The Holiday Design and Décor Trends to Try This Year

The holidays are a magical time—the twinkling lights, the pillowy snowflakes, the smell of chestnuts roasting on the fire, holiday movies playing on repeat—and it's especially wonderful as a child when all you have to do is enjoy the fruits of your parents' labor.

As an adult, however, the month of December can be a little stressful with tackling end-of-year deadlines, attending a slew of holiday parties, and lugging a tree home. That said, we're not ones to throw in the towel on holiday spirit, so we've embraced a simpler way to decorate inspired by our favorite cozy Danish trend: hygge.

At the end of the day, you don't need all the bells, whistles, blow-up figurines, holiday lights, or ornaments to make your home feel festive. Sometimes, the smallest details will do—and they look incredibly chic, too. A wreath here and a garland there can be more than enough to infuse your home with the magic of the holidays.

Ready to give your home a festive touch without going overboard? These are the only holiday décor trends your home will need—just add mistletoe.

Start With the Bar Cart

When it comes to throwing a party, no matter the occasion, the bar cart is a key piece of décor. You can probably assume that most of the guests will make this their first stop before mingling in the living room or kitchen. So making sure it's outfitted with all of the essentials (your favorite liquors, a few bottles of wine, and if you're feeling ambitious, an already-prepared signature big-batch cocktail) is important.

Decorating your bar cart for the holidays doesn't have to be an all-day affair because taking a minimalistic approach will definitely do the trick. Whether you wrap the handles in garland or sprinkle fake snow on the shelves, your guests will notice the festive vibes.

Hang a Wreath

If you're hosting the holiday dinner this year, consider serving the food buffet-style because it's so easy. However, if you do a buffet, you may not have a ton of space on the table for festive décor. Don't worry; we have a solution for you. Whether you go au naturale or faux, hang a wreath on the wall behind the buffet to elevate the area. 

Set a Simple Table

While you may only be entertaining for one night this holiday, that doesn't mean you should neglect your dining room the rest of the season. Set a festive tone by placing a long garland along the dining room table and lighting candles at night. It adds a simple touch that's still festive.

Prepare the Fireplace

The mantel is a great place to hang a festive garland and, of course, your stockings, but even a wood-burning stove can set a holiday mood. Make sure your fireplace is accented with all the tools you'll need to light a fire and make your living room extra cozy and comfortable. If you don't have a fireplace, a holiday-friendly candle should do the trick.

Add Cozy Elements

The holidays are the perfect time to pile on the blankets and fuzzy textures. Since the holidays are also the season of Netflix and chill, add sheepskin throws, pillows, and blankets around your living room. By making your space extra inviting, you won't need a ton of holiday decorations to feel like you're on holiday. Just a simple tree should suffice.

Try the Unexpected

If you want to go all out, try garlands of all kinds. Whether they're pine or magnolia, we love them hung around doorways, on the mantel, or even above bunk beds. Decorating for the holidays doesn't get much easier.

Take It Outside

If you're lucky to have an outdoor space somewhere that's warm enough to enjoy nights outside, bring your décor outside. String lights and cozy throws will make your backyard extra festive and cozy—especially if you gather around the fire to roast s'mores.