The soft glow of candlelight, the rich scent of pine, the gleam of heirloom ornaments catching the light—traditional Christmas decorations speak a language of comfort and nostalgia that contemporary trends simply can’t replicate. In 2018, the pendulum swings back toward these time-honored elements, but with a refreshing emphasis on simplicity and authenticity.
This season, homes across America are embracing decorations that feel both timeless and effortless—a welcome respite from the complicated DIY projects and over-styled tablescapes that have dominated social media in recent years. The most captivating Christmas spaces this year don’t demand professional styling or extravagant budgets; they simply ask for thoughtful curation and an appreciation for tradition.
Let’s explore how 2018’s decorating landscape marries classic Christmas charm with straightforward execution, creating spaces that feel both magical and attainable.
Timeless Traditional Christmas Tree Decorations
Classic Color Schemes for 2018
The foundation of any traditional Christmas display begins with color. This year, classic palettes reign supreme, with subtle contemporary touches that keep them from feeling dated.
Red and green remain the gold standard of Christmas color combinations, but 2018 sees these shades taking on richer, more sophisticated tones. Deep burgundy paired with forest green creates a luxurious backdrop for holiday gatherings, while maintaining that quintessential Christmas feel. The key is restraint—limiting your palette to these two colors plus one metallic accent creates cohesion without complexity.
Gold and silver accents bring necessary sparkle to traditional schemes. Rather than choosing between them (as decorating dogma once dictated), 2018 embraces their combination. The warm glow of gold paired with the cool brilliance of silver creates depth and interest, particularly when captured in the soft light of December evenings.
For those seeking a quieter traditional palette, white and blue create a winter wonderland effect that feels both classic and contemporary. Pale blue glass ornaments against a flocked or white tree evoke the frosty beauty of vintage Christmas cards, particularly when paired with silver accents and natural elements like pinecones or birch.
Nostalgic Ornaments
The most compelling Christmas trees of 2018 tell stories through their decorations. Vintage-inspired glass ornaments—those delicate spheres and figural pieces that recall mid-century celebrations—have surged in popularity. Major retailers now offer beautiful reproductions of these classics, making them accessible without antiquing expeditions.
Family heirloom decorations take center stage this year, with many households creating special sections of their trees dedicated to these treasured pieces. The patina of age on these ornaments isn’t seen as a flaw but as evidence of their history—each scratch or faded section representing Christmas celebrations of the past.
Handmade ornaments add personal significance to traditional displays. Simple salt dough ornaments, hand-painted wooden shapes, or cinnamon stick bundles tied with twine bring warmth and authenticity to your tree. These needn’t be complicated; even the simplest handcrafted elements add character that mass-produced decorations cannot match.
Tree Toppers and Garlands
The finishing touches on traditional trees this year emphasize classic simplicity. Star and angel toppers remain the preferred choices, with antique and vintage-inspired designs seeing particular popularity. Metal wire stars with simple designs work beautifully with almost any decorating style, while classic angels in white or gold provide a timeless crowning touch.
Garlands create visual flow around the tree, and 2018 sees a return to handcrafted options. Popcorn and cranberry strands—perhaps the most traditional of all tree garlands—are making a notable comeback. The process of stringing these natural elements becomes part of the celebration itself, particularly when done as a family activity.
Ribbon garlands offer simplicity with maximum impact. Rather than complicated bows or elaborate draping techniques, simple satin or velvet ribbons cascading from top to bottom create elegant movement. Traditional tartan patterns in particular complement classic ornament collections beautifully.
Easy Mantel and Fireplace Decorations
Creating a Festive Focal Point
The fireplace naturally draws attention, making it an ideal canvas for traditional Christmas decor that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact.
Simple greenery arrangements form the backbone of traditional mantel displays. Fresh pine, cedar, and holly branches laid across the mantelpiece create an instantly festive focal point with minimal fuss. The natural variations in the branches create organic beauty that perfectly balanced arrangements cannot achieve. For longevity, tuck the cut ends into small floral water tubes hidden behind other decorations.
