My approach to Christmas decor and styling has evolved over the years. At heart, I’m drawn to natural, minimalist Scandi style ornaments—wood, wool, paper, and simple handcrafted textures. But after spending half my life away from my home country, my style has naturally shifted too. It’s still rooted in the Nordic/Scandi aesthetic, yet each year I find myself embracing a touch more tradition, especially now that we live in a house that’s over a century old.
I like to think of it as an eclectic blend of classic and Scandinavian elements—each one balancing the other and bringing its own character to the mix.
Let’s take a look at my favourite ornaments we’ve put out this year.
DIY Hanging Branches
I do love a bit of easy DIY in the run-up to Christmas. There’s something so satisfying about creating your own decorations—more affordable, more personal, and far more rewarding than buying them ready-made. I’ve been admiring hanging branch decorations on Pinterest for ages, and finally decided to try it myself. I used foliage from our Leylandii outside, but any pine branches work just as well.
I baked a few orange slices, tied everything together with a simple hessian ribbon, and voilà—our own Pinterest-worthy hanging branch! I love how understated it looks, so I kept the decorations minimal. With natural foliage, I always feel that less is more (and let the greenery do the talking).
Play With Shapes & Textures
I always love seeing how people decorate their Christmas trees—it says so much about their personality. I truly don’t think there’s a right or wrong approach – you do you! Each year, I like to collect a few new ornaments from independent shops and Christmas markets, and we usually make a couple of DIY paper ornaments too. It’s such an easy, calming way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
I’m drawn to an eclectic tree with touches of gold, a mix of shapes, and contrasting textures like paper and metal. I find that pairing different materials and silhouettes creates a beautifully balanced look. And yes, that is a train track circling the tree. My husband insists it’s for the kids and the cat, but I’m fairly certain it’s really for him…
This year, we added a gold cat ornament in honour of Lumi, who joined our family this year. It felt only right to give him a special place on the tree. So far, the decorations have actually stayed put — no curious paws or late-night explorations… yet. Fingers crossed it continues, because we’re definitely celebrating this small victory while it lasts!
Scandi Classics on the Mantel
If you have a fireplace with a mantel, it makes the perfect focal point for your decorations. I like to style my favourite pieces here—things I know I’ll actually pause to admire. Miniature Christmas trees, candles (see my Christmas candle post here), and a Scandinavian angel chime are the little touches that bring me those cosy Christmas feelings.
I also love brightening darker corners with portable lamps, especially in winter when the light disappears so early. There’s something so comforting about being able to bring a soft, warm glow into those dark corners — whether it’s a reading nook, a shelf that needs a little life, or a corner that would otherwise feel forgotten. Portable lamps create an easy way to distribute light throughout the space, and I love how effortlessly they can transform a room with just a touch of glow.
Mini trees and Santas
Mini trees paired with the Nordic woollen Santas create the sweetest little enchanted forest at home. There’s something wonderfully whimsical about the combination—the soft textures, the muted tones, the sense of a tiny world within your living space. It’s a playful nod to classic Scandinavian Christmas styling, but with enough charm to fit into any interior.
I love how versatile this look is, too. It works beautifully with traditional festive colours, bringing out those deep reds and greens, but it looks just as lovely with softer pastels, as I’ve styled here. Whether you prefer a more classic palette or a lighter, more modern feel, this small forest scene adds a touch of magic to any corner.
DIY Paper Tree Decorations
I’ve always found that the simplest, handmade decorations are often the most charming. One of my fondest childhood memories is cutting paper snowflakes from baking paper and sticking them to the windows with a little bit of Blu Tack. I can still feel the excitement of those early December days—the anticipation, the excitement and that eager inability to wait.
Now, I try to recreate a bit of that feeling with my girls. We make a few handmade pieces together each year, keeping those small traditions alive and adding our own new ones along the way. You really don’t have to do much at all. A pack of plain paper baubles from any craft shop is all you need—and then it’s simply a matter of drawing, painting, or decorating them however you like. Fun and easy!
Gold Meets Pastels
Instead of sticking with the traditional Christmas colours like red and blue, I’ve opted for more feminine shades this year—think pastels, purple, and soft tones. Last year, we received the Georg Jensen Seasons Candleholder as a gift from my in-laws, and I’ve been completely obsessed with it ever since. I use it all year round without the extension, and it truly is a standout piece of decor. The leather straps add a cool, contemporary edge, while the gold finish is simply striking. It will make a stunning addition to the dinner table or a sideboard, and it’s definitely a conversation starter!
Wrapping It All Up
I hope this post has given you a few ideas for your home this Christmas. The season can feel overwhelming for many of us, especially with the pressure to buy new things or completely change our decor every year. While I enjoy adding one or two new pieces to our home each Christmas, I would never dream of replacing the entire theme.
Your rooms don’t need to match — in fact, nothing has to match. What matters most is that everything works together, and that often comes down to choosing the right materials and shapes rather than focusing solely on colours or patterns. Embrace the eclectic, wonderfully chaotic mix that reflects your own Christmas decor journey.
What’s your favourite way to style your home for Christmas? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments!
