This holiday season, bows are everywhere. From gift wrap to tree decor, their timeless charm brings a sense of elegance and festivity. I decided to embrace this trend in a way that felt authentic to my style and family traditions. Instead of draping ribbon around my Christmas tree, as I have in the past, I used a soft pink velvet ribbon to tie delicate bows and placed them thoughtfully throughout the tree. These bows and dried orange slices created a look that beautifully blends the traditional and the modern.

Pink, Gold, and White: A Holiday Palette

The color palette of pink, gold, and white has a special meaning during the holidays. Pink brings a sense of joy and whimsy, gold adds warmth and sophistication, and white evokes the purity and serenity of freshly fallen snow. Together, these colors create a festive yet serene aesthetic that feels fresh and timeless. By incorporating pink bows, golden angels, and white accents, I achieved a design that feels uniquely mine while resonating with the season’s spirit.

Nostalgia: A Trend Rooted in Personal Stories

One of the most beautiful trends this holiday season is nostalgia—decorating with items that hold personal meaning. It’s a way to celebrate memories and traditions while making your holiday decor uniquely yours. I fully embraced this trend by adding handmade treasures to my tree, such as red mitten ornaments my daughter made in 1st and 2nd grade. These little creations are irreplaceable, carrying the warmth of her childhood and our shared memories.

A Tree with Stories to Tell

Every ornament on my tree tells a story. Among the sparkling gold angels, you’ll find vintage ballerina ornaments that remind me of my daughter’s years in ballet. Handmade treasures she crafted in school are cherished alongside new ornaments that add a contemporary twist. These layers of memories and modern touches make my tree a true reflection of my family and our journey together.

Dried Orange Slices: A Simple, Natural Touch

I added dried orange slices to my tree to complement the pink bows and gold accents. Their warm, citrusy glow adds an organic element that feels nostalgic and grounding. Additionally, I incorporated pine cones and other natural elements to enhance the tree’s natural aesthetic. These touches bring a rustic charm that balances the elegance of the bows and gold accents.

Making these ornaments was a delightful process that anyone could do at home.

How to Make Dried Orange Slices:

Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
Slice oranges thinly, about 1/4-inch thick.
Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through, until they are dried but still slightly translucent.
Let them cool completely before adding them to your tree with string or hooks.

The dried orange slices look beautiful and bring a subtle citrus scent that adds to the holiday ambiance.

“This season, decorate with intention—let every bow, dried orange slice, and cherished ornament speak to the love and memories of your family.”

— MERZE Lifestyle

Design Editing: Intentional Choices for a Balanced Look

When creating this tree, I applied a design editing approach, focusing on intentional choices that resonated with my vision. Instead of overcrowding the tree, I allowed the bows, oranges, pine cones, and ornaments to shine. The result is a balanced design that feels cohesive and uncluttered.

Tradition Meets Modern

This tree reflects my love for blending the old with the new. The vintage ornaments and handmade keepsakes honor our family’s traditions, while the pink bows, dried orange slices, and natural elements like pine cones bring a fresh, modern perspective. Nostalgia is woven throughout the design, from the red mittens my daughter made in grade school to the vintage ballerina ornaments that evoke memories of her ballet years.

An Invitation to Your Holiday

Whether you’re tying bows on your tree, drying orange slices, or hanging cherished ornaments, I hope this inspires you to create a tree that feels uniquely yours. Celebrate the stories behind your decorations, and embrace the trends that resonate with your heart. After all, the most beautiful trees are the ones that reflect the love and joy of the season.