As a Celebrity Style editor, much of my job (at least in December) involves writing about Christmas trees decorated by the world's most famous figures. Oftentimes, this means covering new designs from 2025, but it also gives me the chance to dive into the archives and revisit some of the most memorable creations from the last century.
Such is the case with Elizabeth Taylor’s purple-and-white Christmas tree, which dates back to the turn of the millennium. A quarter of a century after its debut at Merv Griffin's 7th Annual Christmas Tree Lane Lighting Ceremony, it remains one of the most audacious twists on the classic Christmas tree I’ve ever seen, and its vintage, kitsch allure has only grown more striking with each passing year.
While traditional Christmas décor famously features red, green, and gold, none of these tones appear on Elizabeth's tree. Instead, the white base serves as a blank canvas for the unconventional purple beads and ornaments (like these from Target) to take center stage. I'm sure you'd agree that there's a certain bravery in its aesthetic.
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The white tree offers a chic, Elizabeth Taylor-inspired touch to your holiday decor. Its crisp, all-white branches are adorned with hundreds of warm incandescent lights, creating a luminous, elegant display that's perfect for topping with purple ornaments.
These matte purple glass ball ornaments bring elegance and sophistication to your tree. Their rich hue is complemented by an intricate branch design, adding a natural, organic touch. Versatile in style, they pair beautifully with traditional red and green decorations or white (as Elizabeth demonstrates).
Strung on a flexible line, these beads drape beautifully across Christmas trees, wreaths, mantels, and doorways. Its generous length and smooth finish make it easy to layer or twist for a sophisticated, romantic look, adding a classic touch of Elizabeth-style charm to any space.
This set of 32 velvet Christmas ball ornaments combines classic style with a luxurious flocked texture for a sophisticated holiday display. Equipped with sturdy metal hooks and hanging cords, they are easy to arrange while adding depth and dimension to your tree.
Add effortless layered elegance to your tree with this set of six winter white ornaments, designed to shine alongside purple decor. The boxed set includes two sizes of ball ornaments in three glittery, iridescent textures, each finished with twine for a touch of natural warmth.
These handmade purple satin bows add a refined touch to holiday décor and gift wrapping. Each bow, crafted from high-quality satin, measures approximately 2.5 × 2.5 inches and features a transparent twist tie for easy attachment and reuse.
What continues to fascinate me as I revisit this iconic design is how it embodies both glamour and whimsy in equal measure, reflecting Taylor’s persona perfectly. It feels deliberately curated, with each ornament and strand of beads chosen for visual impact rather than tradition.
Her tree also highlights an interesting tension in holiday styling, the balance between celebrating seasonal norms and asserting personal taste. In this way, Elizabeth’s tree is not just a festive centerpiece; it is a statement, showing that Christmas decor can be as bold and inventive as the personalities behind it. What more could we wish for from an icon?
