December has only just begun, but as a huge fan of all things festive, I'm working to transform my home into a holiday wonderland, fast. Fortunately, Shea McGee's 2025 Christmas tree looks have come to my rescue, and there's one thing I can't wait to add to my own tree this year: hydrangeas.
Ok, that might come as a surprise, but when it comes to Christmas tree ideas, ribbons, garlands, and even pearls have all been on my mood board for months. It was, in fact, McGee and Co's Christmas bow decor that inspired me, followed swiftly by Anthropologie's pearl holiday decor collection. So, why not flowers?
In a recent Instagram video, Shea shared a rare behind-the-scenes look at her holiday decorations, and I couldn't help but notice the huge hydrangeas that graced her tree. It's the kind of imaginative and yet timeless look I adore, and I'll be stocking up on supplies to recreate her look while McGee & Co's faux hydrangea stems are 30% off.
Beginning with Shea's magnificent porch, the video quickly pans to the McGee family's living room, which is decked out with garlands, string lights, and bows. To finish off their Christmas tree, Shea can be seen carrying two huge buckets of faux hydrangeas – and they create the most luxurious, organic look when nestled amongst the branches.
It's no surprise that the McGees have leaned into a more rustic scheme; just take a look at Shea's 'festive farmhouse' Christmas table, after all. What I love about this look, however, is that it can complement any design style, whether you love to spotlight flowers and foliage in your decor or you prefer to keep things traditional. You could even learn how to dry hydrangeas if you're keen to try out a DIY Christmas craft idea.
Shea's secret is an understated color palette. The hydrangeas bring soft cream tones to her tree, creating the perfect backdrop for the rest of her Christmas decorating ideas. When styled with classic ornaments in earthy neutral tones – and finished with some oversized red ribbons – the tree really comes to life, offering a nature-inspired take on festive elegance.
While you can recreate Shea's look using any kind of flower, I think the hydrangeas are a stroke of genius. Not only do they bring an additional textural touch to the tree, but they also help the branches to look lush and full (a handy detail, since Shea's tree is artificial rather than real). I've never added foliage to my tree before, but I can't wait to try this out using McGee & Co's faux hydrangea stems.
Shop Shea McGee's Rustic Christmas Tree Essentials
The main event: gorgeous faux hydrangea stems like this one. I'll be adding plenty to my tree this year, though I'll also set a few aside to weave into garlands and wreaths.
They might look like paper, but these baubles are in fact made of brass. They're sure to add plenty of visual interest to your holiday tree.
If hydrangeas aren't your style, I'd opt for these faux sweet pea stems instead. The delicate, layered petals will add even more texture to your tree.
I love the colors of these velvet baubles: they create the perfect foundation for a rich-toned, earthy Christmas tree.
Another crucial addition to Shea's tree: oversized red ribbons. The Christmas bow decor trend isn't going anywhere this year.
Dial up the rustic look with brass accents like this handsome garland. I can't wait to see it gleam amongst the string lights on my tree.
If you're on the lookout for more clever ways to transform your tree, try the vertical Christmas tree lighting hack. Trust me, it's the alternative way to light your tree without getting in a tangle and it might just change the way you decorate forever.
