Joanna Gaines’ festive overhaul of her Magnolia store is filled with easy holiday decor ideas anyone can recreate

From layering garlands to hanging wreaths indoors these unique yet simple tips are here to elevate your Christmas decor game

Fireplace decorated for the holidays
(Image credit: Magnolia)

Magnolia is the ideal place to visit for all your decorating needs during the holiday season. It's been my go-to for years and I've been eyeing up their new collection since it launched a few weeks ago, mentally adding a list of items to my basket until it's time to get decorating (which in my home is anytime from now).

So when I saw the store's founder, interior designer Joanna Gaines, posted the festive overhaul of the Waco Magnolia store, I knew it would be filled with timeless holiday decor inspiration. Joanna transforms the space into a magical and inviting Christmas grotto, using really simple tricks to create a beautiful wintery feel.

'We are flipping the store from fall to holiday,' she begins. 'And you know that makes my heart so happy, I love Christmas, it's so magical.' We pulled all the key looks from the store, plus Joanna's tips on how to recreate them, and don't worry if you aren't a Waco local, you can still shop all the pieces online at Magnolia.

1. Make a plain tree sparkle with delicate tinsel

The tree is of course a big part of the holidays, but this year Joanna has kept the store trees minimal, but that's not to say they don't have impact. Unlike the bold and cheap-looking tinsel that probably comes to mind when you think of this retro decoration, Joanna hangs delicate silver icicles on the branches of her tree. Catching the light and adding texture, this is an easy way to create sparkle and add dimension. Metallic decor is proving to be a huge Christmas trend this year, and this luxurious approach is a subtle way to embrace it.

2. Layer garlands for fullness and contrast

Christmas Garland Kitchen

(Image credit: www.magnolia.com)

I love using several layers of garland as they create a beautiful contrast against the green of the shrubbery. Joanna uses the super full Cedar Mix Garland and pairs it with an Iced Berry Garland, stating 'Do this on your mantle, on your staircase, on top of a piano on a console – layering different kinds of greenery and then if you want that really fun hit of color, weave in this fun little iced berry garland.'

Mixing Christmas garlands is a fun and unrestricted way to decorate as you can add pretty much anything to your base layer. I like to weave decorations into my garlands too to make them extra festive, like bows and small ornaments.

3. Create simple displays with vases of foliage

Shrubbery in vase

(Image credit: www.magnolia.com)

Clustering a few displays of greenery around your home is such an easy way to add some festive flair to any surface – a console table, a kitchen island, a sideboard.

Joanna shows how you can really elevate your Christmas foliage simply by placing them in a nice vase and creating a combo of cool green pine tones and warm, deep red berries. She explains, 'I am doing a couple of displays using the Silver Pine Stems as they're my favorite. I love that silvery blue. Anytime you put red or burgundy with them, it creates such a pretty contrast.'

4. Use a mirror to make a wreath look larger

Festive Fireplace

(Image credit: www.magnolia.com)

You've likely seen the trend of hanging wreaths indoors, replacing the traditional front door positioning you'd normally see. Scattering your leafy decor around the house is an alternative way to bring life and cheer to neglected areas.

Joanna shows us a new tip that can not only create a focal point, but help make your wreath look bigger and fuller – placing your wreath on a mirror. Placing a wreath above your mantlepiece or over the mirror in a hallway will add interest to an unexpected spot, and is guaranteed to attract the attention of guests arriving over the Christmas season.


Magnolia's Christmas line is a great place to start when decorating your home for the holidays. Adding charm and festivity is what this time of year is all about and with Joanna's tips seasonal decorating has never been simpler.

Eleanor Richardson
Interior Design News Editor

I am the Interior Design News Editor at Homes and Gardens, covering mainly US-based designers and trending news stories. My love for interiors began when I interned in an interior design studio, working on commercial and private spaces. My passion grew when working in production, where I sourced beautiful locations for photoshoots and campaigns. Outside work, I enjoy collecting antique and Mid-century furniture and quirky homewares for my new flat.