Christmas is treacherous territory for the aesthetically confident. We want festive, not wild. As an editor, I live in this tension and long for a little more sparkle without giving in to the kitsch or the aggressively bright red tones of the flakes. And when the season starts, I don't go to the usual glossy suspects that my houseguests would suspect. I go to Wayfair.
Here's why: This is where the best deals on Christmas decorations are hidden. If I'm looking for a stunning, heirloom-quality piece – the hero ornament, the mohair throw – I'll spend my money elsewhere. But most of my holiday decor is under the $50 mark, usually cheaper, and always fancier than expected.
This year, my holiday wish list follows three themes: “Ralph Lauren Christmas” (blame TikTok and my weakness for all things heritage-coded); Glamour—tassels, marble, and a little overt glitz (it's the season for swagger, after all); and cool factor – these unusual finds (a fawn print here, a sculptural votive light there) that manage to make “Vacation” seem editorial.
Creative cooperative
Flocked foam ball garland
With a garland you can show your guests what you're made of. If you're keeping it cheesy, that could mean pom-poms; If you're a traditionalist, lush evergreens. But if you're looking for something cooler — moody, botanical, rich — this oxblood garland adds just the right amount of depth to a mantel or the base of a Christmas tree, giving “holiday” a little more tangible impact (and a little less tinsel).
Canora Gray
Christmas tree carpet
You've heard of tree collars and certainly skirts – Joanna Gaines made sure of that – but a Christmas tree Carpet? It's time. This faux fur version transforms the base of your tree into its own vignette, with the texture pairing perfectly with pine needles and the glitter of wrapped gifts.
Plow & Stove
Clip-on Christmas tree candles, set of 10
Forget the fairy lights. The artificial candles from Plow & Hearth are attached directly to the branches and provide an elegant candlelight – without the risk of fire. They're remote controlled, buildable, and much fancier than a bunch of LEDs.
Eastern accents
Stocking with tinsel dots
Admittedly, this is a bit pricey for a single stocking, but fawn print is the animal print of the moment, currently seen in every niche home of self-respecting niche girls. It is also notoriously difficult to find. Consider this your chance to signal that you're both ahead of the competition and have taste. Combine the forest motif with soft metallic colors and a white mohair throw to reflect the muted, whispery color palette.
The Holiday Aisle®
Hritage Resin Ty
There's been a lot of talk on TikTok lately about Ralph Lauren's Christmas – it's not so much a “trend” as it is a revival of the house's traditional codes: tartan, horsebits and distressed leather. Combine it with a cognac-colored coat, a layered plaid or a tried-and-tested sideboard and you've got the look perfect.
The Holiday Aisle®
Decorative Glass Ball Ornaments Set of 6
When it comes to metallic colors, you shouldn't choose a side. Bronze – the diplomatically brilliant hue – shares the difference between silver and gold. Warm, reflective and a little dramatic, these mercury glass Christmas ornaments perfectly capture the twinkle of the tree lights.
The Holiday Aisle®
Clarence Nutcracker Soldier Figure
It goes without saying that a nutcracker is non-negotiable this time of year – so if it's been a minute since you added a nutcracker to your collection, make it now. The usual holly green uniform is replaced by a softer, moss-colored palette – a change I've noticed everywhere from Shea McGee's latest line to the new “calm, festive” collections.
Kurt Adler
Capiz Star Christmas tree topper
This deco-inspired tree topper has the elongated glamor you'd expect from an Old Hollywood namesake, with Capiz diffusing the light into something luxuriously soft. It's not too big and not too small, and reviewers note that it looks great on both a modest spruce tree and a 12-foot showstopper.
Birch Lane™
Norwin rectangular cushion made from 100% cotton
Square throw pillows have officially lost their place. Lumbar shapes are trendy – and this one in muted grass green with color-coordinated tassels is bursting with freshness. Like many of this year's best holiday designs, it feels lighter, airier, and overall more like an exhale.
Godinger Silver Art Co.
Glass table votive candle holder
It seems like it comes from a certain historic crystal house – perhaps something you'd see glittering on a side table in a RL code mansion – but what looks like a lamp is actually probably the fanciest candle holder ever made. It gives off that soft, atmospheric glow that makes entrees look even more expensive than they are.
The Holiday Aisle®
Natural touch wreath made of polyethylene
I'm notoriously picky when it comes to Christmas wreaths. I can spot a nasty faux pas before I've even crossed the threshold. If you want one, make sure it looks authentic, like you bought it from a roadside lumberjack. This natural-touch option creates the perfect illusion of imperfection – imperfect, unmanicured, and right in line with design's current love of organic imperfection.
The Holiday Aisle®
Interlocking marble tree
There's no justifying a boring Christmas coat, especially when there are marbles on the table. This delicate tree with its bold brown and cream veins fits together like a sculpture. It's unexpectedly heavy, beautifully modern, and a strong contender for a spot in your permanent collection.
Amélie House
Chenille cable knit throw blanket
Cable knit throws may not be exclusive to Christmas, but they're essential this time of year. If your decor leans toward metallic or minimalism, this plush chenille variation will instantly warm up your decor. Drape it over an armchair or the foot of a guest bed for a casual, cozy look.
Kelly Clarkson House
Kristen decorative metal bells for hanging on the door
Doors deserve more than bows and wreaths. Add a series of nostalgic, slightly cinematic bells to transform any entrance (yours, Santa's, whoever) into a gentle holiday jingle. It's festive, but also just… charming.
The Holiday Aisle®
Paper honeycomb ornaments, set of 4
Reinventing ornaments rarely goes well – pop culture icons on a tree might get a laugh, but they don't exactly promise high design. However, these new origami styles impress with their intricate, airy folds. Hang them on the tree (of course) or try them on a mantel hook or doorknob.
If I had to sum up my holiday mood board in a single sentence, it would be “luxury meets tradition” – fittingly, the theme of Shea McGee's latest Target collection. Think basket-weave tree collars, figural marble pears, and the most adorable bow-shaped lace.
Wayfair is currently having a huge WayDay sale and I spotted lots of chic Christmas decorations on sale – now is the time to shop before the holiday season officially begins!