CHRISTMAS How To Choose a Christmas Theme For Your Home

Wondering how to choose a Christmas theme? Here are four Christmas color schemes with ideas and Christmas finds for each one.

Don’t get overwhelmed by putting a Christmas theme together. Use these 7 simple ideas for Christmas themes and tips instead.

Decorative metal snowflake patterns with crystal and bead accents arranged on a wooden background.

November.

It’s HERE.

And I am HERE FOR IT. Several weeks ago I asked for all the things and challenges and ideas and questions that you had about getting ready for Christmas. And you delivered (of course you did because you are amazing). So today I’m starting to answer all the questions that you asked.

I’ll be sharing projects and ideas and the BEST solutions for Christmas challenges. And today we are going all Julie Andrews and starting at the very beginning—because—well you know—it’s a very good place to start.

Today we are talking about Christmas themes. Do you plan a theme for Christmas every year?

A color?

A winter floral?

A pattern?

A special Christmas find?

Every year when I’m dreaming of Christmas and it’s 105 here in Texas, I tend to think in themes. I group things together in new ways and take old decor and spray paint it to match the new theme and look at things in ways I’ve never looked at them before.

How to plan for them.

Ideas to plan around.

Simple, creative theme ideas and tons more Christmas inspiration. It’s so much fun to think outside the box. I put together four of my favorite color schemes for Christmas and linked how to put them all together. Please act surprised when I tell you one of them is blue and white (and I found the CUTEST new ornaments and ribbon and blue and white nativity).

Are you ready?

LET’S GO.

A close-up of a christmas wreath adorned with white and blue ornaments and ribbons, set against a blurred background of a bookshelf.

How To Choose a Christmas Theme For Your Home

The goal of this post is not to overwhelm. It’s meant to encourage and uplift and inspire you for the Christmas decorating road ahead. You don’t have to have a theme—I just think it makes life a little easier when you are planning. There are so many options with Christmas decor (just walk the aisles of the store) and if you have a theme you can focus so much better.

If you haven’t planned your theme yet for this year, here are four categories of theme planning I usually use:

  • I go with an overall color scheme (like blue and white) for the room and tree and mantel
  • I go with an overall pattern (like plaid) for the room and tree and mantel
  • I go with a certain type of Christmas floral (like evergreens or hydrangeas) for the room and tree and mantel
  • I go with one of my favorite Christmas things (like snowflakes) for the room and tree and mantel

Does that make sense?

I pick one and go with that. When you think of it in categories, it makes it so much easier to choose.

Let’s start with color. There are so many options and I wanted to show you a few of them to (hopefully) inspire your theme.

Here are four amazing color schemes I’ve used before (and I’ll probably use them all again).

A festive living room decorated for christmas, featuring a large tree adorned with blue and white ornaments, white sofas, striped armchair, and a glass coffee table on a blue rug.

Close-up of a decorated christmas tree with blue and silver ornaments, including a large reflective bauble and frosty white branches.

Bright, elegant living room decorated with a christmas theme, featuring striped sofas, a decorated tree, a round glass coffee table, and a blue and white area rug.

A close-up view of a festive christmas decoration featuring frosty leaves, a deep blue velvet ribbon, and sparkling white and silver accents, evoking a winter wonderland aesthetic.

A bright, well-lit living room decorated in blue and white, with a christmas tree in the corner, striped armchairs, a glass coffee table, and a blue patterned rug.

Choosing a Color Theme

1. Blue and white Christmas decor

You know this is my NUMBER ONE. This room is all about layers and layers and layers of blue and white texture and pattern. This is the theme I’m going with in the front living room. Here are a few ideas if you think blue and white Christmas decor might be in your future:

  • find blue and white wrapping paper for presents and use to decorate
  • flocked greenery mixes well with this color scheme
  • adding blue velvet to the texture mix elevates the entire room
  • create a mantel display with ornaments and wide ribbon looped around zip ties
  • add eucalyptus as an alternative to traditional greenery
  • a pretty blue and white tablecloth makes a pretty patterned tree skirt

Six porcelain ornaments hang by dark ribbons, each adorned with intricate blue floral and abstract patterns. From delicate flowers to bold swirls, these designs offer a perfect touch of elegance for those pondering how to choose a Christmas theme, set against a faint decorative backdrop.

// these blue and white ornaments //

For blue and white, I wanted to start with the find of the century.

You know I’m always on the lookout for blue and white ornaments and I found these.

I was so worried they were going to sell out, so I bought a few boxes.

They come in a set of six and they are porcelain (just like those bowl fillers we ordered). They arrived at the house and they are BEAUTIFUL. I’m not crazy about the string, so I think I’m going to replace it with velvet ribbon.

