How to Nail Your Mid Century Christmas Decor

Christmastime is usually stressful, so why make holiday decorations another hassle? While most people clutter and cram decorations into every inch of their homes, blogger Jenny James of Suburban Pop takes a different route in her San Luis Obispo, California, house. Combining her love for mid century style and minimalistic design, Jenny has the perfect recipe for a clean Christmas look.

Minimalistic mid century Christmas decor is an easier look to achieve than you may believe. Here's how to curate show-stopping holiday decor with retro flair. Atomic Ranch — Styling by Jenny James | Vertically placed, stockings reside on the faux Malm fireplace. A small blue and white tree on the wall gives depth to the space. Incorporating blue and red brings winter to the forefront of the mind. The plants act as the green elements while the rest of the room stays neutral.

Mid Century Minimalism

Jenny’s home has an orange front door that complements a frosted DIY wreath and a sputnik light. As you walk throughout the rooms you can nearly count the number of Christmas decorations on one hand, yet Jenny’s curated holiday treasures become the features of her home. “I was going for a vintage mid century minimal look, but in a very old and cheerful way,” she says. “Minimizing clutter is something I am always striving toward.” A small retro table wrapped in lights welcomes guests with a white faux tree and an uncluttered pair of blue and gold statues.

Truly Retro Tree

Jenny has fashioned a midcentury modern Christmas tree. Her white aluminum tree with sharp and direct lines follows the trend of classic midcentury design. It’s the first decoration up and the main source of her inspiration. “The tree is the first thing I put up and that’s how my vision starts,” she says. “Sometimes I will get a live tree, but I love the aluminum trees.” By adding color through a collection of ornaments, it is a perfect contrast to the stonewall fireplace. The room also upholds simplicity: a stream of red ornaments trailing around a sand-colored pot is the only other holiday feature.

Classics with a Spin

Jenny’s Christmas decorations are all vintage items, and the way in which she places them makes her home a show-stopper. “Most everyone has stockings, a tree and a wreath in their home, but it’s where and how you use them that counts,” she says. “All my decorations make a big impact, even if they are common Christmas items. I make sure to choose strong, standalone decorations that complement my home.” To accentuate the style of her space, Jenny pairs each decoration with an element in her home.

“My main goal for my home is a more whimsical approach. I want my home to be fun and unexpected. I have the same decorations each year, but I am always changing it.” – Jenny

3 Tips for Stress-Free Mid Century Christmas Decor

Curate your color scheme. Before going shopping for Christmas décor, pick less than five colors for your home. Within those colors, select specific shades so the color is consistent. This will help you stay focused about which decorations to buy and limit the number of them.

Start off slow. Don’t feel like you have to buy everything at once. Clutter accumulates when shopping sprees get out of hand. If you only buy what you need it will help you form your vision along the way. Some of the best vintage collections are those purchased over time rather than in a single season.

Look past Christmas. Many times, the most impactful Christmas decorations are not actually Christmas decorations at all. Browse all year long for items that can double as Christmas décor. Purchase a red chair or a green blanket that can stay out all year long so that creating a winter wonderland in your home will be easier come Thanksgiving weekend.

Want more?

If you like the idea of adding a Mid Century vibe to your Christmas home this year, check out our sister magazine’s annual special, Vintage Holiday. It has information on Christmas collectibles and home tours to get your MCM inspiration flowing.