Christmas Decorating Must-Haves (Trends for 2022)

Well, it’s officially the mad dash of the holiday season! Is it just us or does it feel like it sneaks up faster each year? After a difficult year, the feeling in the air is to create a joyful and uplifting space that exudes warmth, familiarity and family tradition.

But what are the biggest Christmas decorating trends for 2022? To kick off the festivities, I’ve rounded up a list of Christmas decorating must-haves. Find out the most popular holiday color schemes, and the decor trends that will put a personalized touch on the celebrations.

Trendy Tree Decorating Ideas

1. It’s a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree

Although for years plump pines have reigned supreme, the clean modern lines of sparse trees are surging in popularity. Minimal trees are excellent space savers and also easy to decorate! Sparse trees also allow for you to showcase the various decorations and lights you’ve collected over the years.

2. Nordic Vibe is Cozy Chic

Get a cozy ski lodge vibe with these trees. Whether is the traditional red and white or a tartan tree with navy & emerald, these beauties are sure to take center stage.

3. Jewel Toned Trees

While themes of rustic charm and soft neutral shades are still beloved, this season try an unexpected twist. From pink, to black, and bright jewel tones- nothing is on the naughty list when it comes to Christmas tree themes!

Although green is a traditional Christmas color, rich Emerald hues are making a splash like this emerald beauty from Inspired by Charm. It adds a splash of vibrancy to muted neutrals. Adding in emerald, or Christmas green accents is an easy way to transition towards a more modern vibe.

The ye ‘ol tree skirt has been slowly replaced by the unique items to put around your tree base. From storage baskets to large picnic baskets, give your tree the royal treatment from trunk to topper.

Modern Tree Skirt Replacements: Swap the tree skirt out this year for something more substantial. Here are some fun finds:

• Christmas Tree Collar Box
• Willow Basket-style Tree Ring Collar
• Galvanized Rustic Tree Collar 
• Burlap Basket-style Tree Collar
• Hammered Metal Holiday Skirt

5. Merry Smell Goods

Want an instant serotonin boost? There’s nothing more joyful than the cozy smells of the holiday season. Achieve the ambiance of warm winter nights with a few of these merry-making ideas:

• Bake gingerbread ornaments.
• Make Pomander balls.
• The Perfect Christmas candle -cinnamon, cider, cookies, and a freshly cut Cedar tree
• Warm Sugar Cookie Candle
• Make a simmering potpourri.
• Mix a few drops essential oils in a spray bottle and add water for a homemade holiday room spray.
• Add fresh greenery to artificial trees get that fresh pine smell!

6. A Touch of Nostalgia

Christmas and nostalgia go hand in hand. While I’m not sure tinsel will ever come back, this year brings the return of creating a Christmas of mixing the old with the new. Showcase old memories while your family creates new one and hang all the ornaments!

Here are a few ways to add some nostalgia to your Christmas decorations:

• Create a memento tree with ornaments from your childhood or by collecting special ornaments to commemorate each year.
• Family favorite Holiday CD or playlist.
• Old fashioned ceramic Christmas trees
• An old-fashioned train set chugging along.
• Gingerbread house building is a jolly rite of passage.
• Dust off that Village collection or try one of the modern paper versions.

7. Snowy Accents

Frosted and Flocked Christmas trees are still going strong. There’s something so cozy about a traditional white Christmas. I can almost hear Bing Crosby crooning in the background.

A rustic tree like this one from Funky Junk Interiors is still a jolly good sight that brings all the cozy vibes.

This year warm splashes of blush, gold and ivory are also on the scene. the best holiday decor is decor that coordinates with items you already have. My favorite thing about these colors? They pair so well with classic red and green!

9. Tiered Trays for Serving

Tiered trays are so adaptable I dedicated a separate post to them. They make an elegant serving tray for hors d’oeuvres, toppings, or desserts. But they also make an efficient coffee bar for guests, or the perfect seasonal table centerpiece.

Read more about my best ideas for tiered serving trays here.

10. Houseplants

Pine and firs may be THE Christmas foliage to have around the house, but the options for winter greenery is expanding.

• Magnolia
• Bay leaf
• Cedar
• Boxwood
• Amaryllis
• Paper whites
• Poinsettias
• Iced Branches (really hot this year!)

11. Budget Friendly Christmas Must-Haves

Most of us don’t have huge budgets each year for Christmas decorating or entertaining. The “in” thing to do is to repurpose items on hand, and incorporate heirloom items from Christmas’ past.