Bringing Christmas Magic to Life: Expert Tips and Trends from Stephanie Dardenne of Joy By

One of the biggest issues I encounter is clients using only one size of ornament. The key to creating a tree with depth and dimension is mixing various ornament sizes. By incorporating different shapes and sizes, you achieve a visually stunning tree filled with interest and character. This small change often makes a world of difference and can really take your tree to the next level.

Mix Textures, Shapes, and Scales: To create a tree that looks luxurious and visually rich, incorporate a variety of textures, shapes, and sizes. Combine matte, glossy, and glitter ornaments to add depth, and mix in different shapes like finials, spheres, and teardrops. Varying the size of the ornaments—from tiny accents to larger statement pieces—will add dimension and prevent the tree from looking flat.

Layer in Greenery and Picks: Add layers with picks. These elements create natural-looking fullness and give the tree a professional finish. Picks can be tucked throughout the branches to add volume and visual interest while also filling any gaps.

Stick to a Cohesive Color Scheme: Choose two to three colors that complement each other and stick to them throughout your tree. This will give your tree a polished, unified look. Metallics like gold, silver, or champagne pair beautifully with soft greens, whites, or even rich jewel tones for an upscale, cohesive feel.

Focus on Balance and Layering: Don’t just hang ornaments on the outer branches. To create a fuller, more layered effect, strategically place ornaments deeper into the tree as well. Positioning some ornaments closer to the trunk and layering outward adds dimension and makes the tree look beautifully abundant and balanced.

Opt for Warm White Lights: While lighting is a matter of personal preference, warm white lights are my top recommendation for creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The soft, golden glow of warm white lights gives your tree a welcoming, festive ambiance and complements any color scheme you choose.

Now that the pop-up shop in Miami is buzzing with holiday spirit, we’re seeing a few key decoration trends that customers are really connecting with this season:

Traditional: Classic holiday decor, like rich reds, greens, and golds, along with timeless ornaments, is making a strong comeback. People love the warmth and familiarity of traditional colors and patterns that instantly evoke holiday cheer.

Natural: There’s a growing appreciation for nature-inspired decor, with greenery, raffia, and earthy tones taking center stage. Customers are drawn to elements that bring the outdoors in, creating a cozy, organic feel.

Moody and Organic: Darker, richer colors paired with organic textures are making waves. Deep jewel tones like emerald and burgundy, combined with natural elements, are creating an elegant, moody vibe that feels sophisticated and fresh.

A Return to Nostalgia: Customers are embracing decor that brings back memories of holidays past. Ornaments that feel vintage or carry a retro touch are especially popular, as people want to infuse their spaces with a sense of nostalgia. We see this in the color, tone, and shade that people are gravitating towards.

Switch to Shatterproof or Drop-Resistant Ornaments: Opt for shatterproof ornaments to avoid breakable glass and any hazards that come with it. Shatterproof options are much better than what they used to be, and you can create a beautiful tree entirely in shatterproof with picks without sacrificing look and feel.

Yes! You absolutely can! Choose a color palette that ties everything together. Even if your sentimental ornaments vary in style or color, anchoring them within a consistent color scheme helps create a cohesive look. I often recommend options for a more traditional color scheme that is grounded in a metal tone. For example, a red with a champagne metallic tone often works when tying in sentimental ornaments.

Don’t forget picks! Picks, branches, and sprays add depth, texture, and fullness to your tree. Use them to fill in any gaps or add pops of color and shimmer. You can cluster them near the top or scatter them throughout the tree to create visual interest and make it feel professionally styled.

Focus on a few key spots, like the mantel, staircase, or entryway, rather than decorating every surface. This approach creates a more intentional and polished look, allowing your decorations to stand out rather than get lost in a sea of decor.