Candle displays add warmth both literally and figuratively to mantel arrangements. White pillar candles of varying heights grouped among greenery create a classic Christmas vignette that takes minutes to arrange but creates hours of ambiance. For safety, consider high-quality flameless candles that provide convincing flicker without fire risk.
Stocking arrangements blend function with style on traditional mantels. This year, textural stockings in natural fabrics like wool, linen, and cotton take precedence over novelty designs. Simple monograms or classic patterns like buffalo check or fair isle add personality without complication.
Quick DIY Garlands
Garlands frame the fireplace and add festive dimension to this central feature. The simplest versions often create the most striking impact.
Pine cone garlands require nothing more than pine cones (gathered for free or purchased inexpensively), strong thread or fishing line, and a basic needle. Strung together and accented with simple ribbon bows at regular intervals, they create rustic elegance that complements any traditional Christmas design.
Orange and cinnamon stick garlands appeal to multiple senses, filling your home with fragrance while adding visual interest. Dried orange slices (easily made in a low oven) alternated with bundles of cinnamon sticks create a garland that’s both beautiful and aromatic—a traditional decoration dating back centuries.
Paper garlands offer opportunities for family participation. Simple paper chains made from red and green construction paper might seem elementary, but their nostalgic charm fits perfectly with 2018’s return to simpler Christmas traditions. For a more sophisticated take, try accordion-folded paper stars or snowflakes strung on baker’s twine.
Fireplace Accessories
Traditional wrought iron tools beside the hearth aren’t just functional—they’re decorative elements in their own right. A quality set with simple designs complements traditional Christmas decor while serving practical purposes during the season of fires and gatherings.
Firewood displays double as decor when thoughtfully arranged. A simple metal or woven basket filled with birch logs adds natural texture and practical beauty to the hearth area. Even if your fireplace isn’t functional, this arrangement adds authentic charm to the space.
Safety considerations remain paramount while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Heat-resistant decorations should be used on the mantel itself, with more delicate items placed farther from the heat source. Fireplace screens with traditional designs protect both your decor and your guests while adding period-appropriate style.
Window and Door Decorations
Traditional Wreaths with Simple Twists
The Christmas wreath remains perhaps the most iconic of all holiday decorations, and 2018 celebrates its classic beauty with minimal embellishment.
Basic evergreen wreaths with simple decorative elements make a strong statement. A single type of greenery—whether pine, fir, cedar, or boxwood—creates a clean foundation that needs little adornment. A single red bow or a cluster of pine cones and berries provides just enough interest without overwhelming the natural beauty of the greenery.
Adding berries, pine cones, and fruit creates traditional charm with historical significance. These natural elements hearken back to the days when wreaths were made entirely from materials gathered from winter gardens and forests. Clusters of red berries, pine cones, and perhaps a few dried citrus slices tucked among greenery create a wreath that Colonial Americans would recognize.
DIY wreath bases using materials from your yard make this tradition both economical and meaningful. Grapevine wreaths can be crafted from pruned garden vines, while evergreen wreaths can be made from trimmed branches of backyard trees. Even simple twig wreaths created from fallen branches can be transformed with a dusting of artificial snow and a few cardinal ornaments.
Window Candles and Lights
Battery-operated candles in each window create one of the most traditional and welcoming Christmas displays. This American tradition dates back centuries, particularly in New England, where a candle in each window guided travelers and symbolized hospitality. Today’s flameless versions offer safety and convenience while maintaining this classic look.
Simple string light arrangements framing window outlines create magical evening ambiance without complicated installation. A single strand outlining each window, rather than elaborate light displays, honors the traditional aesthetic while providing the warm glow that defines Christmas evenings.
Frosted window decorations using basic household items add daytime interest to windows. A solution of Epsom salts and beer (or commercial window frost spray) applied with stencils creates crystalline patterns reminiscent of Victorian Christmas cards. Simple paper snowflakes taped to windows offer another traditional option that costs almost nothing.
