6-8 March 2026
International Convention Centre Sydney

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Deck the Halls

Your Guide to Australian Christmas Decorating 

As the jacarandas bloom and the days grow longer, a familiar festive feeling settles across Australia. While our northern hemisphere friends dream of a white Christmas, we’re firing up the barbecue and planning beach trips. This unique summer setting doesn’t mean we skimp on the festive spirit. In fact, this year, it seems the tinsel and baubles are appearing earlier than ever, as many of us look to bring joy and a sense of occasion into our homes.

Decorating for an Australian Christmas is all about adapting traditions to our climate and lifestyle. It’s about creating a cool, inviting oasis that feels both festive and uniquely ours. From classic nostalgia to contemporary trends, there are endless ways to style your space. This guide explores three popular themes for the season and offers tips to help you create a magical holiday atmosphere in your own home.

The Trends Shaping Our Festive Season

This year, decoration trends are a mix of timeless elegance, playful colour, and heartfelt nostalgia. People are leaning into themes that feel personal and comforting. We’re seeing a return to classic elements, but with a fresh, modern twist. Garlands are draping over mantelpieces and doorways, wreaths are adorning front doors, and oversized baubles are making a bold statement. It’s a season of thoughtful, layered decorating.
 
A significant shift is the move to decorate earlier. The simple act of putting up a tree or hanging some lights has become a way to lift spirits and extend the season of joy. It’s less about sticking to a strict timeline and more about embracing the happiness that these preparations bring. 

The "Ralph Lauren" Christmas: Timeless & Sophisticated

Inspired by the iconic American designer, this theme is the definition of classic elegance. It’s about creating a rich, layered, and sophisticated look that feels both grand and welcoming. Think of a luxurious ski lodge or a stately manor, but with an Australian touch. The colour palette is deep and traditional: think tartan plaids, navy blue, rich reds, and forest greens, accented with polished brass and warm leather.
 
This look is about quality over quantity. Instead of plastic tinsel, opt for lush, realistic garlands of pine and eucalyptus draped along staircases or over mirrors. Large, statement-making bows tied from tartan or velvet ribbon are a must, whether placed atop the tree or on a festive wreath. It’s a style that evokes warmth and a sense of heritage, perfect for a cosy family celebration.

Pink, Green & White: A Fresh, Modern Take

For those who prefer a brighter, more contemporary feel, the pink, green, and white theme is a stunning choice. This palette is playful, fresh, and perfectly suited to our sunny climate. It moves away from the heavy, dark colours of a traditional Christmas and embraces a lighter, airier aesthetic. Imagine soft blush pinks paired with sage or emerald green and crisp white accents.

This theme allows for a lot of creativity. You can mix and match shades, from pastel pink to vibrant magenta. Glass baubles in shades of pink and green look beautiful against the backdrop of a white or green tree. Hanging paper stars in white or soft pink add a whimsical, delicate touch. This style is fun, optimistic, and brings a unique personality to your holiday decor.

Nostalgic Christmas: A Journey Back in Time

The nostalgic theme is all about comfort, tradition, and the magic of childhood memories. It’s a heartfelt collection of decorations that tell a story. This look isn’t about perfection; it’s about the charm of mismatched ornaments, handmade treasures, and pieces passed down through generations. The colours are often primary reds, greens, and golds, reminiscent of vintage storybooks.
 
This style is deeply personal. It’s the perfect excuse to bring out the paper chains your kids made, the quirky baubles collected over the years, and the slightly kitsch figurines that make you smile. To enhance the vintage feel, look for decorations with a retro design, like indented glass baubles or clip-on candle lights. It’s a warm, inviting theme that turns your home into a treasure trove of happy memories.
How to Style Your Christmas Theme: A Quick Guide