Every fall I look at what people are searching for and saving on Pinterest in the weeks before Christmas. This year the pattern is clear: less beige, more color and more nostalgia. Searches for “Christmas tree ideas 2026” have been climbing steeply since September, along with a handful of specific looks.

Here are the ones showing up most, and the simplest way to do each.

Red and white

Searches for red and white trees are up sharply. It’s the candy-cane look: a green tree, red and white ornaments, and nothing else. It’s easy because there’s no color decision to make.

How: two colors only. Mix finishes, matte, glossy and glitter, so it doesn’t look flat. A red and white set (on Amazon) with mixed finishes is the quickest start. More on this in red and white Christmas tree ideas.

Nostalgic and classic

Trees that look like they belong in a 1970s family photo: big colored bulbs, tinsel, mismatched ornaments collected over years.

How: C9-style colored lights (on Amazon) are what make it, more than the ornaments. See nostalgic Christmas tree ideas.

Tinsel and beaded garland

Tinsel is back, and so is beaded garland, both draped in loose swags rather than wrapped tight.

How: a tinsel garland (on Amazon) or a beaded garland (on Amazon) in swoops from branch to branch. Start at the top and let each loop hang a few inches. More on tinsel trees here.

Whimsical and colorful

The “whimsy Christmas” search is up enormously. It means playful color: pink, teal, lime, candy shapes, a slightly Dr. Seuss feel.

How: a mixed rainbow ornament set (on Amazon), then a few novelty ornaments. See whimsical Christmas decor.

Big bows

Oversized velvet bows, as a topper and scattered through the tree.

How: a large bow topper (on Amazon) with long tails running down the tree, then six or eight smaller bows in the same color.

Which one for a small apartment?

On a small or pencil tree, the simplest ideas look best: red and white, or one color of bow. The busy looks, whimsical and nostalgic, need a fuller tree to carry them. Whatever you choose, one strong idea beats three half ideas.