You can see the ornaments here.

A white Christmas tree adorned with soft white lights stands in a corner of a modern room, showcasing how to choose a Christmas theme with elegance. The backdrop features a large window with a snowy landscape outside, creating a serene winter atmosphere indoors.

//9-foot white Christmas tree //

And here’s the tree I ordered for the front bay window.

Isn’t it beautiful?

Apparently, a 9 foot pre-lit white Christmas tree is really hard to find. I wanted one that was white, not flocked and those are harder to find.  I had to search forever for it. I ordered it off Amazon and it has amazing reviews, but it hasn’t arrived yet. Also—go ahead and order your tree if you need to, this one is taking over a week to get here.

Can’t you just see those blue and white ornaments on the tree?

You can see this tree here. 

Discover how to choose a Christmas theme with this collage of blue and white decor, featuring delightful nutcrackers, tree ornaments, wreaths, pillows adorned with "Let it Snow" and "Merry Christmas," an angel, a festive tree, and charming porcelain figurines.

The cutest blue and white Christmas finds

Here are some other finds that would work so well with this theme:

  • this blue and white nativity (this is the top seller year after year and it sells out so quickly)
  • this blue and white Christmas tree platter
  • these blue and white pillows
  • these blue and white nutcrackers
  • this blue velvet wreath
  • this blue and white garland
  • this blue and white ribbon tree topper (this is the one from my tree in the dining room—highly recommend and it comes in tons of colors)
  • these blue and white santa ornaments
  • this blue and white wreath
  • these ginger jar ornaments
  • these blue and white bird ornaments
  • these delft ornaments

A galvanized metal bucket with the words "fresh cut christmas trees $2.00 each" in red, adorned with plaid fabric and twine, evoking a festive holiday mood.

Three red and white christmas stockings decorated with reindeer and sleigh designs hang on a white mantle, adorned with green pine garland and a red and white numerical banner above.

A small red toy truck carries a load of green christmas tree ornaments, parked on a rustic white wooden surface against a peeling white brick wall.

A decorated christmas tree with colorful ornaments next to a chalkboard displaying red and white striped stockings. gifts are arranged below the tree and on a nearby bench.

2. Red and white Christmas decor

Hello traditional Christmas. There’s nothing prettier. When I think of Christmas colors that make me truly happy? Red and green make the top of the list. I think I’m mixing up the office this year and adding pops of red.

Here are a few ideas if you think red and green Christmas decor might be in your future:

  • mix in galvanized buckets and other metal accents
  • traditional greenery like pine and fir and cedar are so pretty with red and green
  • add a simple mantel display with votives for each of the days leading up to Christmas
  • keep the wrapping simple with craft paper boxes and decorative ribbon
  • use skates and other vintage Christmas pieces to add to the traditional color scheme
  • fill a sleigh with red and white and green ornaments for an easy centerpiece

A cozy, plaid-patterned blanket with red, blue, and white checks is draped over the arm of a white sofa. The shearling lining adds a warm touch to the minimalist setting, offering inspiration on how to choose a Christmas theme that's both inviting and modern.

// red and green throw //

A cozy throw like this is the PERFECT way to add a little bit of cozy to the room and change up the theme.

I saw this and FELL IN LOVE.

It’s got sherpa on one side and plaid on the other and it just looked like the perfect throw for the holidays.

You can see the throw here.

A collage of red and white Christmas decorations displays how to choose a Christmas theme, featuring Santa sleigh decoration, ribbon bows, gingerbread house, nutcracker ornaments, stockings, table runner, gnome figurines, star tree topper, and bead garland.

The cutest red and white Christmas finds

Here are some other finds that would work so well with this theme:

  1. this reversible tree skirt
  2. these red and white bows and tree topper
  3. this gingerbread house
  4. red and white knit stockings
  5. these red and white ornaments
  6. these gnome ornaments
  7. this star tree topper

A brightly decorated christmas tree with swirling pink and white ribbons, candy cane ornaments, and a star on top, in a room with a white floor and a red door adorned with a black lantern.

A festive display featuring a bright pink wooden pine tree decoration centered between stacked red encyclopedias and glossy red christmas ornaments, set against a chalkboard backdrop marked with "24/25.

A richly decorated christmas tree lit with warm lights, adorned with ribbons and themed ornaments. festive pillows and "merry christmas" signs enhance the cozy holiday setting.

A festive christmas display featuring a decorative pillow with "merry christmas" text on a vintage chair, surrounded by a christmas tree adorned with red and pink ribbons, lights, and a sign saying "santa's workshop.

