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The holiday season always seems to rush in—lists to check, gatherings to plan, moments to capture. But somewhere between the noise and the nostalgia, there’s a quieter rhythm waiting to be found. For me, decorating my home has become the pause within all that motion. Beyond the garlands and glowing lights, it’s a ritual: a way to honor the season and the people who make it meaningful.
Whether you’re unpacking heirloom ornaments or layering in this year’s finds from Target, decorating becomes a quiet act of care—a way to make space for what matters most. And with some help from our partner Target (my go-to for holiday everything), I’m finding joy in creating spaces that feel both beautiful and deeply personal.
How to Style Target Holiday Decor Like an Interior Designer
In a culture that prizes the picture-perfect home, I’m drawn to something simpler—spaces that tell a story. The beauty is in the mix: old and new, handmade and store-bought, pieces that carry meaning layered beside the ones that simply make you smile. This year’s Target holiday collection captures that spirit perfectly. We styled it three ways—each aesthetic offering its own take on warmth, texture, and timeless charm.
Classic Heritage
Where nostalgia meets refinement.
There’s a reason tradition endures—it’s familiar, comforting, and quietly luxurious. Classic Heritage evokes the feeling of a library dressed for the holidays: plaid throws draped over a sofa, brass candlelight dancing on the mantel, evergreen woven through the banister. The palette is rich but grounded—cranberry, forest, and chestnut against soft cream—creating a setting that feels both storied and alive. (In other words: your Ralph Lauren Christmas, realized.)
1. Layer warmth and memory. Start with texture. Think of wool plaids and soft knits that invite touch, paired with the subtle shine of aged brass. A thickly woven throw across a chair or a trio of tapers on the mantel instantly deepens the mood.
2. Ground the palette in heritage tones. Mix deep reds and greens with the neutrals already in your home. A fresh garland or a wreath framed in pine and olive tones bridges past and present, bringing a sense of continuity to the space.
3. Let the light tell the story. Candlelight is the heartbeat of this look. Cluster tapers in a brass holder or let a single flame flicker beside a window—the glow will do more than any ornament to make the room feel alive.
4. Celebrate the details that endure. Small touches—a knit stocking, a brass accent on the mantel—anchor the look in nostalgia without feeling heavy. These pieces whisper of heritage, of holidays spent around the same table, and stories passed from one season to the next.
Nordic Natural
Minimalist beauty meets winter calm.
Nordic Natural is a study in quiet beauty. Inspired by Scandinavian design, it’s proof that simplicity can feel deeply personal—and far from bare. Here, warmth is created through tone and texture: the soft glow of candlelight, the hush of neutrals, and pieces that invite calm rather than demand attention. It’s a palette of winter whites, pale oak, and soft sage—a breath of serenity amid the season’s noise.
1. Begin with natural materials. Layer linen, wood, and rattan to build softness and depth. These tactile elements add instant warmth, grounding the space without clutter. A handwoven bowl or a sculptural tree introduces texture that feels effortless.
2. Keep your palette tonal. Think ivory and sand paired with gentle hints of green or gray. When tones whisper instead of shout, the result is harmony—light bouncing gently off every surface. A simple pillow or an evergreen arrangement can shift the entire mood.
3. Let repetition create rhythm. Instead of filling every corner, curate intentional groupings. A trio of ceramic houses glowing softly on the bookshelf, or a row of tapers on the table, draws the eye inward. Repetition is the secret to minimalism that feels alive.
4. Design with negative space. Remember: emptiness isn’t absence—it’s balance. Leave room for breath between objects, allowing each piece to stand on its own. When every surface isn’t competing for attention, what’s there truly shines.
This look is less about decorating and more about curating peace—a reminder that beauty often lives in the quietest corners.
Mountain Modern
Cozy textures meet refined rustic style.
Mountain Modern captures the feeling of retreat—the kind of room where time slows, firelight flickers, and the air hums with calm. It’s cozy but not cluttered, earthy but elevated. Here, textures do the talking: knit throws, grainy wood, worn leather, and the gleam of metal. Together, they tell a story of balance—where nature meets nurture, and comfort meets sophisticated flair.
1. Mix natural and industrial finishes. Let opposites attract: a smooth brass accent beside rough-hewn wood, or a soft knit layered over a cool stone tabletop. This interplay of materials keeps the space dynamic, creating warmth with depth.
2. Embrace a moodier palette. Ground your space in olive, pine, and charcoal, then soften the edges with warm neutrals. A garland of greenery or a wreath of olive branches brings the outdoors in, blurring the line between inside and out.
3. Introduce organic movement. Shape matters as much as color. Rounded vases filled with berry branches, curved rattan silhouettes, and sculptural candles add softness and motion. These natural curves echo the flow of the landscape outside.
4. Let light do the storytelling. Layering your lighting matters. A wooden wick candle or warm-glow lamp casts light that flickers and shifts—creating a sense of life even in stillness.
The Meaning Behind the Magic
At the end of the day, holiday decorating isn’t about keeping up—it’s about slowing down. It’s the scent of pine carried in from the cold, the flicker of a candle as the sun fades, and the small rituals that make a house feel like home. However you style your space this season, let it reflect the warmth you want to feel and the memories you’re ready to make.