picture of a Navy and pink Christmas table decor

The top 5 decoration trends to follow this Christmas 2022

With the Christmas adverts out and mince pies back on our supermarket shelves, there’s no better time to start planning your Christmas 2022 theme.

Decoration expert at Ginger Ray, Jess Martin alongside tablescaping expert at Portmeirion, Andrea Waters, are here to guide us through all the festive themes we could possibly want for this year's celebrations and how to incorporate them into your home using just a few staple decorations.

Image credit: Ginger Ray

Contemporary Christmas

Monochrome colour scheme
Sleek lines
Subtle nods to tradition

Jess comments: “A contemporary Christmas is on the cards and while you might be thinking bright whites, this year’s contemporary trend has a gothic twist - chic and classic, contemporary Christmas decorations with striking black accents are set to be a big trend. Searches for ‘modern Christmas decorations’ have been 60% higher in the run-up to Christmas this year compared to last.

“Incorporating on-trend minimalism with modern and edgy monochrome colourways is still the perfect way to embrace traditional Christmas silhouettes like stars and trees with a fresh twist. Make black your base colour to build off with dark table cloths and metal ornaments that add a contrasting gothic twist - such as this Christmas candle centrepiece. Then add touches of green foliage and wooden textures to soften the effect and bring back that classic homely feel that Christmas is all about.”

Image credit: Ginger Ray

Nordic Noel

Cream and natural colour scheme
Cottagecore meets scandi-style
Layered textures

Jess notes: “Scandi-inspired Christmas decorations have been popular for a few years now, however, a new spin on the trend will see nordic touches becoming more popular this festive season- searches for ‘nordic ornaments’ are already 23% higher this year! The nordic Christmas style sees cosy cottagecore elements being incorporated with soft cream and white textures complimenting the foliage and wood tones that have become integral to the Scandi theme”

Image Credit: Portmeirion

Andrea comments: “Elements of the nordic-style work spectacularly well when it comes to your Christmas tablescape, especially if you’re looking for that classy, subtle touch of festivity.

Keep it neutral, but with a seasonal twist - opting for cream serveware keeps things elegant, but look to add a pop of tonal greens to invite in that festive feeling.

“An easy way to ensure cohesion of your theme is to opt for patterned tableware - nothing says traditional Christmas like a bunch of mistletoe or sprigs of holly and ivy. Finish dressing your table with sparkling glassware and linen napkins for a feeling of decadence that's sure to impress your guests.”

Jess further adds: “This decor trend is all about the feeling of bringing the outside in using natural colours, textures and elements. This makes the space feel as inviting as possible and allows you to easily execute a stunning theme by incorporating more traditional minimalist decor, keeping colours soft and earthy! Pine foliage is a staple along with beaded wooden garlands and frosted pine cone accents.”

Image credit: Ginger Ray

Festive Nostalgia

Traditional red, green & white colour scheme
90s nostalgia
Loud decor

Jess says: “While last year was the first ‘normal’ Christmas we’d seen in a while, it seems that we are still craving that sense of traditional festivity, in fact, searches for ‘traditional Christmas decorations’ were 30% higher this year which is why festive nostalgia is set to be a trend for 2022. Expect to see classic red, white and green colour schemes paired with classic patterns like tartan and Christmas characters like Santa and his reindeer appearing in patterns - this theme is sure to see you living out your ‘Home Alone’ fantasies and reminiscing back to the late 90s.”

Image Credit: Portmeirion

Andrea advises: “Sometimes going back to the classics is the best way forward, especially during the festive period when we’re feeling most nostalgic.

“Incorporating motifs of Christmas trees and Father Christmas into your serveware is a guaranteed way to spark those festive feelings - whether this be a matching set of mugs for Christmas Eve cocoas or going bold and decking out your dining table with a full themed dinner set- the choice is yours!”

Jess adds: “Of course, the number one key to nailing this trend is making sure your Christmas tree is as bold and extravagant as possible and not settling until it looks like it’s straight out of your favourite Christmas film set.
Image credit: Ginger Ray

Rustic red

Subtle red accents
Dainty ornaments
Natural elements

“Green has taken centre stage as the accent colour of choice in recent years while foliage has become increasingly popular. However, rustic red decorations are set to have their moment this Christmas with searches for ‘red Christmas decorations’ up 22% on last year. While red Christmas decorations can often be associated with slightly bolder, traditional themes, this is all about embracing red as an accent colour and doing so in an understated manner.

“Holly berries have always been popular however you can expect to see red foliage making a bigger impact in 2022 due to their classically chic look. Build subtle pops of red into your colour scheme with berry-laden garlands and sprigs for tablescaping or even try arranging some seasonal branches in a vase to replace your usual florals - each method looks to nature for a helping hand in making your theme look effortless. Red candy stripes, dainty ribbons and paper ornaments are great to tie the colour in further while keeping things mellow and welcoming.”

Image credit: Ginger Ray

Silver glitter

Luxurious colours and textures
Maximalism
Glamorous decor

Jess comments: “Those looking for a more glam take on Christmas decorations are not alone, in fact, searches for ‘metallic Christmas decorations’ are 24% higher this year compared to 2021. Gold and copper have proven popular in interiors over the past few years however the fresh take on metallics this festive season will see silver glitter adding a luxurious feel to any Christmas decoration scheme.

“Opt for cool cream, white and silver tones, glitter, glass and crystal textures and frosted foliage to have your home feeling like a winter wonderland. The great thing about this theme is that it allows you to embrace the maximalism trend while sticking to a cohesive colour scheme throughout your home. To achieve this anything goes look, incorporating silver glitter ‘Merry Christmas’ bunting, alongside statement pieces such as a silver confetti balloon tree which provides the ultimate wow-factor!”

Andrea adds: “The festive season is the perfect time to add a splash of bling, especially if you’re planning on hosting any parties. Impress your friends by playing around with layering luxe metallics to add that splash of glitz. Choosing statement serving plates brings glamour to any social soiree in an instant- leaving you time to get glam yourself!

“This luxe trend oozes sophisticated chic and will see you through your festive social calendar into the New Year”

Image Credit: Portmeirion