Holiday Trends for 2026

A Fresh take on Coastal Christmas

A few years ago, the Coastal Grandmother aesthetic burst onto the scene, and we all became obsessed with living out our best Nancy Myers movie life. It’s an interpretation of relaxed yet refined living. This year, Coastal Granddaughter provides a fresh take, adding a little bit of preppy charm to the mix, where coastal blues meet holiday sparkle, for a look that is approachable yet polished.

Dusty blues provide a fresh alternative to traditional red and green, and mercury glass adds a festive touch. Organic textures of rattan and bamboo wood add warmth and keep the look relaxed. Dried orange slices add color and a bit of nostalgia, and when paired with greenery, evoke the yuletide season without pushing into traditional territory. Perhaps the biggest appeal of this trend is its sense of effortlessness. It feels collected, not decorated, using elements that you could use all year long.

Gilded Grandeur Holiday Table

When looking at holiday color trends for 2026, jewel tones remain a favorite. But this year it’s more than just a color trend, it’s all about layered luxury and opulence.

Jewel tones are a decidedly more sophisticated palette to the traditional red and green, and lends itself to a more refined, maximalism. Rather than be completely over-the-top (a la Mob Wife aesthetic), the 2026 interpretation is intentional abundance. Layer sumptuous color, ornate details, and statement pieces, but give each element enough breathing room to feel collected rather than cluttered. Inspired by the old-world glamour of European salons, heirloom-feeling pieces give the table a sense of history.

Gold is the perfect accent for saturated jewel tones. The key is to let the gold accents glimmer throughout the table, rather than dominate it. A gold charger, candlesticks, or gold rimmed glasses add subtle shimmer without overwhelming the rich tones.

This trend encourages us to treat the table as an experience. If you are looking for a design that feels glamorous, celebratory, and just a little bit extravagant, this is the one for you!

Christmas at the Manor

Inspired by Victorian libraries, country estates, and Ralph Lauren’s timeless American interpretation of English style, this look feels collected, storied, and deeply rooted in tradition. Think well-loved books, antique brass, plaid textiles, and a table that looks as though it has evolved over generations.

Navy, burgundy, forest green, and deep jewel tones create an intimate, sophisticated palette. Rather than relying on traditional bright Christmas red and green, the deeper shades give the holiday table a more refined, almost cinematic quality. Mixing metals adds to the collected aesthetic. Gold brings warmth and Victorian opulence, while silver introduces a slightly cooler, more aged elegance. The combination feels intentional and layered rather than perfectly coordinated. Deep red apples, pears, pomegranates, grapes, and figs introduce an abundant, almost still-life quality. Fruit feels particularly appropriate to this aesthetic because it recalls the traditional abundance of a country-house table. If moody and vintage is your vibe, go Victorian Noel.

A Whimsical Cottage Christmas

Cottagecore gets a holiday makeover with a palette of pretty pinks, cheerful reds, and soft jadeite greens. This is Christmas at its most nostalgic and whimsical—where gingham, bows, vintage-inspired Santas, and charming little details create a table that feels collected, playful, and wonderfully cozy. The beauty of this look is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s about mixing patterns, layering color, and embracing the joy of a table that feels like it has a story to tell.

The goal isn't necessarily to use genuine vintage pieces—it's to create the feeling of a collection that has been gathered over many Christmases. Jadeite-inspired dishes, old-fashioned Santas, colored glassware, ceramic trees, and nostalgic ornaments all help tell that story. This is a table where vintage charm, playful color, and nostalgic details come together for a holiday table that feels collected, cozy, and full of personality.

There are some holiday looks that are timeless, but every year there are trends that inspire new looks. The Wheeler Haus Holiday Look Book aims to bring together current holiday trends and classic elements into unique designs for your holiday table. I start each design with a mood board, and from there create the custom placemat for each Look. There are two versions for each tablescape design: a Designer Look, and a Look for Less that focuses on eco-friendly, recyclable tableware. I hope you will find inspiration to create your own holiday table masterpiece!