Fresh, Inspiring, and Straight From Two Decades of Holiday Decorating

Every year when the holiday season rolls around, most of us find ourselves standing in front of our decorations thinking: “How can I make this feel new again?” Sometimes, the classic red-and-gold combination feels perfect — warm, nostalgic, and timeless. But other years, we’re craving something fresh, modern, or a little unexpected.

After decorating homes, hotels, and large-scale commercial spaces for over two decades (yes, we’ve truly seen it all!), I can confidently say that holiday color palettes are constantly evolving. What felt “traditional” ten years ago might now feel a bit dated. And what once felt trendy often circles back with a twist. That’s the fun of holiday design — it grows with us.

As we head into the 2025 holiday season, I’m sharing four of my favorite color combinations that feel fresh, stylish, and inspiring. These palettes are pulled straight from our Hidden Garden design playbook — the ones clients return to year after year, and the ones that truly transform a space.

Whether you’re decorating a grand entryway tree or simply adding small festive touches to your home, I hope these palettes spark new ideas as you bring your holiday vision to life.

1. Beverly Hills Hotel–Inspired: Pink, Green & Gold Glamour

If you’ve followed The Hidden Garden for a while, you know how much we love this iconic color combination. We’ve had the joy of decorating the Beverly Hills Hotel for over a decade, and their signature palette will forever have my heart.

This look is glamorous yet whimsical, nostalgic yet modern. The secret lies in pairing classic holiday golds with that unmistakable pink-and-green palette the hotel is known for.

Why it works:

Pink adds an unexpected playfulness to holiday décor, while the deep greens and traditional gold elements keep it feeling grounded and classic.

How to bring it into your home:

• Use soft blush or pale pink ornaments to create a light, sparkling effect.

• Mix in matte green ornaments and rich green velvets for depth.

• Add gold bells or gold ribbon to anchor the palette.

• Incorporate mini pink holiday trees for a fun, Beverly Hills touch.

• And yes — don’t forget the nutcrackers. The hotel is famous for them, and a few hand-painted or gold-accented nutcrackers instantly complete the look.

This palette is perfect if you love a little Hollywood glamour paired with timeless holiday charm.

 

2. “Modern Mountain Luxe”: Rich, Moody & Warm

This palette is all about warmth, richness, and a little bit of drama. Think of a modern mountain home with floor-to-ceiling windows, a roaring fire, and soft textures everywhere. It’s cozy and sophisticated, but not heavy or overly traditional.

This is your palette if you love a more contemporary holiday look.

Color elements to include:

• Deep eggplant or plum velvet ribbon

• Accents of persimmon, rust, or even a coral pop

• Gold sparkle or brushed-gold ornaments

• Soft celadon green touches

• Natural pinecones mixed with glitter-tipped pinecone ornaments

• Mini faux-fur–trimmed tabletop trees in mocha and taupe tones

Why this palette feels so fresh:

The colors are warm and moody, but not dark. Eggplant and persimmon are unexpected for Christmas — which instantly gives your décor a designer edge. And those little fur elements? They add texture and charm that feel cozy without being rustic.

If you love a more edited, modern look (but still want a home that feels warm), this is a beautiful direction for 2025.

 

3. “Holiday in the Woods”: Natural, Classic & Forever Timeless

This palette is the definition of “always in style.” If you want your home to feel like a cozy winter cabin — even if you live in sunny Los Angeles — this one is for you.

I’ve personally used this color combination in my own home several times over the years, and I always come back to it because it’s calming, neutral, and incredibly easy to work with.

Key elements:

• Fresh pine or evergreen garlands

• Pinecones in all sizes (small, medium, and oversized sugar cones)

• Birch branches or birch logs

• Knitted or woven ribbon

• Burlap or linen ribbon treatments

• Woodland accents — owls, tiny faux birds, woodland animals, etc.

Why it works:

The secret here is texture. Everything is natural, subtle, and layered — ribbons, branches, pinecones, and soft neutrals all work together to create a peaceful, elegant holiday aesthetic. It’s understated in the best possible way, and it works beautifully with existing home décor.

If you love a more organic, understated holiday vibe, this palette will never disappoint.

 

4. Ralph Lauren Christmas: Tartan, Navy, Emerald & Red

This is one of the biggest trends we are seeing for 2025 — and I am here for it. The Ralph Lauren holiday look is classic Americana at its best: think tartan plaids, equestrian details, rich velvets, cozy textures, and that nostalgic “East Coast Christmas” charm.

What to include:

• A tartan plaid ribbon (choose the pattern you love most)

• Navy blue ornaments

• Deep emerald green ornaments

• Natural pinecones OR gold-frosted pinecones

• Velvet ribbon in green or deep red

• Pops of red berries for an instant holiday moment

Why it feels new again:

Plaid has always been part of holiday decorating, but pairing it with deep navy and emerald tones makes it feel fresh, sophisticated, and luxurious. If your home leans traditional or you love a polished, preppy style — this palette will feel like it was meant for you.

 

How to Make ANY Holiday Color Palette Look Elevated

No matter which color combo you choose, there are a few design principles that will instantly elevate your décor. These are tricks we use at The Hidden Garden for every holiday installation — and they make all the difference.

 

1. Prioritize Your Ribbon

Ribbon sets the tone of your tree. Velvet is always my go-to because it adds richness and elegance.

Tips:

• Choose 2 complementary ribbons to create layers and dimension.

• Mix widths — a wide 4-inch ribbon paired with a slimmer 1-inch creates the perfect balance.

• Let the ribbon cascade naturally; don’t force it.

 

2. Mix Ornament Sizes

A well-decorated tree has depth — and depth comes from ornament variety.

Use:

• Large, medium, and small ornaments

• Different finishes (matte, glossy, glittered, textured)

• Clusters — group 3–4 ornaments together inside the tree

Clustering ornaments is one of my favorite tricks because it creates visual “moments” throughout the tree.

 

3. Bring in Pinecones

Pinecones are incredibly versatile and work with every holiday palette.

Try:

• Natural pinecones in various sizes

• Glitter-tipped or gold-accented pinecone ornaments

• Oversized sugar cones for grounded, sculptural moments

They add texture, warmth, and that cozy winter feel without overwhelming other décor.

 

4. Light It Up!

I am a firm believer that you can never have too many lights on your holiday tree. Lighting is what makes a tree come alive — it highlights your ornaments, your ribbon, and the tree’s natural structure.

Choose the tone you love most (cool white, warm white, or soft gold), and don’t be afraid to add extra strands. More lights = more holiday magic.

 

Final Thoughts

Holiday decorating should be joyful, creative, and personal. Whether you lean into nostalgic classics or love a bold, modern twist, the most important thing is choosing colors and textures that make your home feel warm and inviting for the season.

These four palettes — Beverly Hills Hotel, Modern Mountain Luxe, Holiday in the Woods, and Ralph Lauren Christmas — are some of my favorites for 2025 because each tells a story. They bring character, style, and a bit of magic into your home.

If you want help choosing a palette or designing your holiday décor, The Hidden Garden is already gearing up for installations — and our calendar fills fast! Reach out soon if you'd like to get on the schedule.