14 Festive Decor Pieces That Are No Longer in Style

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The holidays are a season for nostalgia, for joy, but I think that when it comes to holiday decor, what was the hotcake a few years ago, might be a one way ticket to ‘tacky-ville.’ There’s nothing wrong with decking your halls your own way, but a few holiday staples are beginning to look a little … tired. If you have been pulling the same pieces out of storage for years, maybe it’s time for a refresh. Though, we’re not here to shame your love of tradition. This is just a nice little guide to recognize what’s on its way out of the festive decor world.

So why does holiday decor go out of style? Home design trends, like fashion trends, change. Once cozy and timeless, it can now feel like some blast from a bygone era. That doesn’t mean you have to chuck it all, but maybe it’s time to see your collection with new eyes. Let’s walk down memory lane and see what pieces need retiring, or rethinking.

The Oversized Inflatable Lawn Decorations

In the early 2000s, it seemed like everywhere you looked there were these bouncy holiday behemoths. They were quirky, fun, and an easy way to express your holiday spirit. But these days, the oversized inflatable yard displays are being replaced with more subtle, more elegant yard displays. The problem? They often resemble nothing tasteful. And when they deflate at midday, it’s not exactly the neighborhood vibe you want to broadcast.

Tinsel Everywhere

Do you remember draping everything in tinsel – tree, banister, family pet? Tinsel is no doubt sparkly, but it’s so messy and outdated that it’s fallen out of favor. Soft, more natural accents such as ribbons or garlands are now a popular choice for many people. Modern, minimal decor is preferable when the holidays arrive, as opposed to excessive glitter and shine.

Theme-Specific Tableware

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Ok, so those Santa shaped plates and reindeer mugs might have been cute at first, but they’re not chic anymore. Today, people go for classic, multipurpose tableware that can be used all year round. Napkins, centerpieces or candles are the holiday touches, not full on kitschy sets. This is also a win for storage space.

Pre-Lit Plastic Wreaths

Sure, they were practical. Just hang and plug them in! Real greenery wreaths or handmade wreaths are replacing the pre lit plastic wreaths. These synthetic staples have started to feel a bit, well, fake, as the trend toward ecofriendly and natural materials has taken over. And let’s be honest: There is nothing like the smell of fresh pine.

Matchy-Matchy Ornament Sets

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Once upon a time, the ultimate holiday goal was to have a perfectly coordinated tree with color matched ornaments. Today’s holiday home decor, however, prefers individuality and sentimental value over perfection. Vintage finds, handmade ornaments and family treasures are being showcased. The aesthetics is only part of it, it’s also about the memories.

Plastic Fruit Decorations

Faux fruit used to be a thing when it came to decorating, especially glittery apples and grapes. But now? It’s kitsch, not classy. They’re being replaced instead with natural elements such as dried oranges, pinecones and berries. These are prettier, and kinder to the environment.

Fiber Optic Trees

Red And White Christmas Balls Hanging oOn Christmas Tree — Photo Credit: Pexels

These glowing trees were cutting edge back in the day. When a tree could change colors all on its own, who wouldn’t love that? Unfortunately, their futuristic charm didn’t age well. Fiber optic trees have gone from looking homey holiday to mall display. Real trees are more in vogue.

Overdone Yard Light Displays

Building with Beautiful Christmas Decorations — Photo Credit: Pexels

Picture Clark Griswold levels of lights, that are perfectly coordinated with music. These mega displays have been lost some of their charm while still being impressive. Now, people tend to lean toward more understated and artistic lighting designs. It’s not so much about blinding the neighbors as it is about making a warm, inviting glow.

Themed Stockings

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Once upon a time, stockings shaped like cowboy boots or covered in glittery cartoon characters were all the rage, but now they’re being replaced by simpler, classic designs. Now, chunky knit stockings or neutral tones are what’s trending now, which elevates fireplaces with a cozier, more timeless vibe.

Plastic Nativity Scenes

Nativity scenes are a popular tradition, but the plastic ones you see on some lawns are falling out of favor. Many are transitioning to wooden, ceramic, or handcrafted sets that resemble the real thing less like a mass produced stuff. The updated designs take the classic holiday symbol in a modern direction.

Glitter Floral Centerpieces

Christmas Wreath — Photo Credit: David Bartus/Pexels

Glittery faux floral arrangements were once a staple of holiday dining tables, but they are beginning to feel a bit dated. Natural center pieces with fresh greenery, eucalyptus or even simple white candles are popular. The key to holiday centerpieces now is simplicity. Less sparkle, more warmth.

Icicle Lights

Such dangly string lights were all the rage in the late 90s and early 2000s, but now they’re losing their shine—literally. People have moved on from the old and traditional lights and have come to prefer the fairy lights or projection displays, which give a more modern and refined look and also free you from the hassle of untangling those icy strands.

Oversized Bows on Everything

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Do you remember how the oversized bows would go on trees and wreaths and even front doors? The “bigger is better” charm is wearing off while they’re still around. Minimalist ribbons in natural tones and simple fabrics such as burlap or velvet are the holiday decorators of today’s choice.

Neon-Colored Holiday Decor

Christmas Light Trees with Star on Top — Photo Credit: James Wheeler/Pexels

The early 2010s were brightly colored holiday pieces, think neon pink and electric blue trees. However, these strong choices are quickly being phased out by neutrals and earth tones. People seem to be wanting more calmer, cozier vibes these days and neon doesn’t quite hit the mark.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.