An Interior Designer Recommends These Christmas Decorations for a ‘Traditional Holiday Look’ — Starting at $6

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:Kaitlin Green (1); Michael’s (1)

Kaitlin Green (1); Michael’s (1)

Decoratingyour home for the holidays may be the highlight of the season, but creating the idealcuration of decorcan be challenging.

In preparation, we tapped interior designer and stylistEmily Hendersonfor her expert decorating tips and decor must-haves. Her advice? For an end result that will look “cohesive and less chaotic,” start with a “decided color palette.” Then, “set up all the greenery” including trees, wreaths, and garlands.

Complete the look with “the smaller details” like ribbons, figurines, and candles. “I love a traditional holiday look, but I also like things to feel fresh. Mixing old and new will always make that happen,” she adds.

Kaitlin Green

Emily Henderson-Inspired Christmas Decorations

Brightown Vintage LED Christmas Lights

$34 at Amazon

“I love a warm white bulb and not all are created equal. I really loved these [that] I got last year,” Henderson shared of these vintage-inspired string lights from Amazon. Thanks to their shatterproof and waterproof design they’re suitable for outdoor use. The LED bulbs are also energy efficient and long-lasting for use year after year.

They’re available in multiple lengths ranging from 25 to 200 feet with bulbs spread evenly throughout the string with 12 inches between each one.

Terrain Woodland Fir Pre-Lit Christmas Tree

Terrain

$498 at Shopterrain.com

“I used to be a die-hard real tree person, but I have now very much come around to an artificial tree,” Henderson explains. “I love Terrain’s Woodland Fir Pre-Lit Tree. It’s a little Scandi but not too sparse. Then in terms of decorating our tree, I’m all about custom/special ornaments. I think both tree skirts and collars are great so it’s totally up to preference.”

The tree comes prelit with warm LED bulbs, which offer a twinkle or steady-on display, and it’s secured with a metal stand.

Make Market Pinewood Drummer Nutcracker

Michael’s

$30$15 at Michaels

Last Christmas, Henderson decked out her mantle with natural wood pieces, including this nutcracker figurine and a string of wood bead garland. Made from unfinished pinewood and bamboo, the drummer stands 2 feet tall and can be stained or painted to match your color scheme.

Terrain Faux Norfolk Pine Wreath

$42 at Shopterrain.com

Henderson noted that she loves to put “wreaths in front of windows,” adding that she is “partial to Terrain’s faux greenery” selection. She recommends adding ribbon for a look that’s “completely magical.”

Shoppers shared that this option, which measures 18 inches in diameter, looks realistic and whimsical.

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Wooden Bead Garland

$15 at Target

Wondershop Ceramic Christmas Tree Figure Set

Target

$10 at Target

CandleNScent Green Taper Candles

Amazon

$9 at Amazon

Wondershop Velvet Christmas Ribbon

$6 at Target

Threshold with Studio McGee Mixed Green Garland

$30 at Target

The Holiday Aisle Tabletop Christmas Village

$110$75 at Wayfair

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source: people.com