The holiday season has always been my favorite time of year – and yes, I’m unapologetically one of those people who decorates early. The scent of pine, a pan of mulled wine on the stove, and festive music at full volume instantly set the mood.
When it comes to decorating, I always look to Joanna Gaines for inspiration. The interior designer, entrepreneur, and HGTV star has mastered the art of creating cozy, traditional spaces that feel both nostalgic and timeless. This is the balance I aim to strike in my own home each Christmas. If, like me, you’re longing for the charm of Christmases past, you’ll love Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Holiday Shop and her Hearth & Hand with Magnolia at Target collection.
Joanna Gaines and I share a love for early decorating and for what I’d call heritage, traditional Christmas decor ideas – a move away from fleeting trends and towards pieces that tell a story. It’s a sentiment echoed by Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy’s trend and design expert, who says: ‘This year, many of us are opting for Christmas decor ideas reminiscent of a time before technology – one filled with simpler pleasures and a return to a wholesome, rustic lifestyle that celebrates simplicity, tradition, and nostalgia.’
And that feels especially true for 2025, as many of us crave warmth and authenticity in our homes. To channel this enduring aesthetic, Johnson recommends leaning into ‘warm tones, cozy textures, foraged decor, and vintage pieces.’
At the heart of every traditional home decorated for Christmas is the tree. Whether it’s a grand fir or a perfectly proportioned pine, a classic green Christmas tree is the ultimate symbol of the season. While real trees offer unbeatable fragrance and texture, beautifully crafted faux versions – such as those from Balsam Hill – provide an equally elegant and practical option.
For those who love a timeless look, Michael Giannelli of East Hampton Gardens suggests: ‘Choose a large, classic fir tree and decorate it with twinkling lights, red, green, and silver or gold beaded garlands, decorative bows, and neutral ornaments – guaranteed to create a cozy, classic look.’
Similar traditional Christmas decorating scheme
(Image credit: Photography: Jon Day / Styling: Claudia Bryant / Floral design: Juliet Glaves)
This nature-led approach extends beyond the tree. Think generous swags of greenery over mantels and doorways, wreaths that celebrate seasonal foliage, and subtle, foraged touches that add depth and texture. Inspired by Gaines’ signature style, try combining pine, cedar, and eucalyptus with pinecones and berries for a rustic yet refined display.
And of course, no traditional festive home is complete without a beautifully dressed Christmas mantel. Hanging a trio of stockings – in neutrals or shades that complement your room’s palette – instantly evokes a sense of comfort and anticipation. The Tree Knit Stocking from the Hearth & Hand at Magnolia collection will add a nostalgic touch to your mantel. Pair them with layered greenery, soft candlelight, and perhaps a few vintage ornaments to complete the look.
Ultimately, the enduring charm of traditional Christmas style lies in its ability to make a home feel both timeless and deeply personal. Trends may come and go, but the warmth, nostalgia, and quiet beauty of this style – the kind Joanna Gaines embodies so effortlessly – are here to stay.
Shop the Traditional Holiday Edit
From timeless ornaments to cozy decor, these hand-picked pieces bring classic yuletide magic to every corner of your home.
Mini Cypress and Red Berry Artificial Wreath
Add festive charm to your home with the Mini Cypress Wreath from Hearth & Hand with Magnolia. Faux cypress and red berries create a cheerful seasonal look, and the attached loop makes it easy to hang indoors.
Elevate your holiday decor with the Mauree Velvet Bow Garland. Featuring smooth, luxurious velvet bows, this garland adds rich texture and a sophisticated touch to tabletops, banisters, mantels, or any festive display.
Assorted Flocked Baubles, Set of 4
Add a touch of elegance to your holiday décor with the 3” Assorted Flocked Baubles. Crafted from glass in a classic shape and finished in sophisticated colors, these ornaments bring subtle dimension and a chic, refined look to any Christmas tree or festive display.
Wood Collapsible Tree Collar
Introduce a polished, contemporary touch to your holiday tree with the Collapsible Tree Collar from Hearth & Hand with Magnolia. Crafted from wood with a stylish slatted design, this brown tree skirt elevates your décor while its collapsible feature makes storage effortless.
Cedar With Green Ribbon Mini Artificial Swag
Add instant elegance to your holiday décor with the 2-Pack Mini Artificial Swag Set from Hearth & Hand with Magnolia. Featuring faux cedar leaves and green bows, these festive swags bring a charming, seasonal touch to any indoor space.
Bring timeless charm and a touch of glam to your holiday tree with the 13-Inch Brass Star Tree Topper. Crafted from metal in an elegant eight-point star design, it adds a radiant finishing touch and easily attaches to both real and artificial trees.
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