Traditional Red & Green Christmas Decor: A Timeless Look for the Holiday Season
Every Christmas season, no matter how many latest trends cross my feed, I
always find myself considering traditional red and green Christmas
decor.
There’s something so comforting about it, like stepping back into the glow
of my childhood tree in the 70's with its candy canes, handmade ornaments,
and twinkling colourful lights. These classic Christmas colours just
feel like home.
Red And Green Decorations
This year, our living room became a celebration of that nostalgia, but with a
modern look layered in. If you’re thinking about bringing the traditional
palette back into your own home, these ideas will help you mix old-fashioned
charm with fresh, updated styling.
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Returning to the Traditional Christmas Colours I Grew Up With
Last year I played around with different colours - soft greys, snowy whites,
French blue ribbons, and blue ornaments - and while it was fun to use the cool
tones I love, I found myself missing the warmth of classic red and deep green
accents. This year I leaned in fully, and it instantly shifted the atmosphere
of our home.
Traditional red and green Christmas decorations work because they tell a
story. It doesn’t matter if your ornaments are brand new, vintage Santa
collectibles, or treasures handed down from your mom, these colours unite
everything and create that unmistakable spirit of the holidays.
Our Christmas Tree: A Mix of Nostalgia and Modern Style
Our faux green Christmas tree stands beside the front window every year,
catching the afternoon light and showing off every ornament to the passing
neighbours I love how the traditional colours pop against the greenery, making
the entire tree feel joyful and full.
I started with the most neutral ingredient: a white berry garland I've had for
over a decade. The creamy white sets the tone instantly, and threading it
through the branches adds a snowy touch. Then came the different colors and
types of ornaments — lush velvet ornaments in hues of beige, chestnut brown,
and taupe; pine cones and furry reindeer for a touch of whimsy, and magnolia leaves tucked here and there for texture.
The base is finished with the softest fluffy white tree skirt, which acts as
the perfect backdrop for presents and gives the whole display a wintry
foundation.
GET THIS LOOK:
A few ornament combinations I love this year:
- Shiny red balls against ornaments covered in bark or faux fur
- Delicate white ceramic acorns and frosted pinecones
- Plaid ribbons and a wide red and white gingham bow to top the tree
Whether you decorate a full tree or a skinny tree tucked into a corner, these
traditional hues make the whole space feel intentional and festive.
Cozy Seating Ready for Holiday Guests
One of my favourite things in our home during winter is the window seat. Add a
red throw, velvet green pillows, and a bright poinsettia, and suddenly it
becomes the coziest hideaway for hot cocoa or a moment of quiet during the
holiday rush. I love to be nestled in this spot on early Saturday mornings
when the house is quiet, the fire's on, and I have a hot coffee by my side.
Draped above the window is a simple garland and a “Merry Christmas” banner.
It’s understated but charming, the kind of detail that makes the whole room
feel thoughtful without overwhelming it.
On the shelves nearby, the decor stays within the red-and-green family, but I
mixed in white decorations for balance: snowy trees, small vintage silver
pots, and little accents that echo the rest of the tree without competing with
it.
On either side of the tree, you'll find more cozy seating. I've wrapped our
black and white buffalo plaid chair in a soft green plaid blanket. With a
large poinsettia, brass floor lamp, and a drinks table nearby, it really is
the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the light of the tree.
Opposite you'll find an inviting green velvet chair. The pillow is one I
designed with my friend Sarah of Pewter and Sage a few years ago. Her red
cardinal and berries illustration takes center stage and adds to that vintage,
nostalgic feeling.
Fireplace Mantels: Where Traditional Christmas Decor Really Shines
Fireplace mantels are one of the easiest places to go big with greenery. This
year I layered garlands of Norfolk pine, magnolia, and an unexpected twist of
red berries grapevine. The mix of green colours feels lush and dynamic,
especially with the glow of the fireplace underneath. Dramatic but delicate
red berry branches highlight the large mirror, really making this the focal
point of the room.
The cable-knit stockings add that nostalgic, knitted texture that softens the
whole arrangement. A flocked tree in a vintage tin and a duo of deer figurines
provides height and charm white a glass tree and rechargeable tea lights bring
a delightful glow and liven up this mantel once the sun sets. The vintage pair
of snowshoes is the finishing touch, with the red straps reinforcing the
colour scheme
The whole mantel feels like an enchanting nod to the holidays, but modern
enough to suit today’s interiors.
Blending Traditional Red & Green With a Modern Look
If you love traditional Christmas colors but worry about things feeling dated,
here’s the good news: it only takes a few tweaks to freshen everything up.
- Add white decorations or a neutral rug for contrast and brightness.
- Use metallics and reflective surfaces like clear or mercury glass to bring in shine and reflect your light strands.
- Layer textures — velvet, cable-knit, faux fur, greenery — for depth.
- Mix different red accents and decorative pillows throughout the space so the palette feels cohesive, not flat.
A living room styled in red and green doesn’t need to look old-fashioned. With
the right finishes and a few modern silhouettes, it reads classic in the best
way.
Bringing the Christmas Palette Into the Rest of the Home
You don’t need to cover your entire home in red and green to create a
traditional feel. Small moments make a big impact.
Think:
- A wreath with a green ribbon on the front door
- A pillow with classic red stitching on the family room sofa
- A few green accents - faux branches and picks or sprays - tucked onto shelves
- Red velvet ribbon on a wrapped gift
- Glass green ornaments displayed in bowls or on side tables
Even adding a little bit of red or green in each room creates flow between
spaces, tying your decor together across the whole home.
Creating a Home That Feels Like Christmas
What I love most about traditional red and green Christmas decor is how
personal it feels. Our own tree is full of memories - ornaments from family
trips, homemade ornaments from Chloe’s early school years, and pieces I’ve
collected slowly over time. The rest of the tree may look styled, but woven in
are our favourite things, and that’s what makes it special.
This palette isn’t about following trends. It’s about celebrating the season
in a way that feels warm, joyful, and familiar. When the fire is glowing, the
garland is lit, and the shiny red ornament catches the light, it feels like
the spirit of Christmas is woven into every corner.
Traditional red and green? Always a yes.
