Christmas Decor Trends – Editor’s Picks For Pet Homes
Christmas Decor Trends – Editor’s Picks For Pet Homes
A toss back to the past with natural tones, retro designs, and handmade touches.
Written by: Purrsilla
Well, well, well, Christmas is upon us again, and let me tell you, darling humans and furry-friends, this year’s holiday decor is coming in hot and making tails wag! Oh the smells of gingerbread with decor to back it up, pet themed Christmas trees paying honor to the 4-legged members of the family, and the handmade decor elements that make every home unique. The consensus is in – This is the year of “pawsome” holiday decor. So, grab a cozy spot and settle in for a rundown of what’s trending in pet-approved Christmas design this season!
Now, before we dive into what’s happening this year, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. Humans have been decking their homes with festive cheer for centuries, and while the earliest Christmas decorations were simple, they carried all the warmth of the season. In medieval Europe, people began using evergreens to decorate their homes as a symbol of life and renewal. By the 1800s, Christmas trees became a popular symbol of the holiday, thanks to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who made the tree a stylish must-have. And from then on, well, it was only a matter of time before ornaments, lights, and eventually the Christmas decor extravaganza we know today began to evolve.
I was curious and set to find out when pet stockings actually made their way on the scene. Surprisingly, the tradition of including pets like us into Christmas celebrations isn’t entirely new. Pet stockings first appeared in the U.S. market in the 1950s and 60s, as pet ownership became a mainstream family affair. By the time the 1980s rolled around, pets were considered full-fledged family members, and no Christmas fireplace was complete without a stocking for every pet in the family too. Stockings filled with little toys, pet treats, and a Santa to chew. These days, pet stockings are available in every imaginable style, from plush velvet to rustic burlap, and they’re as essential to Christmas as stockings for the humans.
Let’s be real – gift-giving for pets has practically become a national pastime! Pet gifts have surged in popularity over the past few decades, with treats, toys, and festive outfits topping Santa’s list. It’s not uncommon for pet owners to create elaborate gift bags or boxes with everything from squeaky toys and scratchers to cozy winter sweaters and gourmet treats. There’s something about those wiggling tails and purring purrs that brings out the best in humans’ holiday generosity.
Another tradition making waves is the Christmas pet photoshoot. More and more families are coordinating holiday photos with their pets decked out in seasonal bandanas, reindeer antlers, and even matching pajamas. These furry photo-ops are often shared on social media, some pet families even send these as Christmas cards and others are blowing up adorable pet holiday photos and making them part of the family Christmas decor.
The holiday season is also a time for creating traditions that fur-families look forward to year after year. For many, Christmas morning isn’t complete until the pets have opened their gifts alongside everyone else. (And yes, many of them have learned to shred wrapping paper like pros.) Many humans even bake holiday treats specifically for their pets, using pet-safe ingredients like pumpkin, peanut butter, and oats, so everyone can indulge. The Gingerbread house, is making many family pets very happy this year.
Then, of course, there’s the decorating of pet spaces. Many humans are creating cozy Christmas spaces just for their pets, with pet-friendly trees, cozy blankets, and Christmas-themed beds. It’s no surprise that these traditions continue to grow – pets bring as much warmth to the holiday season as the best-loved decorations, and the season wouldn’t be complete without them.
Below I will explore our favorite emerging Christmas trends and what I love about them.
Purrsilla is a trend-savvy Persian cat with a sharp wit and a flair for fashion and home decor. Known for her sassy, no-nonsense writing style, she captivates readers with her blend of practical tips and creative insights. Whether she’s dishing out the latest trends or offering stylish home decor advice, Purrsilla’s articles are always engaging and full of personality.
1. American Heritage Holiday Style: A Timeless Christmas Vibe
A Ralph Lauren Christmas theme is all the rage for 2025, embracing that American Heritage holiday look everyone is searching for. This timeless style blends classic tartan plaids, deep jewel-tone colors, brass and leather accents, and rich, cozy textures to create a warm, luxurious Christmas atmosphere. Mix and match these iconic elements to build a regal-yet-comfortable holiday vibe that feels both nostalgic and elevated. Add a touch of denim and you’ve nailed the modern Heritage Americana Christmas trend. Explore our favorite pet-themed holiday décor pieces to layer into your home and create a tail-wagging Ralph Lauren inspired Christmas aesthetic with classic charm.
2. Cozy Cottage Christmas: A Rustic Gingham Holiday Look
Create a holiday hideaway that feels straight from a storybook by pairing cozy cottage elements with red and white tones, soft textures, and charming gingerbread-inspired details. Think gingham ribbons, knit stockings, candy cane stripes, and homespun accents that make every corner feel warm and welcoming. For pet homes, this look shines with touches like a plush red and cream pet bed, a gingham blanket for snuggle time, gingerbread themed toys, natural pine sprigs, woven baskets, wood tone accessories, and soft lighting to bring that familiar cottage glow to your pets favorite spaces. The result is a sweet, nostalgic Christmas style that invites pets and their people to settle in and enjoy the season.
