Christmas decorating often starts with the tree – but the magic comes when the entire home feels connected, cohesive, and intentional. Rather than simply putting up a few decorations and hoping they work together, creating a theme allows your festive styling to feel curated, calm, and beautifully considered.
This year, I took a very conscious approach to my own Christmas decorating. With close friends travelling from Slovenia to spend Christmas with us, I wanted to create something uniquely Australian – something that would feel completely different from the snowy, storybook Christmases they know so well.
So I designed an Australian Botanical Christmas.
What unfolded was not just a tree, but a theme that flowed gently through the entire home. And today, I’m sharing exactly how you can do the same – whether you love a nature-inspired palette, a classic red and green Christmas, or something completely unexpected.
Why Create a Theme at Christmas?
A theme gives your home a sense of flow.
It links rooms together.
It brings calm to what can feel like an overwhelming season.
And just like cohesive interior design, it helps your home feel purposeful rather than pieced together.
But most importantly, it’s fun.
It’s an opportunity to try something different, experiment with colour palettes, and express your own creativity.
My Australian Botanical Christmas Tree
For my theme, I worked almost entirely with what I had – dried botanicals, garden cuttings, and natural materials. The tree was styled with:
- Banksias
- Gumnuts
- Eucalyptus leaves (several varieties)
- Correa leaves
- Proteas from the farm
- Dried grasses
- Kangaroo paw
- A hint of yellow botanicals
- A touch of baby’s breath for a subtle nostalgic feel
Everything simply tucked into the tree – no wires, no hooks, no fuss.
The result was earthy, organic, natural and beautifully Australian.
I’ve shared a time-lapse on Instagram if you’d like to see how it came together.
Extending the Theme Beyond the Tree
Once the tree was complete, I expanded the palette into a broader nature theme that ran through the rest of the home.
What stayed:
- Natural timber ornaments
- Hand-made timber reindeer
- Clay-like angels and organic shapes
- Dried floral arrangements
What didn’t make the cut this year:
- Anything silver
- Anything green in the traditional, bright Christmas tones
- Anything sparkly, metallic or glittered
Instead, I added long wired berry stems with soft lights – just enough red to feel festive, without compromising the organic palette.
My talented mum also made a wreath using ornamental grapevine from my garden, decorated with dried native flowers. It fits the theme perfectly and sits proudly indoors, with a willow wreath wrapped in tiny lights on the front door.
How to Choose Your Own Christmas Theme
Your theme can be subtle or bold. Elegant or playful. Modern or traditional. Whatever feels right for you.
Here are some ideas to inspire your approach.
- Botanical or Nature-Inspired
Perfect if you prefer a more organic, understated Christmas. Think:
- Timber ornaments
- Dried flowers
- Eucalyptus and olive branches
- Soft reds from berries
- Earthy greens
- Handmade touches
- Metallic Themes
Silver or gold can feel incredibly elegant.
Choose one metal and carry it through your tree, table, and styling and mix in red or green for that extra Christmas feel.
Silver works beautifully with glass, clear baubles, delicate angels or chrome finishes.
Gold pairs well with warm whites, bows, and soft candlelight.
- Colour-Based Themes
Choose a single colour and let it guide everything.
- Teal (one of my favourites) with gold or silver
- Pastel pinks or blues for a soft, modern edge
- White-on-white for a snowy European feel
- Classic red and green for maximum Christmas impact
- Material-Based Themes
Use repetition of one material to tie the whole house together:
- Feathers
- Ribbons or bows
- Handmade paper decorations
- Fabric ornaments
These can feel incredibly cohesive without being overly literal.
How Your Theme Can Flow Through the Home
A theme shouldn’t stop at the tree. Here are the areas to consider.
Your Table Setting
This is where Christmas day happens, so let it shine.
Ideas include:
- Napkins that match your colour palette
- A floral arrangement that repeats your tree colour scheme
- A table runner that subtly nods to your theme
- Homemade crackers using your theme
- Candles in your chosen tones
For my nature theme, I used red napkins with garden greenery and a dried Australian native arrangement as the centrepiece.
Your Entryway
A wreath, a cluster of candles, or a simple nod to your colours sets the tone as soon as guests walk in.
Guest Bedrooms
A small sprig of foliage, a hint of ribbon, or a soft touch of your palette goes a long way.
Outdoor Spaces
If you’ve been cultivating your garden, a few outdoor decorations in earthy tones or pastels can extend your theme beautifully.
Don’t Follow the Shops — Follow Your Creativity
Retail displays are curated to sell collections, not to inspire your creativity.
You can make decorations.
Use your garden.
Reuse elements from past years.
Choose a completely unexpected colour.
And remember — less can be more. Unless you adore a maximalist Christmas, in which case… go for it. I have friends who deck every surface of their home, and walking into it is like entering another world. If that brings you joy, embrace it wholeheartedly.
Most of All, Have Fun
Whether you involve the kids, your partner, or your parents, decorating together becomes part of your family’s story.
This year, I decorated with my mum. Last year, it was my daughter.
We always film a little time-lapse, and it’s such a lovely way to capture the moment.
And remember — every Christmas doesn’t need to look the same.
Let yourself play, experiment, try something new, and explore your creativity.
Wishing You a Gentle, Joyful Festive Season
Christmas can be wonderful, but also deeply difficult for many. This year will be a tender one for my family, as we celebrate without our younger daughter for the first time. My heart goes out to anyone who finds this season challenging.
Whatever this time of year looks like for you, I hope you find moments of beauty, rest, and connection.
Wishing you a safe, peaceful, and heartfelt festive season.
