This Christmas, we're turning the clock back to the decor of holidays past, opting for pieces that evoke bygone years rather than trying to reinvent the wheel. Forecasters have dubbed 'festive nostalgia' one of the biggest Christmas trends this year, and we’re taking inspiration from images of the past.
Elizabeth Taylor on set in the 1950s is the perfect place to start. In 1950, the beloved actress posed in front of a white, shimmery Christmas tree adorned with silver ornaments. Behind her, a retro television set and piles of unwrapped red presents complete the nostalgic scene.
While the image is still appealing to the modern eye, Liz’s look is unmistakably from another era. So, how can you balance the past and present in your own Christmas decor? We spoke with experts to explore how to draw on styles like Elizabeth Taylor’s iconic holiday setup, and why these vintage-inspired looks are resonating today.
Rather than following outdated Christmas decor trends, embracing nostalgia in your design is about tapping into happy memories. Elizabeth Taylor’s timeless tree perfectly captures this feeling.
Josh Branigan, interior design expert at furniture brand Cuckoo, explains: 'A key reason why Christmas is loved so much is the nostalgia it brings. A certain decor or color can take us back to our childhoods, when Christmas was truly magical. As 2025 sees trends lean towards meaningfulness and personalisation, festive decor will embrace nostalgia.'
Recreate Liz's Look at Home
This season, follow Elizabeth Taylor's example with a white Christmas tree (available at Wayfair) and silver ornaments. Here are our top picks to get it kicked off.
Finding an alternative to a green tree that doesn't feel gimmicky can be tricky, but opting for a white colorway is a failsafe way to go. Though it differs from tradition, it is good-looking year-after-year, while the neutral base is the perfect canvas for gold and silver ornaments.
No white Christmas tree is complete without lights. These simple white string lights provide the perfect base, giving your tree a soft, even glow. Take the time to weave them carefully through the branches, tucking them in so they aren’t just on the surface. This way, the tree looks full and beautiful even when the lights are off.
These silver ornaments, with their mix of sparkly and matte finishes, are a fun and modern way to bring a touch of metallic shine to your Christmas decor. The combination of textures adds depth and interest, catching the light in different ways and creating a dynamic, polished look.
Tapping into this look is highly versatile, as vintage holiday decor can take many forms. From Elizabeth Taylor’s minimalist tree to the maximalist styles of the late 20th century, the possibilities are endless.
'This trend can be achieved through vintage-inspired decor, using colors and decorative pieces that recreate a classic Christmas, advises Josh. 'Alternatively, embrace the tackiness of the 80s, 90s, and noughties with over-the-top, colourful trimmings and multicoloured lights.'
Elizabeth Taylor's white Christmas tree may have been designed over 75 years ago, but that doesn't make it dated; it makes the look even more desirable. Tapping into nostalgia with your Christmas decor is inviting and inspiring. Our curation of kitschy pieces from QVC is a great place to get your collection started.
