Own
You don’t have to start from scratch. Try:
- Keeping your neutral base (white lights, greenery) and just updating ribbon, stockings, and throw pillows.
- Choosing one accent color; burgundy, emerald, or navy and repeating it in your tree, mantel, and table.
- Swapping mass-produced signs for framed family photos from holid
Designers are moving away from the super-minimal, all-neutral holiday look and leaning back into richer, more nostalgic color:
- 2025 “Ralph Lauren Christmas” style is all about deep forest greens, burgundy, navy, tartan, and layered textures as a reaction to “sterile minimalism.” House Beautiful
- Trend roundups for 2025 highlight burgundy, jewel tones, and nostalgic, moodier palettes rather than only soft neutrals. Southern Living+1
- Several forecasters note that traditional red-and-green is now being framed as a modern classic again especially when mixed with plaids, vintage ornaments, and metals. Brocante Ma Jolie+1
Neutrals are still around (especially “soft winter” looks), but the big story for 2025 is color, nostalgia, and personality so your pivot away from all-beige is right on the money.
Realtor Stacey Donadio 