For many, the holidays are spent enjoying quality time with family, watching festive films, and finding the perfect present for everyone on their shopping list. But, for the design-minded, what makes the most wonderful time of the year so wonderful is the ever-present assortment of decorations. Because let's be honest, doesn't life feel considerably cheerier when buildings are flanked with string lights and ornament-studded pine trees are everywhere? This year, that last part seems to be up for debate.
A simple scroll on TikTok or Instagram will show you that design lovers are thinking outside of the (gift) box this year with innovative takes on the typical Christmas tree: Many are covering their pines in feminine bows, Kim Kardashian skipped everything but flocking (even foregoing lights), and while content creator Lillie Grace P adorned hers in red roses. "With red being the color of the moment, I wanted to incorporate it into my tree somehow," the content creator tells House Beautiful. "I thought including roses would be the perfect choice to also add a touch of romance this festive season.”
What's noticeably absent from Christmas trees this year? Ornaments. From quirky baubles to colorful, uniform orbs, what was once a holiday must-have is a no-show. So, what gives? Are ornaments officially "out?" As with so many things, it depends on who you ask.
For New York-based designer Catalina Castaňo, the sudden departure of ornaments signals a craving for something new—in this case, a "vibrant and organic touch," she speculates. "Flowers offer a soft, organic look, while bows bring elegance and tradition," she explains. "This innovative combination not only reflects the holiday spirit but also showcases personal style and creativity, making the Christmas tree a unique centerpiece of the festive season."
She has a point: Holiday decorations are just as personal as your home décor, so why should everyone be beholden to ornaments? Take content creator Samantha Klein's tinsel tree for example. Instead of investing in ornaments, she bought a tree spinner to create a magical effect with the decorative material. Which brings us to another plus for non-ornamented trees: Those baubles don't come cheap! But if you are going to try something new, Grey Joyner says don't skimp on quality. "When you use inexpensive ribbon and place them all over, your tree will look cheap and outdated," the North Carolina designer explains.
Ribbon quality aside, some designers simply aren't itching to sidestep tradition. "I'm a sucker for Christmas ornaments," says Christina Nielsen. "There are so many beautiful ornaments that are like jewelry to a tree, and I love that there is such a wide variety of talented artisans and vendors that offer various themes and objects that speak to each and every person."
Though ornaments might be the status quo, Catherine Ebert says they don't have to be boring. "There is a little bit of kitsch in Christmas ornaments that I enjoy and I just love that each ornament tells a story," the designer shares. "This is how family memories get passed down and knit us closer together."
When it comes to the debate of "do the stay or do they go," perhaps the answer lies somewhere in the middle. Case in point: Designer Shawna Underwood, who takes a more minimalist approach to her ornaments. "Every year I purchase a few beautiful glass ornaments to add to my collection, thinking that one day I can pass them on to my kids for their tree," she says. "Although I do love incorporating bows on my Christmas tree too, the glass ornaments appear like jewelry against the green branches and white lights." It's a merry middle-ground everyone can appreciate.
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Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
