As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to pull out those boxes of Christmas decorations. But before you start decking the halls with your usual festive flair, it might be time to reconsider some of your decor choices.
After all, what was trendy and charming a decade ago might now look dated and tacky.
Here are twelve Christmas decor styles that have lost their luster and might be making your home look less ‘Winter Wonderland’ and more ‘Garage Sale Gathering’.
1. Tinsel Overload: The Glittery Mess of Christmas Past
Tinsel used to be the go-to Christmas tree decoration. However, the glittery strands are now considered more of an eyesore than an embellishment. Tinsel is not only outdated, but it also makes a mess, getting everywhere and sticking to everything. Plus, it’s not ideal for homes with pets as it can pose a choking hazard.
Instead, opt for more tasteful trimmings like ribbon or garlands made from natural materials. They’ll give your Christmas tree a chic and modern look without the tinsel tangle nightmare.
2. Plastic, Pre-Lit Wreaths: A Faux Pas for the Festive Season
Nothing screams ‘cheap and cheerful’ quite like a plastic, pre-lit wreath. These overly shiny and brightly coloured decorations are a relic from a bygone era. Plus, the pre-lit element often ends up looking more tacky than twinkly.
Why not try making your own wreath this year? You can use fresh evergreen branches, pinecones, and berries for a more natural and sophisticated look. It’s a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your holiday decor.
3. Inflatable Lawn Decorations: More Tacky than Tasteful
Giant inflatable Santas and snowmen might be a hit with the kids, but they can easily turn your front yard into a kitschy Christmas carnival. They’re not just tacky, but they can also be a nuisance, deflating and inflating with the wind, creating a distracting and chaotic display.
Instead, focus on creating a tasteful outdoor display with simple, elegant decorations such as string lights, lanterns, and natural elements like wreaths and garlands. Check out this video for some great outdoor decor ideas.
4. Multicolored LED Lights: A Distracting Rainbow Display
Multicolored LED lights used to be all the rage, but now they just look busy and distracting. The rainbow of colors can clash with your other decorations and create a chaotic visual experience.
Instead, try using white or warm-toned lights for a more cohesive and calming display. They will provide a classic and timeless look that complements any Christmas decor theme.
5. The Overuse of Mismatched Ornaments: A Tree in Turmoil
While it’s nice to have a variety of ornaments, too many different styles can make your Christmas tree look cluttered and chaotic. Having a tree that’s overloaded with mismatched ornaments can detract from its natural beauty.
Try to stick to a theme or color scheme when decorating your tree. This will create a more cohesive and harmonious look. And remember, sometimes less is more. Don’t feel like you have to use every single ornament you own.
6. Foil Door Decorations: An Outdated Welcome
Foil door decorations are another outdated Christmas decor trend that needs to be retired. While they might have been popular in the ’90s, these shiny, crinkly adornments now look cheap and dated.
Swap out the foil for a beautiful wreath or a tasteful door hanger. These alternatives offer a more chic and welcoming entrance to your home during the holiday season.
7. Traditional Store-Bought Stockings
Traditional store-bought stockings often lack personality and charm. They’re usually made from cheap materials and feature generic holiday designs.
Why not try making your own stockings this year? You can personalize them with your family members’ names and choose fabrics and designs that match your overall Christmas decor theme. It’s a fun and meaningful way to add a personal touch to your holiday decorations.
8. Popcorn and Cranberry Garlands: A Snacking Hazard
While popcorn and cranberry garlands might evoke a sense of nostalgia, they can look out of place in a modern Christmas decor scheme. Plus, they can be a snacking hazard for children and pets.
Instead, opt for garlands made from evergreen branches, pinecones, or even paper. These alternatives are safer and more stylish, and they’ll last much longer than their snackable counterparts.
9. Plastic Candy Canes
Plastic candy canes lining the driveway or front walk may seem like a fun idea, but they can quickly become an eyesore. The bright red and white colors can clash with the rest of your outdoor decor, and the plastic material can look cheap and tacky.
Instead, consider using solar-powered path lights or tastefully arranged natural elements like pinecones and holly. These alternatives offer a more sophisticated and understated outdoor decor solution.
10. Life-Sized Nativity Scenes
While the nativity scene is a classic Christmas symbol, life-sized versions can be overwhelming and take up a lot of space in your yard. They can also look outdated and kitschy, especially if they’re made from plastic or other cheap materials.
Opt for a smaller, more tasteful nativity scene that you can display indoors. A beautifully crafted wooden or ceramic nativity set can become a cherished family heirloom that adds a meaningful touch to your Christmas decor.
11. Vintage Blow Molds
Vintage blow molds, like plastic Santas, snowmen, and reindeer, used to be a popular choice for outdoor Christmas decorations. However, these plastic characters can look outdated and cheap today, especially if they’re faded or chipped.
Instead, consider using tasteful and timeless outdoor decorations like string lights, wreaths, and garlands. These elements will create a beautiful and inviting outdoor Christmas display that won’t look outdated or tacky.
12. The Overbearing Santa Claus
An oversized Santa Claus can easily become the focal point of your Christmas decor, but not in a good way. These larger-than-life decorations can look tacky and overwhelming, dominating your decor and turning your home into a Santa’s grotto.
Opt for smaller, more subtle Santa decorations that blend in with the rest of your decor. You can also consider other festive symbols, like snowflakes or reindeer, that are equally festive but less overbearing. Here are some inexpensive Christmas decorating ideas for your reference.
