15 Merry Color Palettes for Holiday Decorating that are NOT Red and Green

Decorating for Christmas and winter holidays is, in our opinion, one of the best parts of the season! Red and green might be the classics, but there’s a whole world of festive color waiting beyond tradition. If you’re craving something new this year, experiment with color palettes that reflect your personal style, like cozy neutrals, playful pops of color, or modern metallics. Whether you’re looking for a complete holiday refresh or just wanting to add a few new elements to your decor, we have plenty of non-traditional colorful ideas for you to consider!

Moody Blues & Metallics

Create a dreamy winter wonderland with shades of blue, white, and metallics. Decorate a white or flocked tree with blue bulbs, silver accents, and snowflake ornaments for a wintry look.

You could also bring Elvis’s “Blue Christmas” to life with dark tones and metallic accents. Deep navy or midnight blue paired with silver or champagne gold brings instant sophistication and makes your home feel like a calm winter night. This palette fits perfectly in modern or coastal spaces that lean toward cool tones.

How to achieve it:

• Decorate a dark green or snowy tree with navy ornaments, silver ribbons, metallic garlands, snowflake ornaments, and mercury glass accents.

• Set your table with blue linen napkins and silver dinnerware.

• Mix in crystal candleholders for extra sparkle.

• Layer metallic textures: pewter candleholders, smoky glass votives, and mirrored trays.

• Add faux snow and string lights with cool-white bulbs for shimmer.

• Accent with figurines or statues in blue and white to complement the tree.

Pink, Pink, & More Pink

If you love the look of a candy shop or vintage sweet stand, this playful, candy pink theme is pure holiday fun. Think bubblegum, fuchsia, and cotton-candy shades with pops of white, silver, or peppermint red. This fun palette is perfect for anyone who wants a whimsical, pop-inspired take on Christmas.

How to achieve it:

• Start with a white (or flocked) or light pink tree for a clean backdrop.

• Mix ornaments in shades of hot pink, magenta, and baby pink, plus a few white peppermint swirls or candy canes.

• Use ribbons with polka dots or stripes to echo that candy-store charm.

• Add sparkly garlands, glittered ornaments, or clear glass balls filled with faux sprinkles or confetti.

• Layer in faux sweets decor like lollipop picks, donut ornaments, or candy garlands to complete the look.

• Alfonso the Noble Nutcracker is the perfect accent for a candy tree!

You could also take a more timeless approach to pink decor. Blend blush, pink, and deep red for a soft, romantic twist that feels warm, modern, and a little glamorous this holiday season. This combo works well in feminine, boho, or contemporary interiors where you want a gentle but festive feel.

How to achieve it:

• Pair blush pink ornaments with velvet burgundy ribbons.

• Use rose gold accents like candleholders, garlands, or tinsel.

• Add fresh eucalyptus or dusty miller greenery for a muted, elegant touch.

• Accent with gold candleholders or blush table runners.

• Decorate with traditional elements in pink tones like Kenneth the Princely Nutcracker to complete the look.

Teal, Aqua, & Gold

This fresh, coastal-inspired palette brings energy and glamour together. Make the mermaid tree of your dreams or put a modern twist on wintry blues. For more fun pops of color, incorporate orange or pink bulbs.

How to achieve it:

• Combine teal and aqua baubles with gold ribbons and starburst ornaments.

• Add white coral or seashell accents for a seaside twist.

• Use warm white lights to make the gold pop.

Silver & Gold

The classic metallic duo is timeless, adds sparkle, and exudes elegance. A dark green tree with full branches draped in gold bead garland and dotted with shimmering silver and gold ornaments instantly adds elegant appeal to your home. For a regal touch, incorporate dark navy or deep purple ornaments and accents.

How to achieve it:

• Decorate your tree with gold and silver ornaments in mixed finishes (matte, mirrored, glittered).

• Layer metallic garlands and white twinkle lights.

• Use glass candleholders for reflection and shine.

Beige, White, & Green

Natural, calm, and organic — this palette is understated and beautiful, perfect for minimalist homes. The natural tones offer a clean take on a rustic look during the holiday season.

How to achieve it:

• Combine greenery garlands with white ornaments and beige ribbons.

• Add wood accents, linen stockings, and neutral plaid throws.

• Finish with amber glass candles.

Winter Whites & Natural Neutrals

Soft whites, creams, and taupes can turn your space into a peaceful winter retreat. This look is all about warmth through texture rather than color. Think cozy, layered, and light. This palette works beautifully in Scandinavian or minimalist homes, where simplicity shines through every detail.

How to achieve it:

• Start with a flocked or all-white Christmas tree.

• Add neutral ornaments in linen, ivory, or wood tones like jute ornaments, wood bead garlands, and matte white baubles.

• Layer in materials like knitted throws, burlap ribbons, or woven baskets.

• Use candles and fairy lights to bring in that soft golden glow.

• Finish the tree with a rattan tree collar.

Purple

Purple brings a sense of luxury, magic, and mystery to holiday decor. It’s bold, unexpected, and stunning when balanced with the right metallics. Think royal purple paired with gold for grandeur, or lavender with silver for a frosty fairytale feel.

How to achieve it:

• Use a mix of deep plum, violet, and lilac ornaments in glossy and matte finishes for depth.

• Layer in gold or silver accents, depending on your preferred warmth. Gold feels regal; silver feels wintry.

• Add velvet ribbons, crystal garlands, or beaded snowflakes for sparkle.

• On your table, go for amethyst glassware, purple napkins, and white dinnerware with gold trim.

• If you’re daring, a dark purple or black Christmas tree can take the whole look to an elegant extreme.

• Use plenty of reflective light, white string lights or metallic finishes, to keep the dark tones from feeling heavy.

