So often, Christmas decor is sleek and sophisticated, bringing ample design flair to our homes. And while I'm a huge fan of these carefully curated displays, sometimes, a more personal approach is what's needed to bring true festive joy.
Enter the unexpected Christmas decoration you didn't know you needed: Pottery Barn's Dated Frame Ornament. It's a sentimental way to capture your favorite memories of the year past on the tree; I can just imagine seeing someone's little one (or even furry friend) growing up over the years, captured in a sweet hanging frame on the tree. When it comes to Christmas decor ideas, this one is overflowing with nostalgia.
And I'm not the only one who thinks so. Below, I've spoken with interior designers who also think it's a sweet, sentimental, and stylish idea for your Christmas tree, as well as some other options to shop.
If you're ready to embrace sentiment this Christmas, this photo frame bauble (inscribed with the year) has you covered. It comes in various shapes and colors, from classic, festive red to the more understated white or retro plaid. Whichever you go for, it provides a fun way to personalize your tree with your favorite memories, with all of the joy of "dated" charm.
You may not initially think of displaying photos on the tree as the most stylish of decorating ideas, but interior designers are on board. "By personalizing your Christmas decorations, you will create a more unique experience across the holidays, for yourselves and for guests," says Jenny Luck. "Showcasing cherished moments will spark an element of joy and will open up conversations around the table as new experiences are built upon."
And with a thoughtful approach, picture frame ornaments can be just as chic as traditional baubles. "With black and white photos adorning it for a uniform look, this piece could play into any well-chosen color scheme or decorative theme, providing a conversation piece for years to come," adds Samantha Watkins McRae.
While I'm won over by the nostalgic look of the Pottery Barn's Dated Enamel Frame Bauble, it's not the only option out there, especially if you're looking for something more understated. Below are some other designs to shop for.
If you're looking for something more understated and modern, this sleek gold style (also from Pottery Barn) is a timeless option. It's made from sturdy stainless steel with an antiqued-gold finish, and hangs from a sweet velvet ribbon.
Kitsch decorations are officially back in style this year, and if that's your jam, go for this gingerbread frame bauble. Complete with a red ribbon, this decoration is all about the nostalgic feeling of the festive season.
Keep your Christmas tree classic and sophisticated with this circular dated frame bauble by Habitat, in a timeless shade of gold. Once hung with a favorite photo, it's an elegant way of personalizing the tree.
This wooden photo frame decoration features thick red and white stripes for an undeniably festive and cheery look, and is a great option for displaying slightly larger photos.
Step away from the traditional festive color palette with this mini hanging photo frame with lime green ribbon. It lends a fun and contemporary look, and once January is here, you could repurpose it elsewhere in the home.
Or, if decorating with blue is more of your style, this Oliver Bonas picture frame is another modern take on festive decor, and would make a stylish choice for much smaller Christmas trees.
This set of mini frame decorations is crafted from brass, nodding to modern rustic decor. Complete with ribbons in colorful and warm shades of red and orange, they're a subtle and grown-up take on this Christmas decor trend.
If, like me, you have a stash of Polaroid photos but aren't sure how to display them in your home, this frame ornament is for you. The perfect size for photos taken on Instax mini cameras, it only adds to the retro scheme.
For a playful look, this snowman bauble makes a cheerful nod to dated Christmas decor, and would no doubt be a favorite for children helping to decorate the tree this year.
To ensure your frame decorations last for years to come, learn how to store Christmas ornaments properly. Or with this style, you could easily get away with hanging them on door handles or wall hooks year-round!
