Michelle Pfeiffer, Jennifer Aniston, and Kourtney Kardashian have inspired an 'undressed' Christmas tree trend – it's a celebrity favorite for 2024

Pfeiffer is the latest in a host of figures who are experimenting with a 'no ornament' Christmas tree trend – experts say it's the secret to a thoughtfully designed space

Michelle Pfeiffer, Jennifer Aniston, Kourtney Kardashian
(Image credit: Jon Kopaloff / Raymond Hall/GC Images / Arturo Holmes/MG22/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue via GettyImages)

One thing unites Michelle Pfeiffer, Jennifer Aniston, and Kourtney Kardashian – and it comes in the shape of their 'undressed' Christmas tree decorations.

As a celebrity style editor, my day-to-day consists of writing about the unique ways figures decorate their homes, but no space is quite as fun as the holidays. For many years, I've seen celebrities experiment with indulgent color schemes and maximalist ornaments – however, increasingly, I'm observing a shift to a more pared-back aesthetic.

In the case of Aniston, Pfeiffer, and Kardashian, they have not only kept their Christmas trees neutral but have notably reduced the number of lights and ornaments on the branches. In Pfeiffer's instance, for example, her tree boasts no decorations aside from the string lights that bring a warm ambiance to the room.

We're certainly not against maximalist Christmas decor – especially if you love to experiment with bolder, brighter hues and eclectic ornaments since this is the most playful time of the year, after all. However, top designers have observed a rise in minimalism – whether we got ultra pared-back like these celebrities or we simply limit the number of ornaments we hang from our branches (to draw more attention to the ones we love the most).

'I believe that the minimalist desgin trend in holiday decorating reflects a broader shift toward intentional living. Many of my clients are opting for smaller, more thoughtfully designed homes and prioritizing quality over quantity,' comments Dallas-based designer Courtney Batten.

'As we collectively move away from the notion that "bigger is better," we’re also reconsidering how much space we dedicate to seasonal items that are only used for a short time each year.'

'A minimalist Christmas tree, and holiday decor in general, is a natural extension of this mindset. A pared-back tree is not only more sustainable, but it also helps to create a calm but meaningful space for the holidays - a time that can be stressful enough already without excess clutter.'

If you choose to go slightly more decorative than Pfeiffer and Kardashian's tree, Batten recommends opting for simple, intentional decor that both feels personal to you and is designed to stand the test of time. 'This results in an elegant feel rather than something trendy or disposable,' she says.

'As an interior designer with a passion for preserving historic elements, it’s incredibly refreshing to see this movement toward thoughtful, lasting design as an antidote to the excess consumerism often associated with the holidays.

Similarly, we can take a cue from Aniston. She has taken the concept of 'personal decor' to a new level – dressing her tree with a collection of her Lolavie haircare products. To get a similar look, we recommend decorating with personalized trinkets, gifts, and ornaments that mean something to you. With this trend, there are no rules – just decorate with minimalism in mind and prioritize well-made pieces that you'll love for years to come.

Alternatively, for a twist on the minimalist look, we love this Alpine-style tree from Amazon. The brown coloring and lack of green needles offer an ultra-modern twist on the classic. It's a minimalist's dream (and requires almost no effort to look good).


Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.