The holiday season is here, and I’m doing things differently for our 2023 holiday decor. Since we moved into our home in 2020, I’ve been “going big” on the holiday decorations. It’s the only holiday I “decor” for, and I’ve been thoughtfully adding pieces to our holiday displays and building up our collection for a couple of years now. While it was expensive at the onset, I now have a great collection to pull from for years to come. And with two young kids who appreciate the magic of the season, it feels extra meaningful to decorate in a way that makes our home a holiday wonderland for them.

This year, I’m not planning to add many more pieces to my collection. Mostly, I’m thinking about the little touches I might want to incorporate, like fresh ribbon for decorating and pretty gift wrap for presents under the tree. 

Depending on your phase of life, there will be some years when you’re stocking up on foundation holiday decorations, years when you’re simply adding a few accent pieces to the mix, and others when you’re bringing in only a few extra special details. The idea is that you make those purchasing decisions thoughtfully, buying select items you’re excited to display and leaving the rest behind.

I put together this 2023 holiday decor post around that intentional framework, so you can shop based on your specific holiday decor needs right now. The post is organized into three categories: foundation decor, accent pieces, and special touches. I made sure to include a number of decor items I own and can vouch for, which are noted in the list below. 

My Favorite 2023 Holiday Decor Products

Foundation Decor

Foundation pieces like trees, garlands, and wreaths are the base of any holiday decor scheme. They’re the pieces to buy first if you’re just starting your decor collection or wanting to replace a weathered item you’ve had for a while. If we think of dressing our homes like putting together an outfit, these pieces are akin to a great sweater or classic trousers. Even though these elements don’t necessarily make a statement on their own, they do still have a significant impact. I always recommend buying high-quality foundation decor pieces and investing a little more where possible, depending on your budget. That way, these core items will still feel and look brand new, year after year.

Items I own that were gifted to me by the brand are marked with *.

1. Balsam Hill 6.5′ Classic Blue Spruce Tree $325+ 
2. Balsam Hill 6.5′ Alpine Balsam Fir Tree $549 currently on sale for $399 – I have this tree.
3. Health & Hand with Magnolia 12′ Faux Needle Pine & Snowberry Garland $45 – I have an older version of this garland.
4. Afloral 48″ Real Touch Lebanon Cedar Garland $68 – I have a similar version of this garland.
5. Schoolhouse Wooden Beaded Garland* $39 – I have this garland.
6. Terrain Faux Cedar Wreath* $118 – I have this wreath.

Accent Pieces

Accent holiday decor pieces are secondary items like stockings, tree skirts, ornament sets, and festive pillows that bring life to the foundation pieces. Through these items, your style can shine through. I usually like to purchase accent decor pieces in classic styles with a unique twist. I love to mix and match different pieces from my collection and create a distinct look each year.

1. Schoolhouse Heirloom Stocking in Winter Plaid* $59 – I have this stocking.
2. CB2 Blue Velvet Stockings $25 – Similar to ochre stockings I have from CB2.
3. Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Woven Tree Collar $70
4. Schoolhouse Folkloric Garland Tree Skirt $150 – Currently out of stock, similar option here.
5. Essenceliving Mushroom Ornaments Set of 6* $14 – I have this set.
6. Jipi Campana Ornaments Set of 10 via Goodee $175
7. West Elm Modern Glass Ball Ornament Set of 9 $39 currently on sale for $31
8. Etsy Agnes Store Goods Striped Ruffle Pillow $44
9. Sarah Sherman Samuel Velvet Disc Pillow* $78 – I have these in blue.

Special Touches

Special touches are items like keepsake ornaments and decorative ribbons that you might add to your collection once you’re all set on foundation and accent pieces. Our family gets a few new ornaments every year, and I’ll tie gorgeous velvet or silk ribbons on trees or garland to add a little extra something. We also display a beautiful reusable advent calendar every year, which is an amazing activity to do with kids. We’re thinking of going a different route in terms of what we put in the advent calendar this year. We might incorporate something like a joke of the day, daily activities (e.g., build a snowman, watch a classic movie), or maybe little candies from different places around the world.

1. Framebridge The Ornament $30
2. Anthropologie Tennis Ball Glass Ornament $32
3. Holiday Red Floral Long Curvy Shaped Ornament by Sara Swanson via Minted $38
4. May Arts 3/8″ Wide Ribbon $17 – I have this ribbon.
5. Terrain Antiqued Frayed Velvet Ribbon * $38 – $54 – I have this ribbon.
6. Gathre Small Advent Calendar * $99 – I have this advent calendar.
7. West Elm Pure Wood Light-Up Advent Calendar $120 currently on sale for $72
8. Terrain Concordville Zinc Château* $78 – I have this product.
9. Williams Sonoma ‘Twas the Night Holiday Cookie Cutter Set $28

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Kate Arends

Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is forever testing the boundaries of her creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.