Ban these trashy Christmas decorations from your home – they’re flimsy, not stylish, say experts

These are the dos and don’ts of decorating the halls.

Interior design experts have discovered the holiday decor that many believe is trendy — but is actually tacky.

“The holiday season is a time where it’s easy to make decorating mistakes that instantly detract from your home,” Chloe Barrow, an interiors expert at UK furniture store Laura James, told the Daily Mail.

“The decorations you pull out of the attic every year can quickly become outdated, and there are many traditional tropes that now scream ‘Bad Christmas’ rather than elegant modern-day celebrations.”

For starters, experts told the paper that heavy green and red pieces are definitely gauche, especially decor that clashes with other items in the home. Instead, according to the Daily Mail, sparkling neutral colors like gold, silver, white or copper are better options.

But if you refuse to be without holiday colors in your home, Barrow advised using green “as a base” and splashing red throughout the house, “breaking up the space with silver, gold or white to balance out the heavy colors of Christmas.”

The multi-colored lights and animatronic decor pieces are also festive oh-oh-faux pasexplained domestic expert Liv Conlon.

“Think loud colors like flashing reds, greens or blues, as they can look busy or overwhelming – as well as tacky,” she told the Daily Mail, adding that she’d prefer decorations that feature twinkling lights. soft white or warm colors. .

The same goes for outdoor decor—and it may be time to ditch the inflatable figurines and dazzling patio screens.

“Other tacky signs include a plastic wreath, snowflake window stickers or Christmas characters,” Kate Conrad, owner of luxury home retailer Madison & Mayfair, told the Daily Mail.

Pro tip for parents: Maybe don’t involve your kids in decorating your home for the holidays.

Similarly, ditch the cheap ribbons, lights and tinsel on the Christmas tree – which, by the way, should be small and real, not giant and artificial, experts argue – and use simple ornaments instead , neutrals that are color coordinated. The final touch, according to the outlet, should be some neatly wrapped presents under the tree.

What’s more, mantle ornaments—specifically, the Daily Mail reports, those that look “like they’ve been plucked from the Christmas display at your local mall”—are supposed to be tacky. Instead, experts recommend tasteful decor made from more elegant materials, such as wood, metal or glass.

“These create a cohesive and sophisticated look,” Conlon said.

When it comes to decorating the walls, avoid “flashy decorations such as trinkets, cheap decorations and poor quality fabrics,” added Melissa Denham, an interior design expert at Hammonds Fitted Furniture.

“Foliage wreaths across mantle pieces and lush eucalyptus wreaths look vibrant and beautiful, as well as adding a festive flavor to your home,” she said.

While experts also frowned on seasonally scented candles, they also advised against free-flowing table settings.

“A paper tablecloth, Christmas seat covers and over-the-top decor like table confetti can instantly look dirty,” Conrad said.

Instead, Alice Whitehead, head of product at UK supplier Just Fabrics, said high-quality pieces – such as velvet or silk – are essential, as is a real candle centerpiece and tablecloth. made of cloth.

“These materials are tangible and offer a fascinating touch,” she said.