A festive display featuring a "merry christmas" sign with deer silhouettes, placed on top of a stack of "the columbia illustrated encyclopedia" books on a red stool, with a blurred christmas tree background.

A festive wicker basket with a silver star ornament hanging on the side and Christmas-themed items like a red pillow and gift boxes, including Christmas card recycling materials, with a "joy" banner across the

3. Red and white and black plaid Christmas decor

This is another one of my favorite Christmas color schemes. It’s so fun to mix in chalkboard and vintage lettering and black and white check. I think this is the situation for upstairs. And I found the cutest ribbon I linked below. Here are a few ideas if you think black and red and white Christmas decor might be in your future:

  • make personalized chalkboard ornaments for the tree
  • decorate the room with black and white checked ribbon and a buffalo check tree skirt
  • make a garland out of old Christmas cards
  • create displays with vintage red and white and black books
  • use a plaid blanket as a tree skirt
  • add pom pom ribbon on packages and swag it through Christmas garland

A decorative ribbon with a festive design featuring Christmas trees and snowflakes in gold and red on a black background. The ribbon is neatly coiled with shimmering edges, providing inspiration on how to choose a Christmas theme that adds elegance to your holiday decor.

// black and red ribbon //

Have you ever seen a ribbon like this?

Wouldn’t it go perfectly with the theme?

And I’ve never seen a ribbon like this before.

I linked the ribbon here over on Etsy.

Discover how to choose a Christmas theme with our collection of red and black plaid decorations. Featuring pillows adorned with "Merry Christmas," tree and bow designs, a coordinating tree skirt, ornaments, and a wreath, this set brings buffalo check charm to your festive holiday decor.

The cutest red and black plaid Christmas finds

Here are some other finds that would work so well with this theme:

  • Merry Christmas pillow
  • this merry Christmas tree skirt
  • this plaid ornament set
  • this merry Christmas pillow
  • these buffalo check stockings
  • this set of four buffalo check pillows (similar)
  • this nativity set
  • this Christmas tree pillow
  • these buffalo checked bows
  • these wood tag ornaments
  • this Merry Christmas door hanger
  • this buffalo check truck

A festive decoration featuring a bundle of twigs tied with a white bow, adorned with greenery and a tag that spells "noel" hanging on a circular frame.

A festive mantelpiece decorated with gold and white floral garlands, wicker basket, and stockings, beneath a round mirror framed with a holiday wreath.

Elegant christmas decoration featuring a white and gold wreath with sparkling ornaments, golden leaves, and a touch of snowy greenery draped on a white fireplace mantel.

4. Neutral Christmas decor

The calm side of Christmas. Texture and natural materials and wood and burlap and all the greenery. Here are a few ideas if you think neutral Christmas decor might be in your future:

  • cut Christmas trees out of pallet wood
  • mix fresh greenery with faux greenery to add the smell of Christmas to your decor
  • add burlap and jute ribbons to the Christmas tree
  • make stockings from vintage feed sacks
  • mix in eucalyptus with pine and fir and cedar
  • create a mantel display with layers of ribbon and texture

A decorative metal frame with a floral design displays pressed white flowers and green ferns, offering hints on how to choose a Christmas theme. The frame rests on a wooden surface surrounded by festive pine branches.

// stocking holder //

Look at this neutral stocking holder I found.

I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s a frame and you can add plants or a card or a picture to the frame—such a clever idea.

You can see this stocking holder here.

Explore how to choose a Christmas theme with our collection of neutral decor items. Adorn your space with elegant bottlebrush trees, snowflake ornaments, a "Merry Christmas" pillow, bell garland, knitted stockings, ceramic vases, wooden trees, decorative pillows, and charming bows.

The cutest neutral Christmas finds

Here are some other finds that would work so well with this theme:

  • these bottle brush trees
  • this snowflake Christmas tree skirt
  • these rustic ornaments
  • this brown velvet ribbon
  • this Merry ChrisTmas pillow
  • this set of three white stoneware vases
  • these rustic brass bells
  • these white and gray knit stockings
  • these wood trees
  • this set of four Christmas pillows (use the 10% off coupon)
  • these snowflake pillows
  • this Christmas tree doormat (use the $2 off coupon)
  • these khaki bows

A festive christmas themed still life featuring a "merry christmas" embroidered cushion, red baubles, berry garland, and a ribbon, arranged with an open book and scissors on a straw background.

A cozy bedroom featuring a dark blue wall, a wire-framed bed with plaid and striped bedding, a wooden nightstand with a lamp, beige curtains, a woven basket, and decor including a map and a large ampersand symbol.

A close-up of a red and black plaid fabric basket in focus, with two blurry stainless steel pots in the background, all set on a wooden surface to illustrate how to choose a Christmas theme.

