Beautiful Decorating Ideas for a Traditional Christmas

I love holiday decor of all kinds, but lately I’ve found myself especially drawn to traditional Christmas decor — styles that speak of history and the old world and huddling around a beautiful tree all lit up in the midst of a cold German winter. If you, too, find yourself attracted to this look, here are 11 ways you can bring it home.

Above: A Magnolia garland drapes a mantel from Design Scouting.

This look from Country Living mixes evergreen boughs and fruit. (The pineapple has traditionally been a symbol of hospitality — in the past, this tropical fruit was particularly hard to come by, and having one at a party was a real occasion.)

A hanging wreath adds a sense of occasion to a holiday tabletop from This is Glamorous.

I love the wild, unrestrained quality of this Christmas tree spotted on Elle Sweden.

There’s no reason not to use plaid tablecloths year round, but they look particularly nice at Christmas. Image from 100 Layer Cake.

Here’s another magnolia garland, this one gracing an entryway from House and Home.

What could be more traditional than lighting your tree with actual candles? Just be very careful, and only light the candles when the tree is attended so you don’t burn your house down. Image from Lonny.

The shaggy quality of this cedar garland adds a touch of wildness. Image from The Marion House Book, via Apartment Therapy.

Bay wreaths and cedar garland (and of course, a plaid blanket) grace a holiday home from Elements of Style.

All these photos, like this one from House & Home, are making me wish I had a staircase so I could cover it in greenery.

A door from Country Living bedecked in fresh boughs.