Home Garden & Home Christmas Classic Christmas Theme: A Decorating Guide

Classic Christmas Theme: A Decorating Guide

traditional christmas santa figures standing and holding a present

A Christmas is a time for nostalgia, warmth, and family traditions, and nothing embodies that spirit more than a beautifully decorated home. While trends come and go, a classic Christmas theme never loses its charm. Rooted in traditional colours, rich textures, and timeless décor pieces, a classic Christmas décor creates an inviting, cosy atmosphere that can be enjoyed year after year.

If you’re looking to transform your home into a festive haven this holiday season, our guide will help you achieve that perfect classic Christmas look. From the centrepiece of your décor, the Christmas tree, to wreaths, garlands, and finishing touches, we’ll take you through how to create a timeless festive atmosphere, using products available at Hillier Garden Centres. Using our range of products, you can craft a beautifully timeless Christmas that will bring warmth and joy to your home for many years to come.

Table of Contents

Start with the Perfect Christmas Tree

At the heart of every classic Christmas, and many other theme’s, setup is the tree — the focal point of the entire décor scheme. Whether you opt for a real or artificial tree, the key is to choose something that fits your space and creates that sense of grandeur. Hillier Garden Centres offers a selection of both real Christmas trees and artificial Christmas trees, making it easy to find your perfect match.

Whether you’re after the frosted elegance of a pre-lit snowy pine or the traditional charm of a Norwich pine, our extensive selection of artificial trees is available now, ready to complement any home. As we move closer to December, our real Christmas trees will also arrive in-store, freshly cut and waiting to be adorned with your favourite decorations, bringing that authentic festive fragrance into your home.

Traditional Colour Palette

When decorating a classic tree, stick to timeless colours like deep reds, golds, and greens. These shades bring warmth and sophistication to the room, while also evoking a sense of nostalgia. Consider adding some metallic touches, such as gold baubles, glittery decorations, or shimmering ribbon, to enhance the elegant look.

Lights

No Christmas tree is complete without the right lighting to set the festive mood. For a classic Christmas theme, warm white string lights are a must. They create a soft, nostalgic glow reminiscent of Christmases gone by, instantly transforming your tree into a cosy centrepiece. Whether you prefer the subtle twinkle of fairy lights or a more vibrant, glowing display, our range of Christmas tree lights will help you achieve the perfect ambience.

Glass Christmas baubles in a basket multicoloured

Classic Christmas Baubles and Ornaments

A truly classic Christmas tree is defined by its carefully chosen baubles and ornaments. These decorations often hold sentimental value, whether they’ve been passed down through generations or become part of your family’s holiday traditions. For that timeless Christmas look, opt for beautifully crafted glass baubles in rich reds, greens, and golds — colours synonymous with festive tradition. Complement these with delicate ornaments such as snowflakes, stars, and nutcracker figurines, which add a touch of whimsy and charm to your tree.

At Hillier Garden Centres, our collection of Christmas baubles offers a wide array of traditional designs. From intricately detailed glass ornaments to vintage-inspired pieces, you’ll find everything you need to recreate that nostalgic Christmas feel. Whether you’re starting your own collection of heirloom-quality baubles or adding to an existing one, these timeless decorations will help you create a tree that feels both personal and beautifully classic.

Tree Toppers

For the finishing touch, crown your tree with a traditional star or angel topper. These classic toppers symbolise the crowning glory of your tree and add a sense of tradition to your décor. From intricately designed stars to vintage-style angels, choose something that will bring both elegance and sentiment to your Christmas masterpiece.

Timeless Garlands and Wreaths

No classic Christmas décor is complete without festive garlands and wreaths. These simple yet elegant pieces help tie your décor together, adding warmth and sophistication throughout your home. Whether draped along a mantelpiece or hung on your front door, garlands and wreaths are essential for creating that traditional holiday atmosphere.

Garlands on Mantels and Staircases

Garlands are incredibly versatile and can be used to bring festive cheer to many areas of your home. The most traditional placement for a garland is along the mantelpiece, where it can frame your fireplace and add warmth to the room. Choose a garland made from classic greenery, like pine or fir, which will complement the timeless aesthetic. For a more decorative look, weave in elements like red berries, pinecones, and fairy lights.

Another ideal location for garlands is the staircase. Drape them along the banister, adding ribbon or bows in your chosen Christmas colours to create a festive pathway that draws the eye upwards. If you’re using a faux garland, Hillier offers a range of pre-decorated garlands, which come adorned with berries, cones, and lights for an effortlessly elegant display.

Wreaths for Doors and Table Centrepieces

Wreaths are one of the most recognisable symbols of Christmas. Traditionally hung on the front door to welcome guests, they can also be used inside as a stunning centrepiece for your dining table. Hillier offers a beautiful selection of both fresh and artificial wreaths, ensuring you’ll find the perfect piece to suit your décor style.

For a classic Christmas theme, choose a wreath made from faux evergreen branches, decorated with simple touches like holly, cinnamon sticks, or a large red velvet bow. If you’re using a wreath as a centrepiece, add candles in the middle for a warm and inviting glow. Like your garlands, don’t be afraid to customise your wreath to reflect your personal style. Reflect similar small touches like berries, bells, or dried fruits can help make your unique theme present throughout the house.

If you’d like to have a go at making a wreath yourself join up for our guided Christmas wreath making workshop, or by follow our how to guide.

Creating a Classic Christmas Table Setting

One of the best ways to extend your classic Christmas décor theme is by creating a beautiful, festive table setting. Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner for family or entertaining guests during the holiday season, your dining table should feel just as warm and inviting as the rest of your home.

