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Homes & Gardens
Homes & Gardens
Eleanor Richardson

Move Over, Pared-Back Decor: Rosie O’Donnell’s Joyfully Crowded Christmas Tree Is a Masterclass in Using Personal History to Build a Cozy Sanctuary

Rosie O'Donnell .

While some like to keep things minimal all year, when it comes to decorating a Christmas tree, pared-back designs should take a backseat. Christmas is all about embracing festivity and going all out, so playing it safe by keeping things simple can feel a little... cold.

I've long decorated my tree with ornaments I've lovingly collected over the years. Transporting me to past holidays shared with loved ones, nothing beats an abundance of nostalgic Christmas decorations that have a story behind them.

While I've long believed that trees decked out in plenty of personal ornaments are some of the best, Rosie O'Donnell's has convinced me even more of the power of designing with sentiment.

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Featuring red baubles, sentimental photo frames, and an array of nostalgic ornaments, Rosie's tree is a familiar ode to Christmas. It proves the power of personal decorations and the importance of not holding back over the holidays.

David Sumner, Sales Manager at Christmas Tree World, comments 'Rosie’s tree feels effortlessly classic and traditional. The shape and height of the tree create a strong foundation that instantly makes it look full and balanced. It’s decorated subtly, but still feels festive and inviting. The use of traditional Christmas colours and timeless baubles feels warm, familiar, and very much in the Christmas spirit.'

David adds, 'Each year, we see homeowners becoming more creative and intentional with how they decorate their Christmas trees, and 2025 is shaping up to be all about refined warmth and personal storytelling. Nostalgic ornaments play a huge role in this, as they instantly add meaning and character to a tree. Whether it’s a decoration passed down through family, a keepsake from a special trip, or a classic bauble brought out year after year, these pieces help tell a story.'

'We’re also seeing a strong move towards meaningful decorating, where trees reflect memories as much as style. Ultimately, the best Christmas trees strike a balance between symmetry and sentimentality.'

Rosie's tree is simple but classic. Featuring nostalgic decorations, it proves that Christmas is the time to decorate with meaningful pieces that evoke gratitude and joy.

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