The holidays are a perfect time to refresh your home and embrace a cosy, festive atmosphere, but not every decoration has stood the test of time. Some might be outdated, worn, or simply not your style anymore, so if you’re ready to make room for decor that truly shines, here’s a guide to 19 decorations you might want to say goodbye to this year.
Tinsel Overload
Tinsel was once the be-all and end-all of Christmas, adding glitz and glamour to every tree and mantel. These days, though, it can feel a bit over-the-top, especially when it sheds everywhere, creating more work than joy.
Modern styles favour subtlety, so consider replacing your tinsel with elegant garlands or big bow toppers. They’re just as sparkly but bring a fresher, more refined vibe to your home.
Fading Fibre Optic Trees
Once the cutting edge of holiday tech, fibre optic trees were a must-have; however, their lights are known to dim over time, leaving them looking dull instead of dazzling. They can clash with modern trends that have a more classic or natural style. If your fibre optic tree has lost its shine, consider replacing it with a traditional tree to recapture that warm Christmas glow.
Plastic Bow Ornaments
Those oversized plastic bows might have been the go-to decoration for trees and presents in the past, but they’re starting to look a bit outdated. Their shiny, bulky appearance doesn’t work well with today’s minimalist decor trends. Swap them out for fabric ribbons or handcrafted bows to add a charming and thoughtful touch.
Worn-Out Santa Figurines
Santa decorations are a Christmas classic, but chipped or faded figurines can dampen their festive charm. A worn-out Santa is more likely to bring down your holiday decor rather than enhance it. Instead of holding onto every piece of Christmas decor, reduce your collection to a few high-quality figurines that bring real joy. You’ll enjoy a cleaner, more cohesive holiday look while keeping the magic alive.
Multicoloured String Lights
Multicoloured lights hold a special place in many people’s hearts, often creating a sense of nostalgia for childhood Christmases. However, their bright hues can clash with today’s more refined decor schemes.
If you’re after a softer, more elegant aesthetic, consider switching to warm white or monochromatic lights. They create a timeless glow that complements almost any style and will still make your home feel magical.
Fake Snow Spray
A fresh can of fake snow spray might seem like an easy way to create a winter wonderland indoors, but it often falls short of expectations. The residue is notoriously hard to clean, and it rarely looks as enchanting as you thought it would. Instead, why not try hanging snowflake decorations or adding a frosty touch with white or silver ornaments? These options are mess-free and far easier to manage.
Clunky Musical Decorations
Those battery-operated musical ornaments that play tinny Christmas tunes might have been fun once, but they’re not exactly elegant. Their bulky designs often make them hard to incorporate into an aesthetically pleasing holiday theme, and their novelty can quickly wear thin.
Inflatable Lawn Decorations
There’s no denying that inflatable decorations are fun and eye-catching, but they can look a little worse for wear after a few seasons. Fading colours, tears, and deflation can turn these cheerful displays into eyesores, so if your inflatable snowman or reindeer isn’t holding up, consider replacing it with more timeless options like string lights, lanterns, or a classic wreath.
Matching Bauble Sets
Perfectly matched bauble sets were once the ultimate holiday sophistication, but they can feel impersonal now. Today’s trends are all about trees with character—think unique, meaningful baubles collected over the years. If your tree feels a bit too monochromatic, then try mixing in family keepsakes or handmade decorations to give it a personal touch.
Old Paper Garlands
Paper garlands are charming when they’re fresh, but over time they can become tattered and fragile. If you’ve been holding onto the same paper decorations for years, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Durable materials like felt, wood, or fabric garlands can provide a similar look with a much longer expiry date.
Ceramic Christmas Villages
Those intricate little ceramic towns can be lovely, but they’re not for everyone. Their delicate designs require careful handling, and they take up a lot of space, so if you don’t truly adore your ceramic village, consider donating it to someone who will. Otherwise, you could always scale back and display just a few pieces for a less cluttered look.
Oversized Plastic Candy Canes
Giant plastic candy canes were once a holiday staple, but nowadays, they can look a little tasteless and most people will agree their oversized, shiny appearance often feels out of place with modern decor styles.
If you still want to have candy cane decorations, consider using real candy canes or smaller, handcrafted decorations to achieve a festive look that’s playful yet refined.
Heavy Velvet Stockings
Velvet stockings in rich reds and greens have a traditional charm, but they can feel a bit heavy for today’s lighter decor trends. Updating your mantel with stockings in simpler designs or playful patterns can bring fresh energy to your holiday decor. Make sure to look for materials like linen or cotton for a softer, more contemporary feel that still feels cosy.
Dated Tree Toppers
Your tree topper is the crowning glory of your holiday decor, so you want to make sure it always shines. If your angel or star is chipped, faded, or just plain dated, it might be time to replace it. Sleek, modern toppers or those made from natural materials can really enhance the overall look of your tree and add a touch of elegance to your festive display.
Plastic Table Centrepieces
Plastic centrepieces with fake holly and berries might have been convenient, but they often lack charm and sophistication. For a more inviting holiday dining table, think about incorporating fresh greenery, candles, or bowls of seasonal fruit. These natural touches add warmth and elegance, creating a welcoming atmosphere for family and friends.
Scratched Baubles
One thing for sure is that scratched or faded baubles can instantly bring down the look of your tree, making it appear more tired than twinkling. Instead of letting them gather dust, use them for crafts, or even donate them.
Investing in new baubles, or better yet, collecting unique pieces over time will bring a fresh sparkle to your tree and make it feel extra special.
Synthetic Icicles
Let’s be honest: while plastic icicles might add sparkle, they often look cheap and unrealistic. Over time, they can also break or fade, making your tree look far less polished than you hoped. Swap them out for glass ornaments, wooden accents, or other natural materials that create a similar shimmering effect, just with a more sophisticated touch.
Excessive Displays
An over-the-top Christmas display with flashing lights and mismatched figures can feel more chaotic rather than festive. If you want outdoor decor, then think about simplifying it with subtle lighting or a single focal point; your front garden will look both modern and like a winter wonderland.
Glitter-Covered Decorations
Glittery decorations might seem festive at first, but they’re a nightmare to clean, and the tiniest flecks seem to embed themselves everywhere and linger for weeks after Christmas. Plus, glitter’s environmental impact has made it less appealing. Think about opting for decorations with a subtle shimmer, natural textures, or metallic finishes so you can have a festive look without the chaos of glitter.