While some independent retailers are leaning into pinks and aquas or “Hot Girl Christmas” for the 2026 holiday season, others know that tried-and-true works best for them.
“We’re in a traditional area,” said retailer Susan Hoechner of her home décor store, Barbara Stewart Interiors in Bowling Green, Ky. “Traditional holiday décor is probably where we’ll do our best.” This year, as she sets the showroom for the holidays, she’ll be going “the natural route,” bringing in a natural tree with tartan plaids paired with bling in the ornaments and ribbons. For other décor, magnolias are popular, and she’ll feature a botanical tree with feathers, too. While deeper holiday colors, such as burgundy, deep red and deep greens will be a focus, pinks are still trending somewhat. However, Hoechner is seeing those mixed with more traditional colors like gold and white this year. From a motif perspective, cardinals are popular as that’s the state bird.
A holiday trend that has surprised Hoechner this year is needlepoint, depicting a homespun holiday. She’ll bring those in on ornaments and as craft kits. “Needlepoint has made such a resurgence in the hobby world,” Hoechner said. “It’s resonating with younger consumers who are trying to get off their phones.”
See also:
Retailers embrace maximalism and nostalgia for Christmas 2026
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