The Christmas 2025 Forecast: Bows, Burgundy, Warm Metals, and a Dash of Retro Magic
The holidays are just around the corner, and they’re bringing equal parts comfort and sparkle. This year is all about texture, warmth, and a little nostalgia—think velvet bows (yes, again), luscious burgundy, burnished brass and copper, and retro touches that make everything feel familiar yet fresh.
By leaning into a few key trends—and mixing them with intention—you can create a home that looks curated, cosy, and camera-ready without feeling overdone.
Let’s dive in!
Christmas 2025: What’s Hot at a Glance
Bows, still the star (second year running), but more tailored and layered
Burgundy everywhere: wine, oxblood, and merlot tones
Warm metals: unlacquered brass, antique gold, and copper
Retro revival: Shiny Brite‑style glass, bubble lights, ceramic trees, tinsel accents
Cosy naturals: wool, linen, paper, dried botanicals, and handmade details (did you notice that too - handmade is getting really big since AI got popular)
Layered glow: warm white micro-LEDs, window candles, mercury glass, and dimmable lamps
Pattern play: tartans, checks, and classic stripes
Sculptural scale: oversized ornaments, generous ribbons, statement wreaths
Trend 1: Bows Are Back
Bows are sticking around for a reason: they’re budget‑friendly, endlessly versatile, and instantly festive. This year, the look evolves from “cute” to “considered.”
How to style it:
Go tactile: velvet, moiré, grosgrain, and taffeta. Mix one plush (velvet) with one crisp (grosgrain) ribbon.
Play with scale: oversized bows as tree toppers, medium bows on wreaths, slim tails on gifts and garlands.
Colour direction: burgundy, forest, cream, chocolate, and antique gold. Stripe or tartan ribbon adds a tailored punch.
Placement ideas: stair newel posts, sconces, cabinet knobs, stocking loops, chair backs, art frames, and wine bottles.
Pros:
Instant polish with minimal effort
Ties your palette together across the whole house
Reusable and easy to store
Cons:
Can read cluttered if every surface gets a bow!
Too much pastel or frill can skew juvenile—balance with warm metals or deeper tones - this is important.
Trend 2: Burgundy + Warm Metals
Burgundy brings depth and romance; warm metals add glow and patina. Together, they feel luxe and timeless.
Palette ideas:
Burgundy + brass + forest green
Oxblood + copper + cream linen
Merlot + antique gold + inky navy
Burgundy + chocolate + almond + clear glass
Where to use it:
Tree: burgundy velvet ribbon, brass bells, smoked glass, warm white lights (2200–2700K)
Mantel: brass candlesticks, burgundy tapers, cedar garland, ribbon tails
Table: copper chargers, linen runner, mixed metal flatware, cut crystal
Entry: aged brass lantern, burgundy bow on a boxwood or olive wreath
Pros:
Adds warmth and depth without shouting
Pairs beautifully with naturals and vintage
Cons:
Can feel heavy—lighten with clear glass, cream, and reflective surfaces
Matchy shiny gold can look flat—mix finishes (brushed, antiqued, hammered)
Trend 3: Retro Revival (But Curated)
Nostalgia is big, from mid‑century baubles to 80s/90s tinsel moments. The key is editing.
How to style it:
Pick a lane: 60s Shiny Brite brights, 70s amber and brass, or 90s plaid and ceramic trees
Add one “novelty” per zone: a vintage Santa mug vignette, bubble lights on the bar cart, or a small tinsel tree
Balance with modern: clean ribbon, monochrome wrap, simple greenery
Easy retro hits:
Glass ball ornaments in saturated jewel tones
Bubble lights or C7/C9 opaque bulbs in warm white
Tartan stockings or ribbon
Ceramic village houses or tree nightlights
Tasteful tinsel garland (one strand, not a blizzard)
Pros:
Feels joyful and personal
Great for thrifting and budget styling
Cons:
Can tip kitschy fast—limit palette and novelty pieces
Heavy colour may compete with burgundy; choose one dominant story
Supporting Trends To Round It Out
Cosy Naturals
Materials: wool throws, linen runners, jute ribbons, raw wood, paper ornaments, stoneware
Botanicals: cedar, olive, eucalyptus, pinecones, dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, bay leaf garlands
Tip: mix one “crunchy” natural with one polished metal for balance
Layered Glow
Use three light sources per room: tree /micro LEDs, candles /lamps, and a focal glow (picture light on a wreath or a window candle)
Keep colour temperature consistent: 2200–2700K for that golden holiday vibe
Mercury glass and glass hurricanes bounce light without glare
Pattern Play
Tartans, checks, and stripes across ribbon, pillows, and wrap
Vary the scale: one bold plaid, one small check, one solid
Keep colours in the same family as your main palette
Sculptural Scale
Oversized ornaments and generous bows bring drama with fewer pieces
Statement wreaths (asymmetrical or radial greenery) feel modern
Rule of thumb: if you go big, reduce quantity elsewhere.
Putting It Together: A Simple Styling Framework
1. Colour ratio for this Christmas that works beautifully: 60% neutrals/naturals (greens, creams, wood), 30% feature colour (burgundy), and 10% metal accent (brass/copper/gold).
2. Repeat to unite: echo your ribbon and metal in at least three places: tree, mantel, and table.
3. Create a focal point per zone: tree, fireplace, dining centrepiece, or entry mirror/wreath—let one thing lead.
4. Mind your glow: dim overheads; use lamps, candles, and micro LEDs to keep depth and warmth.
5. Leave breathing room: negative space keeps everything from feeling busy—especially important with bows and retro colour.
Room-By-Room Quick Guide
The Tree
Base: warm white micro LEDs
Ribbons: one velvet (burgundy), one texture (grosgrain/tartan)
Ornaments: mix glass, brass bells, a few oversized pieces for scale
Topper: sculptural bow or star in antique brass
The Mantel
Lush garland with cedar and eucalyptus
Brass candlesticks with burgundy tapers
Stockings with tailored bows or simple monogram tags
The Table
Linen runner, stoneware plates, copper or brass chargers
Mixed taper heights, mercury glass votives
Low greenery and fruit (pomegranates, pears) for colour and scent
The Entry
Olive or boxwood wreath with a burgundy velvet bow
Brass lantern or window candles
Console vignette: ceramic tree, vintage Santa mug, stacked books
Gift Wrap
Kraft or cream paper + burgundy velvet + thin stripe accent ribbon
Brass bells or wax seals as toppers
Fabric wrap (furoshiki) for reusability
Common Pitfalls (And Easy Fixes)
Too many bows: pick three high‑impact spots and stop
Shiny overload: add matte textures (linen, paper, felt) to calm the gleam
Clashing whites: standardise lights to a single warm temperature
Retro chaos: anchor one era or keep the palette tight
What to Refresh From Last Year
Keep: bows, bells, tartans, warm white lights, mercury glass
Update: swap pinks for burgundy, rose gold for brass/copper, and sprinkle in one retro moment
Final Takeaway
If you’re feeling spoiled for choice, start simple: pick one hero—bows, burgundy, or a little retro sparkle—and let it set the tone. Then layer in warm metals and cosy textures, and repeat those choices in three places, so the whole house feels intentional. Keep your lighting warm and low, add one sculptural moment—a generous bow, a statement wreath, or an oversized ornament—and you’re golden. With a focused palette and a few thoughtful touches, your 2025 holiday home will feel elevated, inviting, and uniquely yours.