Brown, Bronze, & White

This palette channels a cozy, natural elegance– think rustic cabin meets boutique hotel. The mix of warm brown, shimmering bronze, and crisp white feels timeless and inviting.

How to achieve it:

• Start with a green or frosted tree. Add bronze and white ornaments with mixed textures: matte, metallic, and wood.

• Wrap the base in a woven tree collar or linen skirt.

• Incorporate wooden beads, pinecones, wicker, leather, and linen textures.

• For softness, use white faux fur throws or wool stockings.

• Around the room, bring in bronze lanterns, white ceramic houses, and neutral pillows.

• Use warm light instead of cool white to enhance the bronze tones and give your space that fireside glow.

Gingerbread Brown & Red

A deliciously nostalgic palette that feels straight out of Mrs. Claus’s kitchen. This cozy mix of cookie-brown, red, and white captures the charm of homemade holidays and childhood memories.

How to achieve it:

• Decorate your tree with gingerbread cookie ornaments, red and white ornaments, candy canes, and felted sweets.

• Add burlap ribbon or gingham bows for that cozy farmhouse touch.

• Hang gingerbread house garlands or create your own with paper, cardboard, or felt cutouts.

• Bring the theme into your table decor with cookie cutters as napkin rings or mini gingerbread houses as centerpieces.

• Finish with warm white lights or copper twinkle strands to make everything glow like a bakery window.

• Mix textures like felt, wood, and soft flannel to keep the look cozy.

Multi-Color

Bright, joyful, and nostalgic, this palette celebrates the retro charm of Christmas past. It’s perfect if you love mid-century or 1950s-inspired decor, or if you just want something cheerful and full of personality.

How to achieve it:

• Choose a green or white tree and load it up with ornaments in bold colors: red, teal, pink, yellow, and turquoise.

• Add tinsel or pom-pom garlands, rainbow lights, and vintage-style glass ornaments for sparkle.

• Top with a classic star or retro-style topper, and don’t be afraid to mix shapes (bells, globes, icicles, and Santas).

• On your mantel or shelf, display old-fashioned figurines, ceramic houses, or vintage reindeer.

• Wrap gifts in mismatched paper and colorful bows for a joyful, homespun feel.

Frosted Pastels

Mint, pale blue, light pink, and lilac bring a nostalgic, dreamy feel to holiday decor. When balanced with white and silver, they create a magical, nostalgic winter wonderland. This playful palette is great for kids’ spaces, retro lovers, or anyone who wants a lighthearted holiday look.

How to achieve it:

• Try a white Christmas tree or flocked tree with pastel ornaments.

• Add silver tinsel, pearl or silver bead garlands, and snowflake accents.

• Mix in vintage-style elements like glass baubles or soft velvet ribbon bows.

• Twinkling warm white lights add warmth to the look.

Grinch Green

Bright, playful, and a little mischievous, this look turns your holiday decor into pure fun. Grinch Green pairs vivid lime or chartreuse with bold red and crisp white for a cheeky twist on tradition. This theme is bright, mischievous, and fun, perfect for kids or those who love whimsy.

How to achieve it:

• Start with a white or green tree and add lime green, red, and white ornaments in oversized shapes for that cartoonish Whoville vibe.

• Wrap the tree with red-and-white striped ribbon or fuzzy green garlands.

• Add whimsical ornaments like candy swirls, giant baubles, or spiral picks that curl like the Grinch’s hat.

• For a fun touch, let your tree topper “tilt” or lean, echoing the playful energy of the Grinch’s world.

• Accent with plush Grinch figures, oversized candy canes, or pom-pom garlands.

• Keep the rest of your room neutral or white so the colors pop; it keeps the look bright and fun instead of chaotic.

Emerald & Copper

Earthy yet elevated, this color scheme is perfect if you want warmth without leaning on red. Emerald green and copper complement each other beautifully, adding richness to your holiday look. This look brings natural luxury, ideal for rustic or cozy modern homes.

How to achieve it:

• Use lush garlands or wreaths with pinecones as your base.

• Add copper ornaments, string lights with a warm amber glow, and wooden decor pieces.

• Incorporate velvet or satin textures for added depth.

• Mix in natural wood tones for balance.

• Copper candleholders and terracotta vases are elegant accents.

Black, White, & Gold

Chic, modern, and timeless, this combo makes a bold statement while keeping things elegant. The palette feels fresh and city-sophisticated, perfect for a modern apartment or minimalist space.

How to achieve it:

• Go for a black-and-white color foundation: black ornaments, white lights, and touches of gold for contrast.

• Keep decor simple and structured: geometric ornaments, striped ribbons, matte finishes, and sleek wrapping paper.

• Add warmth with gold candleholders or metallic accents on your table.

Black & Silver

Cool, modern, and strikingly elegant, this palette is perfect for a chic, city-inspired Christmas. It’s minimalist yet dramatic, the kind of look that shines under candlelight or a twinkling skyline.

How to achieve it:

• Use black matte ornaments as your base and mix in silver glitter or mirrored accents.

• Add clear glass ornaments or chrome baubles for reflection.

• Drape metallic silver garlands or beaded strands for texture.

• Choose cool white or icy blue lights to enhance the silver tones.

• Layer your table with black dinnerware, silver chargers, and white napkins tied with satin ribbon.

• Incorporate mirrored trays, mercury glass candleholders, or frosted glass decor for a luxe finish.

• A black tree or frosted silver one can really amplify this palette; it’s sleek, modern, and unforgettable.

Breaking from red and green doesn’t mean losing the Christmas spirit — it means giving it your own twist. Whether you’re drawn to soft neutrals, ocean-inspired blues, or candy-colored whimsy, there’s a palette here that fits your personality and space. Mix textures, balance shine with warmth, and most importantly, have fun making the season look exactly the way you want it to feel.