Holiday Decorating Trends We're Watching

Some holiday traditions will never go away, but new trends always emerge each year, adding some fun new ideas for us to bring to life! This year, we are seeing a move toward richer colors, natural materials, and more personal arrangements.

For designers and garden centers, these trends open up a world of opportunities to create fun and unique displays that align with what is currently popular alongside the traditions people expect each holiday season.

Natural Materials are on the Rise

Natural materials are a significant part of holiday decorating, especially birch, pinecones, and wreaths. Other dried botanicals can also be used as accents to holiday displays and incorporate some untraditional excitement into a piece.

These natural materials work well because they can be used in many different decorating styles. Natural pinecones will add a rustic touch to a display, while metallic-painted pinecones can add a modern shine.

Birch branches bring height to porch pot displays and bigger arrangements, while short birch logs can add some texture and detail to smaller arrangements.

Natural materials also help soften artificial elements, such as a faux tree or metal ornaments. Natural elements work perfectly with both real and faux displays, as they bring warmth and comfort to any arrangement.

Rich Colors

When we think of holiday colors, reds, greens, and golds usually come to mind, but in recent years, deeper colors have become a popular part of holiday decor. Burgundy, chocolate brown, and navy blue have found their way into people's holiday home decor, bringing a fresh, bold feeling to traditional seasonal arrangements.

These darker colors pair especially well with natural botanicals. For example, adding a burgundy ribbon to a vine wreath with dark green ornaments and natural pinecones can create a unique yet still festive display.

Displays do not have to be flooded with “untraditional” holiday colors; instead, using one deeper color and pairing it with natural elements is a great way to create a trendy, balanced display.

Metallic Finishes

Gold, bronze, and copper metallic tones have been taking over the typical silver tones we usually see in holiday displays. These warmer metallic finishes bring an elegant light to an arrangement without making it feel overboard.

Painted pinecones, metallic branches, and glittered lotus pods can be used as small accents throughout a display for a fun pop. The goal isn't to flood the arrangement with shiny materials, but instead to catch the light and draw attention when paired with other natural materials.

Warm metallics look great in centerpieces, on mantels, and in wreaths. They also coordinate effortlessly with traditional holiday colors.

Layered Looks

Instead of only using one type of material to decorate, designers have been combining different shapes and materials to create a layered look.

A pretty layered arrangement may include pinecones, ornaments, vine balls, ribbons, and lights. Although these materials may not feel like they'd traditionally match, they add an interesting element that gives a display more character.

This decorating style allows for unique arrangements that don't blend in with every other assembled display we see year after year.

Bold Focal Points

Large statement pieces are not new, but they are trendy and a perfect way to draw attention to a display.

Bold, oversized displays are great in spaces that need to be seen from a distance, such as entryways or retail spaces. Think of a tall bundle of birch branches or large sugar pinecones as the main material in the display.

Picking one focal point is important so that the surrounding materials don’t take away from the main element.

Handmade Details

Holiday decorating is a personal experience and a time to put together displays that match your style. Creating bows, ornaments, and other holiday decorations pairs perfectly with the natural accents that we know and love.

Dried botanicals often feel very collected, which is why they fit perfectly into personal, handmade decor. Each pinecone, pod, or branch is unique, helping a handcrafted arrangement feel more meaningful and authentic.

Make Your Own Trends

Coming up with your own ideas is a trend in itself! There are no rules when it comes to holiday decorating. If a display fits the setting and looks cohesive, then it will be successful.

The key to creating your own display is choosing a natural base, a color palette that you enjoy, and adding fun details.

This season, expect to see some trends that focus on warmth, personality, and layering. Natural botanicals are an excellent way to create arrangements that feel updated, yet also familiar.