A close-up focus on a multicolored striped blanket in the foreground with a blurred background featuring a red and white patterned pillow on a striped sofa.

Cozy bedroom featuring a single black metal frame bed with striped and starred bedding, a large wicker basket, a full bookshelf, red plaid rug, and a chalkboard with an inspirational quote.

A beautifully wrapped christmas gift with red and white polka dot paper, adorned with a red and green plaid ribbon, a pine branch, and a matching ornament on a wooden surface.

Plan a Christmas theme using pattern:

Here’s another idea.

What about instead of color—-why not look at pattern?

Like polka dots or stripes or Christmas toile.

If you are going with a pattern, it’s a good idea to start with the ribbon. Sometimes a ribbon has inspired an entire Christmas theme. Like this neutral with red buttons. I did an entire tree around mixed in with burlap ribbon I painted with the words to Christmas carols.

Or you could go with my favorite pattern, plaid

Here are some simple ways to incorporate a plaid pattern into your theme:

  • buy plaid wrapping paper and wrap your presents and decorate with them
  • fold up a plaid blanket at the end of a bed
  • wrap a tree with plaid ribbon and make your own DIY plaid ornaments
  • make a garland out of plaid fabric
  • tie plaid bows on wreaths
  • add a plaid runner to your dining table
  • make your own DIY chargers out of plaid fabric

Festive holiday garland with lush greenery and soft white ribbons wrapped around a wooden staircase banister, creating an elegant christmas decoration.

Close-up of a wooden box filled with fresh greenery including pine needles and ferns, against a blurred background of twinkling fairy lights, creating a festive ambiance.

A festively decorated christmas tree placed at the foot of a staircase with elegant wrought iron railing, against a rustic brick wall backdrop, creating a warm and inviting holiday atmosphere.

A small fir tree decorated with white paper snowflakes in a textured white pot, set on a stack of books, with a softly blurred background showing holiday decor.

Rustic wooden wheelbarrow planter overflowing with a lush arrangement of green succulents and delicate ferns, bringing a touch of nature's charm and how to choose a Christmas theme to a

A festive holiday display on a shelf featuring wooden christmas trees, green wreaths hanging on a metal grid, and decorative silver trees, set against a white brick wall.

A wooden dove ornament with a white ribbon tied around its neck, attached to a green garland wrapped around a wooden staircase railing.

Plan a Christmas theme using greenery:

Instead of pattern? Why not look at Christmas greenery instead?

Like magnolia or fir or cedar.

Here are some simple ways to incorporate Christmas greenery into your theme:

  • fill a vintage wheelbarrow with mixed greenery
  • add command strips and loop greenery up the stairs
  • add extra greenery or branches to a tree that’s a little scraggly to fill it out
  • fill vintage boxes with greenery
  • add greenery to a basket on the door
  • wrap a paper garland around a tiny tree
  • make tiny wreaths out of evergreen garland and decorate with them and add them to gifts

A rustic white wooden star ornament hanging on a mesh grid against a pale background. the star is crafted from small wooden pieces tied together with twine.

A collection of small pine cone snowflakes arranged on a light wooden surface, creating a natural and rustic decoration.

A close-up of several handcrafted wooden snowflakes with a rustic look, displayed on a wooden surface.

Decorative metal snowflake patterns with crystal and bead accents arranged on a wooden background.

A decorative pillow with a snowflake design sits on a sofa, with a blurred christmas tree glowing in the background near a sunlit window.

Plan a Christmas theme around one of your favorite things

Instead of greenery? Why not look at one of your favorite Christmas things instead?

Like angels or mini-trees or red trucks or reindeer.

Me?

I adore snowflakes.

Here are some simple ways to incorporate snowflakes (or fill in the blank with your favorite Christmas thing) into your theme:

  • add snowflakes to pillows
  • create snowflakes out of pinecones and make snowflake artwork
  • decorate with snowflake pillows
  • use snowflakes as tree toppers
  • make a chalkboard advent calendar out of snowflake ornaments
  • add snowflakes to your tree
  • make snowflakes out of bedsprings and string them together in a garland

Christmas themes are fun and this post was meant to inspire you to think outside the box. If you are looking for hard-to-find items for a theme—I’m happy to help. Just leave what you are looking for in the comments and I’ll do a little research for you.

Whew.

That was a lot.

But truth?

If you are having trouble wondering how to choose a Christmas theme or if you don’t have a theme or having a theme seems a little overwhelming. No worries. Decorate from your heart.

It’s the best place to start.

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Posted On: November 1, 2024

Written By: KariAnne Wood

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