While bright, maximalist decor always has its festive devotees, Christmas 2026 is seeing a clear turn toward understated elegance – and Michelle Pfeiffer’s holiday setup offers the ultimate inspiration.
Sharing her Christmas tree idea on Instagram, the actress presented a masterclass in quiet minimalism. Her tree is completely bare of ornaments, garlands, and tinsel; its sole feature is a warm, dense canopy of simple white lights.
Pfeiffer’s stripped-back look is striking in its simplicity. Rather than chasing seasonal micro-trends, it champions a timeless aesthetic that will look just as refined decades from now as it does this winter. It also aligns directly with the broader lifestyle shift toward intentional, less-cluttered living.
The Minimalist Christmas Tree Edit
Watereem Clear Christmas String Lights
Warm string lights are an inevitable starting point when planning a minimalist tree. I love this option; it emits a super-soft glow that dresses your tree without overpowering it.
Tatuo Christmas Tree Skirt Decorations Linen Burlap
A tree skirt is one of my favorite ways to make your tree feel decorated without looking to ornaments. With its burlap skirt and ruffled edges, it leans toward minimalism (while still feeling super chic).
12 Feet Christmas Wooden Beads Garland
This boho garland has the laid-back style that top designers (including the likes of Shea McGee) would love. Drape it around your tree or mantel to create a rustic aesthetic that'll feel sophisticated every year.
Christmas Tree Topper With Jute Star
Although Michelle didn't share the top of her Christmas tree, you can mirror her minimalist style with a pared-down topper like this one that I return to every year.
Black Velvet Christmas Tree Bows
For those who prefer a slightly more gothic look, these bows are a beautiful choice. They're made from high-quality velvet, meaning they'll look just as fresh next December. After all, a monochromatic palette is always on trend.
Minimalist ornaments rely on subtle details, like the hooks that hold them securely. I use this set to keep all my decorations in place throughout the season, with a few extras to spare for next December.
Jennifer Ebert, the Editor at , explains: 'Over the past few years, we've seen a move away from the idea that there is a single 'standard' for what a Christmas tree looks like. Instead, celebrities are opting for more personalized holiday decor themes that reflect their own design styles. In this case, Pfeiffer's tree reflects the simple, classic nature of her home.' It captures an effortless elegance that remains consistently on trend.
Translating this Christmas decor idea into your own living space this season comes down to thoughtful, high-utility details. If you choose to hang a select few sentimental pieces rather than fully decorating,
These ornament hooks from Amazon provide a reliable, subtle foundation to keep every ornament secure year after year. And while the crown of Michelle Pfeiffer’s tree stayed out of view, you can complement the stripped-back branches with an earthy, understated accent like the Christmas Tree Topper With Jute Star (from $24.99 at Wayfair), offering a rustic finish that feels grounded rather than loud.
The greatest advantage of Pfeiffer’s minimalist lighting scheme is longevity. Because the setup avoids holiday-specific novelty, the glow transitions naturally into the colder months without feeling expired the moment Boxing Day passes. Sustainable decor continues to dominate winter 2026 trends, with decorators increasingly investing in pieces that bring comfort to a room throughout the year. Pfeiffer’s tree reflects this mindset, showing how festive warmth can coexist with clean, evergreen design.
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'I love the idea of decorating uber-minimalist twig trees, just like this one from Amazon, that is a quirky design statement with the ability to impress long into the new year,' adds Homes & Gardens' editor Jennifer Ebert. 'I've observed an increase in sustainable decor that won't be thrown away at the end of the holidays, and twig trees are a beautiful example of this. They can be decorated for any event during any season.' Embracing handmade touches and repurposing existing home accents is another low-waste choice that fits seamlessly into a modern interior.
Design expert Lena Gierasinska also suggests choosing flexible fairy lights and string lights that suit any month of the year: 'Using them around the home brings a warm, gentle glow to any space, instantly creating a cozy atmosphere. Try lining bookcases, wrapping them around houseplants to mimic a modern Christmas tree, or filling glass jars as a table or kitchen island feature.'
For an effortless look straight out of the box, an illuminated tree like the Tiffany Fir Slim Tree (available on Wayfair) provides balanced lighting immediately – whether you choose to layer on baubles or keep it unadorned. To round out the cozy ambiance as winter evenings set in, Gierasinska recommends pairing the display with living flame: 'Setting the ambiance with candles is another great way to play with lighting, especially when layered around the room. Choose scents that can be used in the home all year round, like vanilla or citrus.'
Michelle Pfeiffer’s bare, glowing tree demonstrates that holiday decorating does not require sensory overload to feel celebratory. As the winter chill sets in this season, a warm cluster of lights and thoughtful negative space are often all a room needs to feel complete.