Christmas decorating trends seem to be changing more quickly each year. With so many popular new ideas and color schemes every holiday season, it's hard to know which ones you should implement in your home. While there isn't a rule that says you can't decorate the same way you always have, maybe you're ready for a new way to deck the halls of your home this Christmas.

To help you decide which Christmas decorating ideas you should add to your home and which ones you should skip, we asked three design experts which trends they're steering clear of in their own homes this year. And don't throw anything away—use these designers' tips to combine their suggestions with items you already have for a more sustainable decorating method.

Source: James Schroder

Faux greenery and other synthetic materials are being left behind this holiday season, according to Jessica Thomas, the style and design director at Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Thomas suggests real or preserved greenery, like juniper, for wreaths, garlands, and small accents around the home. She also says that while the boho Christmas theme full of dried pampas grass is outdated, other natural materials like real pinecones or dried oranges are still on-trend.

Source: Jacob Fox

When it comes to adorning the Christmas tree, Patricia Derpinski, the lead designer at Hudson Holiday Decor, suggests ditching the plastic ornaments and investing in a few handcrafted pieces made of glass, wood, or ceramic. These high-quality ornaments will make your tree appear more luxurious and elegant.

If you want a low-budget option for non-plastic ornaments, Thomas suggests homemade options made out of paper or felt. (You can even make this into a fun holiday activity!) You can also go antiquing or thrifting for vintage holiday ornaments to create an eclectic-looking tree.

Source: John Granen

Outdoor inflatables have been popular for years, but some people want to return to simple and nostalgic exterior holiday decorating instead—whether that be with lots of string lights, vintage figurines, lanterns, or pots of winter greenery. "Outdoor decor can benefit from less inflatable overload. Try elegant lighting displays or illuminated topiaries for a more polished effect," Derpinski says.

Source: Annie Schlechter

Christmas decor themes and color schemes are often looked at as a strict set of rules for decorating the entire house. Derpinski recommends breaking those "rules" and choosing a broader theme that allows for more creative freedom and a sophisticated look.

"Move away from overly-themed decor like 'Santa’s Workshop.' Opt for a refined theme, such as 'Winter Whites' or 'Gilded Glamour' for a timeless look," Derpinski says. "Similarly, excessive plaid can feel too rustic, so consider tweed or herringbone accents instead."

Source: Ball and Albanese

Tinsel had a huge resurgence in 2023 and designers expect to see it again this year—but that doesn't mean you should use it. "I may get some grief for this, but I would skip a tree drenched in tinsel," says Emma Beryl, the owner and principal designer of Emma Beryl Interiors."This was very trendy last year and it looked very nice, however, it probably was a hassle to clean up. I can imagine people still found tinsel hidden around the home 10 months later."

Instead, Beryl suggests a monochromatic tree with different ornament styles and shapes. This kind of Christmas tree decor can give the desired one-color look but will offer more depth and shape.

Source: Carson Downing

While a traditional red-and-green Christmas color scheme will never go out of style, and moody jewel tones were popular last year, Beryl encourages people to do what they personally gravitate towards instead of what's trending.

"Even though most people consider red, green, metallic, blue, and white as the official Christmas colors, you don't have to adhere to the moody versions of these colors or even to these colors at all,' Beryl says. "Try decorating with some brighter and bolder colors that feel more you. So if you like pastels, deck the halls with pastel ornaments and decor."

Source: 6 Holiday Decor Trends to Skip in 2024, According to Experts Better Homes & Garden (November 4, 2024) Halee Miller Van Ryswyk