Door and Entryway Accents
Garland framing for doorways creates a welcoming entrance with minimal effort. A simple evergreen garland draped over the door frame, perhaps accented with a red bow at the top, signals Christmas hospitality in the most traditional way possible. For added evening magic, weave a strand of warm white lights through the greenery.
Potted evergreens flanking the entrance offer traditional welcome with minimal effort. Small potted spruce, pine, or juniper trees—either living specimens that can be planted after the holidays or cut tops secured in pots—create symmetry and seasonal significance. Decorate simply with weatherproof red bows or battery-operated lights.
Simple porch decorations make a big impact with little effort. A vintage sled leaned against the wall, a pair of ice skates hung from a hook, or a gathering of lanterns with candles create vignettes that tell winter stories without requiring elaborate installation or significant expense.
Table Settings and Dining Decorations
Classic Centerpieces Made Simple
The Christmas table benefits from centerpieces that create atmosphere without impeding conversation or dining.
Evergreen arrangements with candles form the backbone of traditional table decor. A simple runner of pine or cedar down the center of the table, interspersed with white pillar candles in glass hurricanes, creates an elegant centerpiece in minutes. The fragrance of the greenery enhances the dining experience naturally.
Fruit and nut displays in traditional bowls connect to Christmas traditions dating back centuries. A wooden bowl filled with pomegranates, oranges, walnuts, and pine cones creates a centerpiece that’s both decorative and practical—guests can help themselves to the fruit and nuts throughout the gathering. This arrangement references the traditional Christmas gift of citrus fruits, once precious winter luxuries.
Ornament collections in crystal dishes offer sparkle without effort. Gathering a selection of vintage or special ornaments in a cut crystal bowl or compote creates an instant centerpiece that catches the light beautifully. This approach also protects special ornaments that might be too fragile for tree display.
Place Settings with Traditional Charm
Simple napkin folding techniques with festive appeal elevate table settings without requiring expert skills. A basic pocket fold with a sprig of rosemary or a small ornament tucked inside creates a special touch at each place setting. Alternatively, a napkin simply rolled and secured with a piece of ribbon or twine holding a name card creates elegant simplicity.
Name card holders using natural elements personalize the table without complexity. Pine cones with a small slit cut into the top can hold place cards, as can cinnamon sticks tied in bundles. These small touches make guests feel specially welcomed without requiring complicated crafting.
Mix-and-match traditional dishware creates effortless style with depth and interest. 2018 sees a welcome move away from perfectly matched table settings toward more collected, authentic approaches. Grandmother’s china mixed with everyday white plates and vintage glassware creates a table that feels curated rather than purchased—a hallmark of truly traditional style.
Budget-Friendly Traditional Decorations
Natural Elements from Your Backyard
The most authentic traditional decorations often come from nature, costing nothing but the time spent gathering them.
Pine cone collecting yields materials for countless decorations. After gathering (and possibly baking to remove insects), pine cones can become ornaments, garlands, wreath decorations, or simple bowl fillers. Left natural or lightly brushed with gold or silver paint on the tips, they bring woodland charm indoors.
Holly, evergreen, and berry foraging provides fresh decorating materials when done responsibly. A few snipped branches from your own landscape or from willing neighbors (always ask permission) can yield enough greenery for mantels, table centerpieces, and fresh arrangements throughout the house.
Creating arrangements with found materials connects to the original spirit of Christmas decorating. Before commercial decorations became widely available, households decorated with materials at hand—evergreen boughs, berries, pine cones, and fruit. These elements remain the most authentic Christmas decorations available, regardless of changing trends.
Repurposing Everyday Items
Mason jars as holiday luminaries transform ordinary kitchen staples into magical light sources. Filled partially with Epsom salt “snow” and fitted with votive candles, they create beautiful, inexpensive decorative lighting. Tied with simple twine or ribbon, they reference vintage canning jars that would have been common in traditional American homes.
