If there's one thing I love about Christmas decorating, it's that there isn't just one "right" way to do it. Some years I'm drawn to warm gingerbread colors and nostalgic details, while other years I find myself reaching for soft winter whites or timeless angel décor. That's part of the fun... your home can tell a different holiday story every year.

Christmas in July is one of my favorite times to start dreaming about the season ahead. There's no pressure to finish decorating overnight, and it gives me time to slowly collect pieces I truly love instead of scrambling once December arrives. Whether you're drawn to classic traditions or love trying something new, these five decorating themes are full of inspiration to help you create a home that feels festive, cozy, and uniquely yours.

Gingerbread Charm

There's a reason gingerbread-inspired decorating is everywhere right now—it instantly makes a home feel warm, welcoming, and filled with childhood nostalgia. The best part? Today's gingerbread décor has grown up a bit.

Instead of bright candy colors, try pairing gingerbread houses, whimsical candle holders, bows, and holiday figurines with warm wood tones, brass accents, soft creams, and natural greenery. The mix feels playful without being overly themed.

To complete the look, layer in cozy textiles like plaid or gingham throws, twinkling lights, and plenty of candlelight. It's the kind of decorating that invites everyone to slow down, bake cookies, and stay awhile.

Styling Tip: Create a gingerbread-inspired centerpiece with varying-height candle holders, fresh greenery, dried oranges, and ribbon for an elegant take on this nostalgic trend.

My favorite Decor Steals Gingerbread Pieces:

• 26 Inch Three Tier Gingerbread Village Serving Stand | Iron Food Safe Trays
  
• Rustic Wood Gingerbread Village Tiered Cake Stand, Set of 2 - Check out this delicious Ginger Cake recipe!
  
• Ceramic Gingerbread Cookie Ornaments, Set of 3 Brown White Red Christmas
  

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Ring in the Season with Bells

Few decorating pieces make a statement quite like bells. Whether they're oversized hanging bells on your front door or smaller accents tucked into a centerpiece, they bring movement, texture, and timeless holiday charm.

Bells work beautifully with almost every decorating style—from farmhouse and cottage to traditional and vintage-inspired homes. Their aged brass and antique finishes add warmth without competing with the rest of your décor.

Try hanging a cluster of bells from ribbon on your front door, draping them across your mantel, or tying a single bell onto a wreath or stocking for an extra special finishing touch.

Styling Tip: Mix bells with cedar garland, velvet ribbon, and flickering candles for a layered look that feels collected over time.

My favorite Decor Steals Bells Pieces:

• Oversized Rusted Finish Christmas Bells, Set of 4
  
• Metal Christmas Bells on Stands, Set of 2 Tabletop Holiday Decor
  

 

 

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A Peaceful Christmas with Angels

Angel décor has always been one of the most meaningful parts of Christmas decorating. Whether displayed as artwork, statues, ornaments, or candle holders, angels bring a sense of peace and quiet beauty to your holiday home.

Rather than filling every space, let a few thoughtfully chosen pieces become meaningful focal points. Framed angel artwork above a mantel, an angel statue nestled among winter greenery, or delicate angel accents on a shelf create moments that feel intentional and calming.

Soft blues, creamy whites, touches of gold, and natural evergreen branches pair especially well with angel-inspired decorating, creating a serene holiday palette that's both elegant and timeless.

Styling Tip: Layer angel décor with vintage books, mercury glass, and warm candlelight for a peaceful display that feels both meaningful and beautiful.

My favorite Decor Steals Angel Pieces:

• Cardinal Garden Angel Statue Cottage Decor
  
• Arched Winter Angel Wall Art, Set of Two | Switch-a-Print Series - I LOVE this series as we have new prints that come up every season! I have the angels and the bunnies and plan to buy the new winter prints!
  

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A White Christmas, No Snow Required

Even if you don't wake up to snow on Christmas morning, you can still bring the feeling of a winter wonderland indoors.

A white Christmas theme focuses on soft textures, frosted greenery, snowy trees, ivory candles, white ceramics, and natural wood accents. The result is bright, calming, and effortlessly elegant.

Instead of relying solely on white, incorporate subtle variations like cream, ivory, soft gray, and hints of champagne or brushed gold to create warmth and depth. Faux flocked branches, cozy knit throws, and glowing lanterns help complete the look.

Styling Tip: Stick to three or four neutral tones throughout the room to keep everything feeling cohesive while allowing different textures to add interest.

My favorite Decor Steals White Christmas Pieces:

• Indoor/Outdoor Frosted Snowman Luminaries, Set of 2
  
• Oversized Santa Planter Waterproof 15 Inch Christmas Centerpiece - This is one of my favorite pieces from our Christmas in July event!
  
• Heavy Flocked Alpine Tree - Choose Your Size
  

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Timeless Nutcracker Magic

Nutcrackers have been a Christmas favorite for generations, and it's easy to see why. They instantly add personality, color, and a touch of nostalgia to any holiday display.

Today's nutcracker décor goes far beyond lining figures across the mantel. Framed artwork, decorative signs, tabletop accents, and even subtle nods to the classic ballet can create a sophisticated holiday look while still embracing tradition.

Pair nutcracker décor with rich velvet ribbons, greenery, brass candle holders, and twinkling lights to create a festive display that feels both classic and current.

Styling Tip: Instead of scattering nutcrackers throughout your home, create one dedicated vignette where they can truly shine, such as an entryway table, bookshelf, or holiday bar cart.

My favorite Decor Steals Nutcracker Pieces:

• Standing Decorative Nutcracker with LED Light, Choose Your Style
  
• Elegant Nutcracker Cookie Jar Dolomite Gray Black Christmas Canister
  
• Wooden Nutcracker Wall Decor, Set of 2 Fir Wood Christmas Wall Hangings

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Which Christmas Theme Will You Choose?

The best part about holiday decorating is that you don't have to choose just one style. Maybe you love the sweetness of gingerbread in the kitchen, peaceful angels above the mantel, and a snowy white Christmas tree in the living room. Mixing themes can make your home feel collected, personal, and full of stories.

As you plan your holiday decorating this season, remember that the most memorable homes aren't the ones that perfectly match... they're the ones that reflect the people who live there.

Looking for even more holiday inspiration? Browse the Decor Steals Journal for seasonal decorating ideas, DIY projects, and styling tips, and don't forget to check our daily deals for unique holiday finds that help bring your favorite Christmas theme to life before they're gone.