One thing unites Michelle Pfeiffer, Jennifer Aniston, and Kourtney Kardashian – and it comes in the shape of their 'undressed' Christmas tree decorations.
As a celebrity style editor, my day-to-day consists of writing about the unique ways figures decorate their homes, but no space is quite as fun as the holidays. For many years, I've seen celebrities experiment with indulgent color schemes and maximalist ornaments – however, increasingly, I'm observing a shift to a more pared-back aesthetic.
In the case of Aniston, Pfeiffer, and Kardashian, they have not only kept their Christmas trees neutral but have notably reduced the number of lights and ornaments on the branches. In Pfeiffer's instance, for example, her tree boasts no decorations aside from the string lights that bring a warm ambiance to the room.
These beautiful clear Christmas lights are an understated solution to a Christmas classic. Unlike bright, colourful alternatives, they have a soft twinkle that doesn't demand attention in your space.
This boho garland feels like something Shea McGee would be a fan of. Measuring 12 feet in length, this can be wrapped around your tree, stairs, or mantle to create a rustic display that feels both minimalist and sophisticated.
While we can't quite see the top of Michelle Pfeiffer's Christmas tree, we can follow her minimalist theme with a pared-back topper, similar to this one from Wayfair. Sporting a simplistic style, this classic tree topper is perfect for decorating a tree year after year.
We're certainly not against maximalist Christmas decor – especially if you love to experiment with bolder, brighter hues and eclectic ornaments since this is the most playful time of the year, after all. However, top designers have observed a rise in minimalism – whether we got ultra pared-back like these celebrities or we simply limit the number of ornaments we hang from our branches (to draw more attention to the ones we love the most).
'I believe that the minimalist desgin trend in holiday decorating reflects a broader shift toward intentional living. Many of my clients are opting for smaller, more thoughtfully designed homes and prioritizing quality over quantity,' comments Dallas-based designer Courtney Batten.
'As we collectively move away from the notion that "bigger is better," we’re also reconsidering how much space we dedicate to seasonal items that are only used for a short time each year.'
'A minimalist Christmas tree, and holiday decor in general, is a natural extension of this mindset. A pared-back tree is not only more sustainable, but it also helps to create a calm but meaningful space for the holidays - a time that can be stressful enough already without excess clutter.'
If you choose to go slightly more decorative than Pfeiffer and Kardashian's tree, Batten recommends opting for simple, intentional decor that both feels personal to you and is designed to stand the test of time. 'This results in an elegant feel rather than something trendy or disposable,' she says.
'As an interior designer with a passion for preserving historic elements, it’s incredibly refreshing to see this movement toward thoughtful, lasting design as an antidote to the excess consumerism often associated with the holidays.
Similarly, we can take a cue from Aniston. She has taken the concept of 'personal decor' to a new level – dressing her tree with a collection of her Lolavie haircare products. To get a similar look, we recommend decorating with personalized trinkets, gifts, and ornaments that mean something to you. With this trend, there are no rules – just decorate with minimalism in mind and prioritize well-made pieces that you'll love for years to come.
Alternatively, for a twist on the minimalist look, we love this Alpine-style tree from Amazon. The brown coloring and lack of green needles offer an ultra-modern twist on the classic. It's a minimalist's dream (and requires almost no effort to look good).
Another way to get the minimalist look is through a pared-back Christmas tree. This Alpine-style piece is a beautiful solution. The brown coloring and lack of green needles offer an ultra-modern twist on the classic. It's a minimalist's dream (and requires almost no effort to look good).
This tree features 2,000 branch tips adorned with realistic green PVC and PE pine needles for a lush, cashmere feel (and a natural look, just like Pfeiffer's, Aniston's, and Kardashian's). It comes with hundreds of warm white lights, a plug-in cord, and a tree-topper outlet – so we can achieve their look easily.
No room for a tree? Not a problem. This branch is another minimalist solution to the traditional Christmas tree. This battery-operated flat tree is perfect for small spaces, but also those homes who want a subtle Christmas aesthetic. The branches are wrapped with 3-5 lights apiece to create a warm glow that will impress in every space.
