Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Homes & Gardens
Homes & Gardens
Sophie Edwards

Westminister Abbey's Christmas tree is a surprising source of holiday decor inspiration this year – and it doesn't use any ornaments

Kate Middleton.

Westminster Abbey is one of London's most iconic historic sites, so its Christmas decor should be iconic too. Recently, Kate Middleton took to Instagram to share the beautiful decor at the gorgeous church. We tend to lump holiday decor into strict categories: modern or traditional, monochromatic or colorful. However, the Christmas Decor at Westminster Abbey transcends categorization: it is at once simple and minimalist with a vintage flair.

The Princess of Wales's Instagram photos show a classic green Christmas tree wrapped in warm yellow lights and dotted with large red poinsettias. Not overly sparkly or metallic, the red and white tree embodies a classic and regal take on Christmas decor. At the same time, the minimal level of decor, lack of traditional holiday ornaments, and choice of one focal concept, the poinsettia, give the tree a contemporary feel.

Interior designers say that this type of traditional yet understated Christmas tree design will reign this holiday season. According to a study by Hiatt Hardware, 'Vintage Christmas Decor' is one of the biggest trending styles this season, with over 31.1 million searches on Google and TikTok combined. This look incorporates classic Christmassy colors and motifs, including red, green, and white alongside symbols like the poinsettia. 

If you are interested in recreating this look in your own home, Ryan Calvert, product expert at Hiatt states: 'It’s perfect because it complements most, if not all, wood and metal finishes, so it will easily match your existing home decor.'

Homes & Gardens's Head of interior design, Hebe Hatton adds, 'I absolutely love the simplicity of this tree. Using only lights and poinsettias highlights the beauty of these flowers, while their traditional color and shape keep the tree from feeling too modern. In a centuries-old building like Westminster Abbey, this Christmas Tree theme strikes a cool balance between contemporary style and the many years of history in the space.'

She continues, 'In a modern living room, I think a tree like this could add a Christmassy warmth while not straying too far from the design style of the home.'

Recreate the Look


For those of us who dream of spending Christmas in London, a poinsettia-covered tree is an easy way to recreate the decor in one of the city's most beloved sites. Plus, it's Kate Middleton-approved.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.