At every point in the calendar, the most beautiful design aesthetics prioritize timelessness over fleeting trends. So why would Christmas be any different? It's an ideology that's evidently not lost on Jaclyn Smith, whose Christmas decor celebrates traditonal ornaments and nostalgic hues in all their glory.
Last December, Jaclyn shared the tree inside her Beverly Hills living room, and her arrangement is a celebration of nostalgia. It's impossible to pin down a theme in Jaclyn's many eclectic ornaments, and that's what makes it so special.
While scouring the best places to buy Christmas decor often tempts us toward whatever fleeting colorway is dominating trends, Jaclyn proves that emotional resonance is ever-beautiful. Her Christmas tree feels like a celebration of her memories – and that means something different to everyone.
My favorite way to make a tree feel personal is with ornaments that actually celebrate those I love. This mini frame from Crate & Barrel is my 2026 must-have.
Shop the Nostalgic Christmas Tree Edit
The tree's enduring charm begins with a grounded foundation. As Chloe Barrow, Head of Creative Interiors at Laura James, points out, leaning into a heritage color story is the secret to a festive scheme that never dates.
'Having a base of classic Christmas colors in your decor is always an excellent way to go,' Chloe explains. 'Starting with your classic green, reds, and golds is the perfect palette to either leave alone when you feel like a traditional Christmas, or to add to if you want something more modern.'
In Jaclyn’s living room, that balance is struck with timeless grace. The branches of her tree provide a rich backdrop for a wonderfully random assortment of ornaments she's gathered over her life. Her Christmas decor ideas are curated but personal, allowing vintage angels and sentimental trinkets to sit comfortably alongside one another.
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It also offers flexibility for anyone who wants to nod to current sought-after aesthetics without parting with their favorite pieces. The tree's assorted nature means anyone can easily layer in contemporary pieces.
'For example, we’re seeing chocolate brown ornaments trending this year, which pair perfectly with either traditional green or red decor,' notes Chloe. 'Equally, plums and pinks are popular, so simply pair these with your existing red and gold baubles for an up-to-date look.'
This layered philosophy relieves the seasonal pressure to reinvent your home from scratch every December. You can introduce a handful of special finds every year, knowing they'll integrate into your collection.
'Traditional Christmas decor is 100% buildable,' Chloe concludes. 'And it’s a must-have as an excellent fail-safe base for those times when you want a beautifully nostalgic Christmas that reminds you of childhood, without the added modernity.'
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