Hilary Swank pairs white lights with eclectic ornaments to design a traditional Christmas tree with a fun twist – it's a masterclass in classic festive decor

When asked to think about classic Christmas decor, a red, green, and gold color scheme is likely going to come to mind, and all for a good reason. These hues are synonymous with the season – consequently meaning they're as beloved among celebrities as they are in our homes. Case in point – Hilary Swank, the Million Dollar Baby actress, who shared her classic-colored decor via Instagram last year.

Swank introduced red and green ornaments alongside white string lights that bring a quintessential look to her Christmas tree. Alongside the classics, however, she added eclectic ornaments that feel more personal to her. A zoom into her tree shows some stand-out pieces, including a knitted dog, likely paying homage to her dogs sitting underneath.

In combining classic Christmas decor with more sentimental pieces, Swank has created a space that feels timeless yet fun – a balance that is hard to perfect, especially in neutral spaces like this. With white paint and wooden accents, it can be tricky to decorate for the holidays (without feeling like you're interrupting a sleek, minimal aesthetic), but Swank has shown it's possible.

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Swank's Christmas color scheme teaches us how to keep festive decor chic, but as Mark Harper, a senior designer at Joseph Giles, explains, our lighting is similarly vital. The actress's white string lights don't overwhelm her neutral space – making them the perfect starting point.

'We’ve seen the interior designers we work with take various approaches to achieve a chic, cohesive Christmas look that enhances, rather than disrupts, the serenity of neutral interiors,' he begins.

“Lighting is key to evoking a festive ambiance in minimalist spaces. Warm-toned lights, rather than stark white LEDs, cast a gentle glow that feels inviting and celebratory without overwhelming the room’s simplicity. Consider halo lighting designs, strategically placed string lights, or understated candles for a soft, golden shimmer.'

Alongside the classic shades of green, red, white, and gold, Harper adds that opting for softer, pared-back versions of these colors works particularly well in a minimalist home.

'You can reimagine traditional festive colors when you’re working with a more neutral setting. Subdued greens, such as sage or olive, work beautifully alongside whites and soft grays,' he says.

'For reds, try opting for burgundy or merlot. A color often overlooked when we decorate for the Christmas season is white. It can be transformative in black-and-white or neutral spaces and definitely evokes a Christmas feel when used in the right way.'

Finally, striking a balance between timeless yet fun comes down to the (seemingly) small accessories beyond the tree. This can be anything from a minimalist wreath to a tablescape that feels curated yet personal to you.

'Ultimately, decorating for Christmas in a neutral space is about enhancing the existing palette with thoughtful, subtle touches. When working with an understated aesthetic, less is more,' Harper explains.

'Opt for a handful of thoughtfully chosen decorations, allowing them to serve as design statements. For instance, a minimalist wreath or a carefully curated tablescape can make a striking impact without overwhelming the space. By focusing on texture and muted tones and keeping a restrained use of embellishment, you can achieve a look that feels both celebratory and effortlessly chic.'