It's not just about the ornaments you hang on the Christmas tree; what you wrap around the evergreen is equally important. Sophie Ellis Bextor proves it by giving the underrated trimming a central role in her 2025 decor.
The singer took to Instagram to share a sweet video with her Christmas tree idea, and we couldn't help but notice the sheer number of items she wraps around the pine. She starts with a string of colorful lights, then a skein of white lights, but she doesn't stop there. Sophie adds a purple tinsel garland, a pink tinsel garland, and several sets of shimmery beads. Then, she adds her more classic ornaments and pretty star topper (like this red one from Amazon) as the finishing touch.
The effect is Christmas decor that feels warm and nostalgic, showing that garlands are an easy way to bring color into your design without adding more ornaments.
Recreate Sophie's Look at Home
This set of white Christmas lights adds a warm, modern touch, making it perfect for a minimalist aesthetic. When paired with colorful lights, it transforms into a strikingly vibrant display.
Pink and red have been one of my favorite color combinations this season, and this scalloped garland is perfect for adding a cheerful pop to your tree. It also works beautifully in a festive vignette.
This set of colorful lights is an easy way to infuse your Christmas decor with a cheerful burst of brightness. Designed for outdoor use, they’re perfect for your porch if you ever want to switch up the look from the tree.
Measuring 24" long, this silver tinsel trim is ideal for draping around your Christmas tree or weaving through an evergreen garland. It adds a touch of refined shimmer, bringing festive sparkle without ever feeling overpowering.
This charmingly nostalgic garland brings the magic of Christmases past to your tree. On its own, it creates a subtle yet striking effect, or it can be layered for a fuller, more maximalist look, à la Sophie’s festive style.
Crafted from classic wood and designed with graceful draping, this garland adds an ornate, timeless touch. It looks especially beautiful when paired with sparkling trims for a layered, festive effect.
Sophie is far from alone: we've seen garlands as a key feature on many of the chicest Christmas trees from this year, including Richard E. Grant's. So, what is spurring this renewed interest in garlands? Interestingly, it seems that the very nostalgia embodied by these garlands is what is spurring their continued popularity. The ease of creating this type of trimming is a huge pull.
Claudia Kampmann, Europe Brand Manager at Ruggable, explains: 'Back in the ’90s and early 2000s, the holidays were less about consumption and more about creativity – many Christmas decorations were lovingly handmade. This year, we’re seeing a return to that nostalgic spirit, with families crafting their own paper chains, hand-painted clay baubles, and other homemade touches that capture the warmth and charm of Christmases past.'
There’s more than one way to decorate for Christmas, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s tree is proof that creativity can be surprisingly simple. A little tinsel here, a garland there, a scattering of beads – and you don’t even need traditional ornaments to make a statement. Her approach shows that layering textures, mixing materials, and playing with scale can transform a tree into a striking, personal centerpiece. It’s a reminder that festive decorating is as much about imagination and joy as it is about tradition, and that even small touches can create a magical, memorable display.