3. Storytelling Christmas Style: A Meaningful Holiday Vibe
Holiday decorating becomes even more meaningful when it reflects the stories we cherish, especially the ones shared with our pets. This look focuses on memory driven pieces that celebrate your dog breed, honor a beloved pet, support rescue organizations, or highlight the traditions that make your home unique. Think keepsake ornaments, framed photos, personalized stockings, rescue inspired décor, and small touches that reflect the pets who shape your life. Layering these sentimental elements into your holiday home creates a warm, heartfelt atmosphere where every decoration carries a story, invites conversation, and celebrates the bond between pets and their people. Choose ornaments and decor where money made goes to a pet charity, supports rescue, or feeds pets during the holidays.
4. Pop Color Christmas: Fresh Seasonal Style
A modern holiday look comes to life through nontraditional palettes and natural materials, allowing your everyday décor to shine in a new way. All white settings, crisp black and white combinations, muted tones, or unexpected pops of color create a fresh seasonal style that feels effortless yet intentional. This approach works beautifully when you allow your regular home pieces to stay in plain view and simply layer in seasonal touches such as greenery, soft textures, ornaments, candles, or natural elements. By blending your daily décor with subtle holiday accents, you create a cohesive and stylish look that feels modern, collected, and perfectly suited for pet homes where comfort and personality matter. Tip: use pet supplies to decorate our tree from bow ties to collars.
5. Play Haus Christmas: A Bright Joyful Holiday Vibe
The Play Haus trend brings a burst of energy to the season with bold colors, unexpected combinations, and a dopamine-decorating approach that puts fun at the center of your holiday home. Inspired by modern art, playful design, and Etsy’s rising “happy color” movement, this look celebrates bright pinks, electric blues, citrus greens, and candy-toned accents that instantly lift the mood. For pet homes, Play Haus is pure joy. Think cheerful pet stockings, colorful toy displays, vibrant blankets, and statement ornaments that make your pet’s space feel like part of the celebration. This trend works beautifully as a contrast to more traditional or heritage looks and invites you to mix in whimsical touches, celebrate your pet’s personality, and create festive moments that feel lively, modern, and unmistakably fun. If your pets love attention, this is the perfect backdrop for bright holiday photos, playful costumes, and a season filled with color and cheer.
6. Woodland Tails Christmas: A Warm Textured Holiday Vibe
The natural rustic trend continues to be one of the strongest holiday looks of the season, blending handmade pieces, earthy textures, and neutral tones for a warm, grounded feel that works beautifully in pet homes. Inspired by woodland elements, artisan craft, and the return to simple, nature-centered living, this style layers wood, woven fibers, soft knits, stoneware, greenery, and raw materials to create a cozy, organic atmosphere. Neutral palettes of cream, taupe, brown, sage, and soft gray make it easy to keep everyday décor in place while adding seasonal touches that feel authentic and calming. For pet homes, this trend shines with chunky knit pet blankets, woven toy baskets, wooden ornaments, felt garlands, handcrafted pet stockings, and natural chew toys that fit right into the aesthetic. The result is a comforting holiday environment full of texture and warmth, creating a home where pets and their people feel relaxed, connected, and perfectly in tune with the season.
7. Santa Paws Christmas: A Jolly Vibe
This festive trend brings a fresh spin to classic holiday colors by pairing traditional red and white with bold black accents, echoing the iconic look of Santa’s suit and giving your home a high-impact, cheerful style. The palette of red, white and black creates a striking yet cozy atmosphere that is perfect for pet homes that want to feel festive and fun. Think red pet beds with white piping, black and white striped collars, white stockings edged in red, or a mantelscape of Santa figurines in red suits layered with black boots and belts. Add in pet-friendly accessories like chew toys with Santa hat motifs, black paw-print stockings for dogs or cats, and red and white candy-stripe blankets for snuggle time. Because so many everyday pet items already come in one of those three colors, this trend naturally works by blending what you already own with holiday updates making the décor feel intentional, joyful and easy to live with all season long.
8. Heirloom Modern Christmas: A Fresh Timeless Holiday Vibe
This transitional holiday look blends old and new to create a warm, elevated Christmas style that feels rich, nostalgic, and perfectly suited for pet homes. Deep burgundy tones set the mood with a sense of quiet luxury, while brass accents add a soft vintage glow that pairs beautifully with today’s modern décor. Layering nostalgic glass ornaments, classic silhouettes, and heirloom-inspired finishes with fresh, contemporary pieces creates a tree that feels curated rather than cluttered. For pet-loving households, this palette harmonizes effortlessly with pet-themed ornaments, brass dog or cat silhouettes, personalized glass baubles, and rich velvet pet stockings that echo the season’s jewel tones. Add a woven tree collar, a plush burgundy pet blanket at the base, and a few brass-accented pet toys tucked into the branches for a festive look that celebrates the past while embracing the present. The result is a holiday style that feels collected, meaningful, and full of heart.
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