As a lover of the Holidays, I'm secretly pleased that Halloween has now passed, as it means I can begin planning for Christmas. From shopping for gifts to prepping for the all-important feast, I love everything about the build-up to the big day, but one thing that I can always rely on to get me into the festive spirit is decorating my Christmas tree.
Like every year, November is when I start looking for Christmas tree inspiration. Deciding on my tree's scheme is a big decision, but after seeing Katie Holmes' throwback snap of a past tree in her home, I'm now set on embracing the vintage Christmas decor trend.
Katie's tree features some rather retro ornaments (just like these from Walmart), but even years on, they feel chic and nostalgic.
Shop the Katie Edit
Katie's tree is decked out in vintage ornaments that add to its lived-in, timeless feel. Luckily, I've found some rather similar alternatives that feel just as retro and kitschy (in the best way possible).
This delicate snowman ornament is charmingly quaint. Made from glass, it'll give any Christmas tree an enduring elegance that will never date.
Katie's tree features a swirl bauble, much like this style from Walmart. Adorned with a gold pattern on green glass, they're a vintage staple that will catch the light all season long.
No tree is complete without a star topper. I love the rustic feel of this wooden star from the Target x Magnolia line. It's charming and dainty and is the perfect way to embrace Katie's look.
Red and gold have been holiday favorites for centuries, so why start anywhere else? This set of 100 ornaments is a must-have for any Christmas tree, perfect for elevating an entryway or adding classic charm to a cozy living space.
Your holiday outfits have collars, so why not your Christmas tree? Wrap the base in these cheerful striped ruffles that bring a handmade, festive touch—though there’s no chance you could craft a tree skirt this charming in any DIY class.
McGee & Co.'s Pine Green & White Swirl Baubles are delicate and festive. The best part is they come in a family of 12, perfect for creating a cohesive tree.
Proven with Katie's tree, the secret to decorating a Christmas tree successfully is not skimping on ornaments. Hers is covered with timeless accessories that feel charmingly nostalgic and so fitting for the holiday season.
Ann Couser Kittredge of Dabbling and Decorating explains, 'First, that post of Katie and her tree is a bit telling in itself. Retro and vintage Christmas decorations flood us with memories of our youth or days gone by. She's laughing and decorating a "simple" Christmas tree with what feels right to her. There's no caption or messaging on her post; the post speaks for itself, including the old Pottery Barn hutch in the background (I also had one)... It's a throwback to simpler, happier times.'
To recreate the look, Ann suggests, 'By collecting assortments of vintage Christmas tree ornaments at flea markets and thrift shops. They are plentiful these days and very affordable too. I would also repurpose my mother's Christmas ornament collections for that nostalgic look that Katie is enjoying in her photo.'
What I love about Katie's tree is its familiar, lived-in feel. Decorated with classic vintage ornaments, it's nostalgic without feeling kitsch, making it the ultimate way to style a tree, even years on.