Using fabric scraps for simple ornaments recycles materials while creating unique decorations. Small pieces of tartan, ticking stripe, or other traditional fabrics can be used to cover styrofoam balls, creating textile ornaments with nostalgic appeal. Similarly, scraps can be cut into simple shapes and hung with ribbon for rustic charm.
Transforming household items into holiday decor exercises creativity while honoring the waste-not traditions of earlier generations. Wooden spoons from the kitchen tied with ribbon and greenery become primitive ornaments; vintage books stacked and topped with candles create instant height for displays; even empty thread spools painted red and green can become charming miniature decorations.
Quick Storage Solutions for Easy Setup and Takedown
Organizing Ornaments
Simple storage systems for delicate items protect your traditional decorations for future Christmases. Acid-free tissue paper remains the best wrapping for fragile ornaments, while divided storage boxes prevent damage during the off-season. For particularly precious pieces, consider individual small boxes labeled with the ornament’s history and significance.
Labeling strategies for next year’s setup save time and reduce stress. Taking photos of your displays before dismantling them provides visual reference for next year’s decorating. Grouping ornaments by location (tree, mantel, table) rather than by type makes next year’s decorating more efficient.
Preserving handmade decorations requires special attention. Salt dough ornaments should be stored in climate-controlled areas to prevent moisture damage, while fabric decorations benefit from cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter pests. Natural elements like pine cones can be stored in paper (not plastic) bags in dry areas for potential reuse.
Conclusion
The beauty of traditional Christmas decorations lies not in their complexity or cost but in their ability to connect us with celebrations across time. The simple pine garland on your mantel would be recognized by your great-grandmother; the candles in your windows would have signaled welcome to travelers a century ago; the ornaments on your tree might carry stories spanning generations.
The 2018 trend toward traditional simplicity isn’t merely aesthetic—it’s a recognition that Christmas decorating should enhance rather than complicate the season. By choosing straightforward, meaningful decorations with historical resonance, we create spaces that feel both magical and manageable.
As you decorate this season, remember that imperfection is part of the charm of truly traditional spaces. The slightly asymmetrical tree, the handmade ornament with visible glue, the pine cone garland with varying sizes of cones—these “flaws” are what make your Christmas authentic rather than staged. They tell the story not just of Christmas, but of your Christmas, with all its unique beauty and meaning.
This season, may your home be filled with decorations that bring joy rather than stress, and may the process of creating your Christmas environment be as meaningful as the gatherings it hosts.
FAQs About Traditional Christmas Decorations
What are the most traditional Christmas colors and their meanings? Red symbolizes the blood of Christ or the apples on paradise trees in medieval Christmas plays. Green represents eternal life and the evergreen plants that survive winter. Gold signifies the sun’s return after winter solstice and the gifts of the Magi, while white represents purity and snow.
How can I create a traditional look with a limited budget? Focus on natural elements you can gather for free: evergreen branches, pine cones, and berries. Invest in a few quality basics like red ribbon and white candles that make significant impact. Consider thrift stores for vintage decorations with authentic patina at minimal cost.
What are some child-friendly traditional decorations that are easy to make? Paper chains, salt dough ornaments, strung popcorn garlands, and orange pomanders studded with cloves are all traditional decorations children can help create. These activities not only produce decorations but also create memories and family traditions.
How do I incorporate family heirlooms into modern Christmas decor? Create dedicated display areas for heirloom pieces rather than trying to integrate them throughout modern decor. A special section of the tree, a dedicated side table, or a mantel display can showcase these treasures while maintaining a cohesive look elsewhere.
What are the easiest traditional decorations for someone with limited time? Evergreen wreaths (purchased ready-made), window candles, a bowl of ornaments, and simple garlands of greenery create maximum impact with minimal time investment. Focus on a few high-impact areas like the front door, mantel, and dining table rather than trying to decorate every space.
Learn more about holiday gift ideas here