Some people love a bright, maximalist, kitschy scheme for celebrating Christmas, while others prefer something more understated. If you fall into the second camp, you needn't look further than Michelle Pfeiffer's home for inspiration.
The actress shared an Instagram post featuring her Christmas tree idea; and it's a minimalist's dream. Pfeiffer's tree is free from ornaments, garlands, and tinsel. Its only adornment are gorgeous and simple white lights. Though it's unorthodox, Pfeiffer's tree is radical in its simplicity. It embraces a design that will be just as in style in 200 years, because there is no part of it that could fade out of style.
Despite its anti-trend status, Pfeiffer's minimalist Christmas decor idea is in line with larger shifts. Megan Slack, Head of Celebrity Style at Homes & Gardens explains: 'Over the past few years, we've seen a move away from the idea that there is a single 'standard' for what a Christmas tree looks like. Instead, celebrities are opting for more personalized trees that reflect their own design styles. In this case, Pfeiffer's tree reflects the simple, classic nature of her home.'
The Elegant Christmas Edit
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.
A tree skirt is a great trick for making the base of your Christmas tree feel more traditional. This burlap ruffled-edged skirt will complement a neutral Christmas decor scheme without taking up too much space under the tree.
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.
Another way to tap into the minimalist look is with a monochromatic color palette – and these bows are the most sophisticated way to get the look. Made of high-quality velvet material, they're soft and smooth touch, while their black colorway looks subtle yet classy and always on trend.
Minimalist ornaments are nothing without the discreet hooks that keep them in place. This set of 300 offer enough to keep all your accessories in place throughout the entire season (and there might be enough for next year, too).
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.
Furthermore, the simplicity of the Christmas lights means that the elements of the tree can be used in your home even after the festive season is over. Increasingly, we're seeing a shift towards more sustainable decor (for Christmas and every other holiday), with people opting for decorative pieces that will look good in their homes all year round. Michelle Pfeiffer's tree captures this ideology perfectly. While it's clear that her tree is associated with Christmas, it encourages us to look towards more pared-back alternatives that wouldn't look out of place during any month on the calendar.
'I love the idea of decorating uber-minimalist twig trees, just like this one from Wayfair, that is a quirky design statement with the ability to impress long into the new year,' adds H&G's editor Jennifer Ebert. 'I've observed an increase in sustainable decor that won't be thrown away at the end of the holidays, and twig trees are a beautiful example of this. They can be decorated for any event during any season. Similarly, I recommend embracing the charm of handmade and sustainable decor by reusing and repurposing items you already have, as this is another eco-friendly idea that deserves a place in every minimalist's home.'
Design expert Lena Gierasinska also recommends investing in fairy lights or string lights that you would be happy to use all year round. 'Using them around the home brings a warm, gentle glow to any space, instantly creating a cozy atmosphere. Try lining bookcases, wrapping them around houseplants to mimic a modern Christmas tree, or filling glass jars as a table or kitchen island feature.'
Alternatively, we recommend picking up a Christmas tree with lighting included, much like the Tiffany Fir Slim Tree (available on Wayfair). This looks beautiful from the moment it's out of the box – whether you add ornaments or not.
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). It comes with hundreds of warm white lights, a plug-in cord, and a tree-topper outlet – so we can achieve the look with ease.
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).
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.
If you love the ambiance created by these lights, consider amping it up with a more traditional lighting source. Gierasinska suggests: 'Setting the ambiance with candles is another great way to play with lighting, especially when layered around the room. Choose scents that can be used in the home all year round, like vanilla or citrus.'
No matter your style, there is a Christmas tree that reflects it. Michelle Pfeiffer's minimalist tree brings warmth and ambiance without the clutter.
