The woodland-inspired design trend is a fun way to add a whimsical touch to your Christmas decor this year. From mushroom motifs to moss and fairies, the magical aesthetic is having a moment this season, bringing the outdoors in and putting a playful spin on traditional decor. Natural elements, woodland creatures, and an earth-tone color palette come together for a space that feels like an enchanted forest straight out of a fairytale.
To help you create the season's latest look, we got the lowdown on the woodland Christmas decor trend from interior designer Audrey Scheck. Plus, we're sharing our best decorating tips to help you incorporate the trend into your own home. Learn how to work it into your existing decor, what spaces the forest-inspired decorations look best in, and which colors to use for an utterly charming winter woodland wonderland.
JANET KWAN
What Is the Woodland Christmas Decor Trend?
"The earthy woodland holiday trend is rooted in nature, leaning into organic, textural elements such as branches, greenery, pine cones, and mushrooms—which are a symbol of good fortune in the coming year," Scheck says. The trend takes inspiration from natural elements and brings the outdoors inside through an organic yet playful aesthetic. You'll see this theme through mushroom-shaped ornaments and decorations, lots of fresh greenery, twigs and branches, and the addition of forest animals that add a touch of whimsy. Instead of focusing on symmetry, perfection, and precision, this Christmas trend embraces the relaxed and organic nature of the outdoors for a space that's as enchanting as it is inviting.
Woodland-Inspired Color Palette
When it comes to a color palette for woodland-inspired holiday decor, the trend takes its cues from nature. "Try incorporating earth tones of brown, beige, cream, burgundy, and olive green with metallic accents," Scheck says. There is an inherent warmth and coziness to this color palette that instantly creates a cozy ambience, especially when paired with twinkle lights.
Lighting is an important component of Christmas decor; festive outdoor lights set an inviting tone for indoor twinkle lights on trees and holiday garlands, and the soft glow of candlelight is a beautiful way to set a holiday table or decorate a Christmas mantel. When it comes to the woodland decor theme, "It works best in rooms with ample natural lighting," Scheck says. She suggests incorporating it in a living room or bedroom where a large window can amplify the forest-like atmosphere.
JANET KWAN
Mushroom Christmas Decor Ideas
The most popular element of the woodland aesthetic is mushroom decor. From ornaments to vignettes, faux fungi are taking over the holiday decor space. These are a few of our favorite ways to incorporate mushrooms into your Christmas decor this season.
Whimsical Forest Vignette
Whatever holiday trend you want to try out in your own home, you don't have to replace all your existing decor with an entirely new collection of decorations. "The woodland theme makes it easy to utilize pieces you may already have, such as wooden risers and faux greenery," Scheck says. A wooden riser is an easy design trick for adding height, elevating certain objects, and introducing a natural material. Incorporate it into a vignette with a pitcher of fresh greenery, a bowl of pinecones, and an evergreen scented candle for an elegant take on the woodland trend.
For a more whimsical approach, hang mushroom ornaments from the branches, tuck battery-operated fairy lights in with the pinecones, and add forest creatures into the mix to make the vignette come to life.
Woodland-Theme Christmas Mantel
A mantel is typically the central focal point of a room, making it the perfect spot to create a stunning woodland themed display. Start with a real or artificial evergreen garland and give it an organic feel by tucking in eucalyptus, holly, or magnolia clippings. Don't feel the need to create a perfectly symmetrical garland, instead, take inspiration from nature with a more freeform approach. Nestle in a couple of pinecones and if the garland is not pre-lit, weave in a strand or two of twinkle lights. Next, add height with candles—opt for wood candle holders and earth-toned pillar candles for a rustic look, or add a touch of magical sparkle with brass candlesticks and elegant white taper candles. Tuck mushroom decorations and wooden, glass, or bottle brush trees into empty spots throughout the garland to complete the Christmas mantel.
Mushroom-Inspired Centerpiece
Create a magical holiday centerpiece for your dining table inspired by an enchanted forest. For the base, cover your table with a casual linen tablecloth for an unfussy, yet special feel. Next, lay down a luscious garland of fresh greenery and if you are serving dinner that includes herbs such as rosemary or thyme, tuck in fresh sprigs of the herbs into the garland as a nod to your menu.
Grab a couple of glass cloches—their size and number depends on the size and shape of your dining table. Arrange the cloches around the garland, filling their base with moss and nestling a couple of mushroom or animal decorations in the moss. You can also tuck in extra moss around the fresh greenery for an organic feel. Add height and ambient lighting with candle holders and create place settings with name cards tucked into pinecones or names written on magnolia leaves with a metallic pen.