Classic Colours and Elegant Tableware

A classic Christmas table setting starts with a rich colour palette of reds, greens, and golds. Use a festive table runner or tablecloth in deep red or green as the foundation, then build the look with coordinating napkins and placemats. Adding metallic accents like gold-rimmed glassware, silver chargers, or brass cutlery brings an elegant touch and elevates your table design, reflecting the warm glow of candles and Christmas lights.

To complete the look, consider using fine tableware like porcelain or bone china. Pairing high-quality plates with gold or silver utensils adds sophistication and creates a luxurious dining experience. Textural layers, such as velvet or linen napkins, can further enhance the festive atmosphere, giving your table both depth and richness.

Centrepieces and Candles

traditional christmas seasons greetings crackers

Candles are another essential element of the classic Christmas table. Vary pillar and taper candles in festive colours such as red, white, or gold. Cluster them at different heights throughout the table to create a cosy, intimate atmosphere, perfect for those long Christmas dinners with family and friends.

Personalised Touches

Adding personalised touches to your table not only makes it more memorable but also shows your guests extra care and thoughtfulness. Consider using place cards, small festive gifts, or even handmade Christmas crackers for each guest. Napkin rings with personalised charms or small sprigs of rosemary or holly tucked into the napkins can provide that little bit of extra charm, ensuring your table feels as warm and inviting as the rest of your home.

Festive Finishing Touches for a Timeless Look

Now that the main areas of your home are decked out in classic Christmas style, it’s time to add those thoughtful finishing touches that truly capture the festive spirit in every corner of your home. These small yet impactful details, such as mini trees, cosy throws, and scented candles, help tie your décor together and create an inviting atmosphere that makes your home feel extra special during the holiday season.

Mini Trees for Smaller Spaces

To extend the festive feel beyond your main living areas, consider adding miniature Christmas trees to other rooms in your home. These charming mini trees are ideal for spaces like guest bedrooms, hallways, entryways, or even the kitchen—places that often get overlooked when decorating for the holidays. Small in size but big on impact, they bring a pop of Christmas cheer to these spaces, making your entire home feel connected to the holiday spirit.

You can keep things simple by adorning mini trees with just a few fairy lights and small baubles, or leave them unadorned for a more natural, rustic look. If you want a cohesive theme, try matching the decorations with those on your main tree. Alternatively, you can create a different vibe in each room by using different colours or themes for each mini tree.

Classic Christmas Scents and Candles

The scent of Christmas plays a key role in evoking that warm and cosy holiday atmosphere. Beyond the visuals of décor, the subtle yet powerful effect of festive scents can instantly make a home feel more inviting. Christmas-scented candles are a simple yet effective way to fill your home with the fragrances of the season. Look for scents like cinnamon, pine, mulled wine, spiced orange, or gingerbread—each one capturing the essence of Christmas in a different way.

Place candles strategically throughout your home, such as on mantels, side tables, or windowsills, to spread that festive aroma. Candles not only contribute to the overall ambience but also add to the visual appeal of your décor, especially when placed in beautiful candle holders. Mixing pillar, taper, and votive candles at different heights creates depth and warmth and can be used as part of your Christmas table centrepiece, on a hallway console, or simply as a decorative accent in any room.

For homes with children or pets, consider flameless LED candles as a safe alternative. These candles mimic the warm glow of real candles and can be placed anywhere without worry. At Hillier Garden Centres, we offer a wide range of candles and candle holders, from classic glass to more ornate, vintage-style options.

Cosy Textiles and Festive Throws

In addition to candles and mini trees, don’t forget the importance of textiles in making your home feel warm and festive. Cosy up your living spaces with Christmas-themed throws, blankets, and cushions in rich, seasonal colours like deep reds, forest greens, and snowy whites. These soft furnishings not only provide comfort but also visually enhance the festive atmosphere in your home.

For a more traditional look, decorate with plaid or tartan throws, which instantly bring a sense of nostalgia and warmth. Alternatively, faux fur throws, and velvet cushions can add a touch of luxury and elegance. Drape them over sofas, chairs, or beds to create a welcoming and snug environment, perfect for curling up with a hot drink during those chilly winter evenings.

Decorative Accents and Stockings

Finally, bring the festive cheer into every corner of your home by adding small decorative accents like Christmas stockings, figurines, and festive artwork. Hang stockings from the mantel, along stair banisters, or in bedrooms to add a fun and traditional touch. Stockings also provide a great opportunity to personalise your décor, as each family member can have their own unique stocking design.

Seasonal figurines, such as nutcrackers, reindeer, or snowmen, can be placed on shelves, side tables, or windowsills, adding charm and character to your overall décor. Our selection of Christmas accessories includes everything from intricate hand-painted figurines to more minimalist, modern pieces, allowing you to find the perfect finishing touches to suit your style.

Don’t forget your walls and entryways, switch out everyday artwork or photos for festive prints, wreaths, or garlands to fully immerse your home in the holiday spirit. A well-placed wreath on the front door or a garland draped across a mirror or staircase creates a warm welcome for both guests and family members alike.

Bringing Your Classic Christmas All Together

With these festive finishing touches, your home will exude the magic and warmth of a classic Christmas, right down to the smallest detail. From mini trees to carefully chosen scents, each element adds to the cohesive feel of your décor, ensuring that every room, no matter how big or small, is filled with the holiday spirit.

At Hillier Garden Centres, we offer everything you need to complete your look, helping you create a beautifully decorated home that’s ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Shop with us today in one of our garden centres, or online.