How to Decorate For the Season: 5 Holiday Styles

November 22, 2024

In this post, I’m sharing tips for how to achieve 5 different holiday decor looks: Rustic & Glam, Neutral & Natural, Minimalist, Coastal and Boho.

When it comes to Christmas décor, your style choice sets the tone for a holiday season that reflects your unique taste. Whether you’re drawn to the cozy charm of rustic & glam style or the sophistication of minimalist decor, this guide will help you create a festive atmosphere perfect for the holidays.

5 Holiday Decor Looks and How to Style Them
1. Rustic & Glam Style
2. Neutral & Natural Style
3. Minimalist
4. Coastal
5. Boho
My Holiday Decor Style
Other Holiday Craft Ideas

5 Holiday Decor Looks and How to Style Them

1. Rustic & Glam Style

Rustic style is all about warmth, nature, and simplicity, while Glam style is about sophistication, shimmer, and luxury. Together they create a look that is calm, cozy and sophisticated. To achieve this blend, start with a base of natural materials. Use lots of greenery, with accents of pinecones and burlap. Wood, metals with patina and fur-like throws add to the rustic feel. Then, for contrast, add shiny touches of gold or silver. Layer in velvet on stockings and pillows. Choose ornaments that reflect light and add sparkle. Bows made from satin ribbons in muted shades of green and brown add to the glam look. Try to limit your color palette to just a few hues.

2. Neutral & Natural Style

Neutral and natural style is all about using elements from nature. While similar to rustic style, neutral and natural is quieter and more subtle. Neutral Christmas décor focuses on soft, understated tones like white, beige, gray, and muted metallics. This style creates a serene, minimalist holiday look. Natural décor celebrates the beauty of the outdoors with earthy elements and rustic charm. It’s perfect for creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Together these styles make for a cozy, upscale winter cabin vibe.

3. Minimalist

If you love clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and the idea that “less is more,” minimalist Christmas décor is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays. A minimalist style combines simplicity with elegance, creating a serene and sophisticated atmosphere. Neutral color palettes and clean lines are the hallmarks of this style. Luxurious fabrics like velvet and fur keep the look cozy and warm. Decorate with a few carefully chosen pieces, such as a small grouping of candles or a simple wreath. Skip cluttered centerpieces and opt for a vase with a few sprigs of greenery or branches. Incorporate natural elements like pinecones, eucalyptus, or bare twigs for understated charm.

4. Coastal

If you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time you know that I love coastal influences in design. That said, there are many takes on the coastal decor aesthetic. I prefer more subtle references to the sea. For coastal holiday decor, combine natural elements, seaside colors, and light and airy textures to create a festive space that feels fresh and serene. Stick to soft, ocean-inspired tones: blues, greens, whites, and sandy neutrals. Decorate with coastal-inspired ornaments, such as starfish, seashells, and sand dollars. Incorporate woven textures, such as jute or rattan, in baskets and ornaments. Avoid clutter or overly ornate pieces to maintain the breezy, tranquil vibe.

5. Boho

Boho Christmas décor is all about blending eclectic charm with earthy elements, creating a warm, free-spirited holiday atmosphere. It’s a perfect style for those who love textures, natural materials, and unique, personal touches. It has a youthful playful feel. You can incorporate warm, earthy tones like terracotta, mustard, rust, and olive green. Be sure to add soft neutrals like cream, taupe, and white for balance. You can also include DIY elements, like hand-painted baubles, fabric garlands, or crocheted snowflakes. Use a fun mix of different styles and patterns—think tribal prints, mandalas, and geometric designs.

My Holiday Decor Style

Through the years, I have experimented with different styles of holiday decor. Over time, I l have edited my decorations down to only the ones that speak to me. I tend to prefer more muted holiday colors – light green, browns, creams, silvers and golds.

The green trees below are made from wood with shell-like stars on the top. They are my favorite decorations because of their coastal vibe and because we bought them a long time ago on vacation in Bodega Bay, a beautiful area on the Northern California coast.

I also gravitate toward more natural textures like sisal, shells, twine and burlap. I use these colors and textures as the basis of my holiday style, which I would call Rustic & Glam with a touch of Coastal. A perfect example of my holiday decor style is this Rustic Jingle Bell Garland, which incorporates muted colors, vintage jingle bells and antique glass ornaments strung on heavy twine.

Thanks for stopping by! If you would like sources for anything in this post, leave a comment below and I’ll happily share.

Finally, however you decorate your home for the holidays, I hope the process brings you joy. For more inspiration, check out this Homeworthy video: Home Decorations: 6 Holiday Houses. Enjoy!