Classic Nostalgic Holiday Home Tour

Hello friends, and welcome to my Classic Nostalgic Holiday Home Tour! It’s been a while since I’ve shared an update—and this one is big: we moved! This summer, we settled into my dream neighborhood and purchased a home on a lake. The house has a more traditional style than our previous one, but I’ve loved embracing that shift and creating a fresh look for the holidays this year.

I’m thrilled to be joining so many talented creators. All week long, you’ll find inspiring decor ideas from a wide range of styles—there’s truly something for everyone. Be sure to check out the full lineup at the end of this post.

For my own holiday decor, I returned to a classic Christmas palette with lots of red and green. I mixed and matched ornaments, ribbons, and picks from years past, and added a few new favorites to tie everything together. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, tea, or coffee, and let’s get started!

When you walk through our front door, you’re welcomed by a stunning lake view and a peek into our great room. Since I went all out in that space this year, I kept the entryway simple and elegant. A timeless wreath, my favorite reindeer, and gilded magnolia leaves woven with twinkle lights were all it took to make this area feel festive. The tones here are mostly neutral, but you’ll notice the hint of red in the ribbon—my chosen color for the season. I paired it with deep burgundy and dusty blue accents, an unexpected combination that ended up working beautifully in the great room.

This year, I definitely leaned into my love for ribbon—and I’m not ashamed to admit I went a little ribbon heavy! I played with different textures, widths, and finishes to create depth and movement throughout my Christmas trees. You’ll find everything from rich velvets to rustic burlap, smooth satin, and a touch of shimmering foil. Each ribbon adds its own personality, and I intentionally varied the combinations so that every Christmas tree in the house has its own unique look and feel.

To complement all of that ribbon, I filled the branches with an eclectic mix of ornaments. There’s plenty of mercury glass in different shapes and sizes, classic gold baubles that bring warmth and tradition, and even some paper ornaments that add softness and dimension. But the real standout detail? The large velvet red tree-topper bows. They’re bold, lush, and instantly draw your eye upward. The velvet adds a richness and softness that feels festive, while the deep red ties together all the other accents woven throughout the tree. Instead of a traditional star or angel, these oversized bows bring a sense of elegance and drama. They flutter slightly as the lights glow around them, adding a warmth and charm that truly finishes the whole look.

The Christmas trees in this room are finished off with beautifully wrapped packages nestled beneath the branches. I stayed within the same rich color palette, using red, burgundy, and gold wrapping paper to create a layered, luxurious look. The mix of textures and patterns makes the base of the Christmas trees feel just as thoughtfully styled as the branches above. Tucked among the gifts are oversized ornaments, which give the entire display a grand, abundant feel. Together, the wrapped packages and large ornaments create a perfectly balanced foundation—one that ties the whole room together and makes the trees feel truly complete.

Let’s move on to my absolute favorite part of this Classic Nostalgic Holiday Home Tour —the mantel and built-in shelves. Every year, this is the space I’m most excited to decorate. There’s something so nostalgic and joyful about unboxing my favorite Christmas trinkets and finding the perfect spot for each one on the shelves. It’s like revisiting little treasures that carry memories from holidays past.

In my previous home, my mantel was much simpler, with a large TV dominating the space and leaving very little room to create the kind of full, cascading garland moment I’ve always dreamed of. But this year, I finally got my chance. For the first time, I had the space—and the freedom—to really go all out. I layered several different garlands to create this lush, abundant centerpiece. Cedar, pine, Norfolk, eucalyptus, and berry garland all twist and drape together, creating a textured, organic look that feels both traditional and nostalgic. It’s full, it’s dramatic, and it brings the entire room to life. I truly couldn’t be more delighted with how it turned out.

As we move over just a bit, you’ll start to see my shelves peeking through—and honestly, they bring me so much joy. Tucked among the photos and everyday pieces are little holiday moments that make the whole space feel magical. You’ll spot charming reindeer figures, holiday houses, clusters of bottle brush trees in varying heights, and candles that add a warm, cozy ambiance. These small touches are the kind that make me smile every time I walk by. Together, they create a sweet, whimsical backdrop that perfectly complements the drama of the mantel.

Next up on the tour is my dining room. For this space, I decided to go in a completely different direction and opted for an all–white and cream Christmas tree. It’s soft, serene, and brings a beautiful sense of calm to the room. Even though this home leans more traditional in its architecture and finishes, the layout is still very open concept. Because of that, I wanted to make sure each room flowed naturally into the next. The neutral palette of this tree creates the perfect transition—subtle enough to complement the classic reds and greens in the great room, yet distinct enough to give the dining space its own moment.

To complement the tree, I opted for a neutral tablescape, keeping things simple but elegant. A few carefully placed candles add a warm, inviting glow, while modern holiday houses bring a playful yet sophisticated touch. I also added a pop of greenery for freshness and texture, tying the table to the natural tones of the tree. The overall effect is understated, cozy, and timeless—perfect for a peaceful holiday gathering.

The next—and final—stop on this holiday home tour is my guest bedroom. I wanted this space to feel welcoming and whimsical, so I chose a Christmas tree adorned with blush pink, soft blue, and champagne ornaments that perfectly complement the room’s color palette. The result is a tree that’s soft, yet cheery, and playful without feeling overdone.

I mixed in a variety of ornament shapes and textures—from shiny and matte baubles to delicate glass and glittered pieces—to create depth and visual interest. Tiny twinkling lights add a warm, magical glow, making the tree feel cozy and inviting. It’s the kind of Christmas tree that instantly makes guests feel at home, and it brings a touch of festive joy to the bedroom without overwhelming the serene, restful atmosphere.

I finished off the Christmas tree with a few whimsical touches to enhance its playful charm. Delicate glass Christmas trees are tucked in at the base, their soft reflections adding a little sparkle and sophistication. I also placed packages filled with ornaments beneath the branches—an unexpected twist that feels both decorative and fun. These finishing details bring the whole look together, creating a sweet, inviting holiday moment that perfectly suits the gentle, cheerful vibe of the guest room.

I’ll end this holiday home tour by sharing a few more images from around my home—little snapshots of the festive touches that didn’t make it into the main walkthrough but still bring so much warmth and joy to our holiday season. From cozy corners to subtle accents, these final glimpses capture the spirit of Christmas woven throughout our space. Enjoy the rest of the photos and thank you so much for joining me on this year’s holiday home tour!

There are so many more beautifully decorated homes to explore on this week-long blog hop, each filled with its own unique style and festive inspiration. Be sure to check them out—you won’t want to miss all the creativity, ideas, and holiday magic shared by the other talented bloggers!