Christmas decor over the last few years has followed a more minimalist style, with pared-back designs and muted color palettes proving most popular. But this year, outdated Christmas decor is making a comeback, and it's all about embracing color and nostalgia.
It's fair to say we've all recovered from the Instagram Christmas aesthetic that was void of any personality or character – and this year's Christmas decor ideas prove it.
From oversized bows and mismatched designs to the return of more traditional color palettes, these are the outdated Christmas decor trends making a comeback this year – and designers just can't get enough.
5 outdated Christmas decorations making a comeback
Nothing stays outdated for long. This year's revived trends hail from the '90s and beyond, bringing back the nostalgic looks of a classic childhood Christmas. From tinsel to kitschy decor, there's plenty here to bring back all those holiday memories.
1. Kitschy holiday decorations
Nostalgia is the buzzword of Christmas 2024, with revived trends of decades past becoming favorable once again. And kitschy decor is back in full force, with color and mismatched designs proving incredibly popular.
'We're noticing a resurgence of kitschy holiday decorations – but this time, they’re being used in a more intentional and stylish way. Think oversized red bows, jingling bells, mismatched stockings, and even the ever-polarizing Elf on the Shelf. These nostalgic touches are making their way back into homes, and we’re absolutely here for it,' says Kailee Blalock, co-founder at House of Hive Design Co.
'The beauty of this trend is its flexibility. Introduce these elements in ways that feel natural to your space. Maybe it’s a big red bow on your entryway wreath, vintage bells hung on your tree, or simply a mix of stockings that tell the story of your family. Let your home’s unique character shine through with thoughtful, nostalgic touches!'
This set of six clip on bows features different colors for an eclectic holiday design.
A tarnished brass bell garland looks so festive paired with red and green decor.
These stockings epitomize a classic Christmas – and they can be personalized!
2. Icicles and teardrop ornaments
A lot of the outdated Christmas decor making a comeback this year revolves around the tree – and glass hanging ornaments in particular are having a moment this year.
'2024 seems to be the year of the retro Christmas revival, and I'm so here for it,' says Charlotte Olby, H&G's style and trends editor, who's bringing in several revived trends to her Christmas decor this year.
'Pining for a dose of '90s festive nostalgia, I'm looking to bring back icicles on my tree this year and will be adding glass teardrop ornaments,' she explains.
Elegant and smooth, these icicle ornaments are an utterly chic addition to your decor.
This swirled glass design is a beautiful, textured take on classic teardrop ornaments.
For something a bit different, these twisted icicles are an unexpected way to bring in the trend.
3. Generational heirlooms
For so long, decor trends focused on the new and shiny, and those sentimental pieces inherited from earlier generations were left in boxes rather than used in holiday displays. But this year, heirloom decor is front and center of our homes.
'As our generation starts to inherit cherished decorations from grandparents and parents, we’re seeing a shift toward incorporating these heirlooms. They may not be perfectly "on-trend," but they carry sentimental value that makes a house feel like home during the holidays,' says Kailee.
'There’s something refreshing about breaking away from the pressure of maintaining a picture-perfect, ultra-curated aesthetic. Mixing in meaningful, fun, and nostalgic elements adds personality and heart to your holiday décor. It’s not about being tacky; it’s about embracing what feels authentically Christmassy to you,' she explains.
4. Colorful Christmas tree lights
While the more neutral decorators among us probably won't be on board with this revived trend, anyone who loves a maximalist Christmas will be no stranger to it.
Colorful Christmas lights are back in a big way – especially multi-colored string lights. Cool white lights have had their day, replaced by a warmer glow, or in this year's case, bright and colorful ones.
And though they might be proving popular as tree lights, they can also be introduced to garlands on Christmas fireplaces and stair banisters, or even draped along your bookshelves.
5. Tinsel
Perhaps a controversial Christmas decoration, tinsel has been out of style for quite some time now, considered tacky and dated. But this year, it's being used in a more considered way, and it's catching the attention of homeowners and designers alike,
'As well as icicles, I'm adding (shock horror) kitsch, slightly tacky lametta tinsel to drape over the branches of my tree to give it a magical, frosted effect. It's certainly not going to be a minimalist Christmas at my house,' says Charlotte.
Instead of randomly covering your tree in tinsel, opt for a more considered approach. Bundles carefully draped in half over the end of branches give that layered, draped look that adds a touch of sparkle to your decor. These premium icicle tinsel strands are the perfect festive color and arrive in time for Christmas.
Whether you want to add subtle hints of nostalgic decor with glass icicle ornaments or go all in with mismatched stockings and lametta tinsel, these more elevated take on outdated Christmas decor are a welcome change to holiday trends.
