Let’s be real: holiday decorating is like playing dress-up with your house. And this year, I’m determined to go bold. I’ve been toying with the idea of shaking up my ornament game—think clusters of ornaments nestled on the tree branches instead of the “one ornament per hook” approach (my usual). Oh, and how about oversized ornaments hanging dramatically in the entryway to say, “Welcome to Christmas at the Ritz…on a Target budget or Holiday Chic on a Budget!”
This playful mindset got me thinking—why not go all in and explore some of 2024’s hottest Christmas trends without emptying my wallet? If you’re ready to zhuzh up your holiday decor without spending the equivalent of a plane ticket to Aspen, keep reading. I’ve rounded up five fabulous trends you can pull off on a dime.
Top Christmas Decorating Trends for 2024
2024 Trend #1: Eco-Friendly Everything
If there’s one thing trending this year, it’s sustainability. From natural materials to decorations you can compost after the season (hello, orange garlands), eco-friendly Christmas decor is taking over Instagram feeds everywhere.
How to Create the Look for Less:
Reusable Wrapping Paper – Wrap gifts in fabric scraps or brown paper tied with twine. It’s minimalist, charming, and planet-friendly.
DIY Orange Garlands – Slice up some oranges, pop them in the oven on low heat, and string them up for a simple yet stunning addition to your tree, mantel, or windows. Bonus: your house will smell like a winter wonderland.
Twig and Pinecone Accents – Take a stroll outside and gather free materials. Arrange twigs in vases or spray-paint pinecones in icy whites or golds for a chic touch.
Pro tip: Hit up thrift stores for baskets, wooden ornaments, or old sweaters you can repurpose into cozy decor.
Use Pinecone Accents
2024 Trend #2: Nostalgic Vintage Vibes
Who doesn’t love a blast from the past? This year, it’s all about recreating the magic of Christmases gone by. Think shiny baubles, tinsel garlands, and ornaments that look like they were plucked from your grandma’s attic.
How to Create the Look for Less:
- Vintage Ornament Dupes – Check dollar stores or discount shops for ornaments that mimic vintage styles, like mercury glass finishes or bold mid-century shapes.
- Raid Family Stash – Ask relatives if they have old decorations lying around. Most people are thrilled to pass them along.
- DIY Tinsel Garlands – Can’t find authentic vintage tinsel? Grab some metallic pipe cleaners and twist them together for a retro-inspired garland.
Holiday Chic on a Budget
🎼 For extra flair, layer in some classic holiday music (on a vintage record player if you’ve got one!) and lean into the cozy nostalgia.
Vintage Ornament Dupes
2024 Trend #3: Icy Pastels for a Frosty Wonderland
This year, we’re swapping traditional red and green for dreamy icy blues, soft pinks, and silvery whites. It’s whimsical, fresh, and totally on-trend.
How to Create the Look for Less:
- Spray-Paint Magic – Grab some inexpensive ornaments and transform them with pastel spray paint. Add a touch of glitter for extra sparkle.
- Dollar Store Finds – Hunt for pastel ribbons, snowflake decals, or faux florals you can tuck into your tree or table arrangements.
- DIY Snow Globes – Collect mason jars, fill them with faux snow, and add a little pastel figurine or bottle brush tree. Voila! Instant winter magic.
❄️ Pair this look with white fairy lights and a sprinkle of faux snow, and your home will feel like it’s straight out of an icy wonderland.
2024 Trend #4: Jewel-Toned Elegance
If pastels aren’t your thing, jewel tones are here to save the day. Deep emerald greens, rich ruby reds, and regal purples are turning holiday decor into a scene from a royal gala.
How to Create the Look for Less:
- DIY Candle Holders – Pick up clear glass holders from the thrift store and coat them in jewel-toned paint. Cluster them on a table for a luxe look.
- Thrifted Velvet Ribbons – Velvet instantly screams luxury. Wrap deep-hued ribbons around your tree, gifts, or even staircase railings.
- Spray-Painted Magic – Have leftover gold spray paint? Use it to upcycle old ornaments, vases, or picture frames to complement your jewel-toned palette.
Keep things sophisticated with gold accents and layered textures, like faux fur throws or velvet pillows.
2024 Trend #5: Oversized Statement Decor
Bigger is better this year, especially when it comes to decorations. Think oversized ornaments, exaggerated wreaths, and trees dripping in drama.
How to Create the Look for Less:
- DIY Oversized Ornaments – Transform foam balls from the craft store into large-scale ornaments with metallic paint and ribbon loops.
- Supersized Paper Stars – Fold oversized stars from sturdy cardstock or even brown paper grocery bags. Hang them in clusters for maximum impact.
- Layer Up Your Tree – Incorporate clusters of ornaments, oversized bows, and cascading ribbons to make your tree the star of the room.
These bold pieces instantly elevate your holiday decor and make your home feel like a designer showroom without the designer price tag.
Holiday Chic on a Budget – Wrapping It All Up
The best part about embracing these trends is that they’re not about perfection—they’re about creativity and making your home feel uniquely yours. By trying something new, you’re not just decorating; you’re setting the stage for memories, laughter, and maybe a little hot cocoa spilled on the new throw pillow.
So this year, give yourself permission to mix things up. Try those icy pastels, borrow Grandma’s vintage baubles, or experiment with oversized ornaments. Because when we decorate with intention, we’re not just transforming our homes—we’re creating spaces that reflect the joy, warmth, and beauty of the season.
Let’s make 2024 the year we lean into holiday magic—on a budget, of course. Your wallet (and your Instagram feed) will thank you!
Want to remember this? Pin “Holiday Chic on a Budget: Top Christmas Decorating Trends for 2024” to your favorite Pinterest boards!
