In the last couple of years, the way we decorate our homes has become increasingly more personal as we aim to inject some character and memories into our interiors. And the same goes for Christmas decor, which is why photo frame Christmas tree ornaments are popping up everywhere this year.
Frame Christmas tree ornaments are part of a larger current Christmas trend known as ‘memory trees’, which is hugely popular at the moment. It’s the ultimate way to make your Christmas tree decor really personalised, and framed ornaments are part of that.
‘A memory Christmas tree is essentially a tree curated around personal moments: framed photos, handwritten notes, miniature souvenirs from trips, even tiny pressed flowers from significant days,’ says Sam Sutherland, Flitch interior stylist. ‘It’s less about perfect styling and more about building a little archive of your life right there in the living room.’
Top picks
Pottery Barn has a whole range of these photo frame ornaments. But this scalloped design is currently my favourite. And with Black Friday deals in full swing, they are 20% off at the moment.
If the more rustic, vintage styles are more up your street, then this antique brass-finish set from Nkuku is perfect for you.
Simple and stylish, this round photo frame bauble comes with a lovely burgundy velvet ribbon and is engraved with 2025 to mark this year's memory.
What better time of year to go all out, super decorative and ornamental than at Christmas? Even though these hanging photo frame decorations aren't specifically marketed for Christmas, they would look beautiful on a tree.
Have a new addition to the family this Christmas? Then mark the occasion by hanging a photo frame ornament inscribed with 'my first Christmas' and add their picture or similar memento.
Even though it's not a frame Christmas tree decoration in the same sense as the others, I couldn't help myself but to include it. It's a fun take on one of the most famous paintings in the world, The Girl with a Pearl Earring, and there are three other similar designs available in the range.
I first spotted frame Christmas decorations at Pottery Barn’s London pop-up store opening last month where the brand’s Christmas range was on display, too. This memory-focused style of Christmas decor is something of Pottery Barn’s speciality in the US, but other brands do have them on offer, too and I've seen more and more of them around this year.
‘There’s a growing appetite for decor that feels handmade and rooted in family history, and frame ornaments tick both boxes. Frame ornaments add a personal touch without turning the tree into a full scrapbook. They create little focal points that draw people in. They also break up all the glitter and baubles with something that actually has emotional weight. It gives the season more meaning than another set of identical gold baubles ever could,’ Sam at Flitch explains.
You can frame anything from portraits of each of the members of the family or pets to kids’ drawings, old family photos of those that might not be with us anymore or baby foot imprints. You can get as creative as you like – after all, this Christmas decor idea is all about making your festive season as personal to you as possible. So make it truly your own.
