While she doesn't technically make 'Christmas' movies as such, Nancy Meyers films have become synonymous with the holiday season thanks to their more-is-more approach to decorating.
The Nancy Meyers aesthetic is hard to define. More a feeling than an interior design style, it's all about mixing layers of softness, lighting, and an inviting touch of nostalgia. There's something so enchanting about her movies, from glowing lights to cozy kitchens brimming with treats and festive joy, Meyers' movies are a masterclass in creating Christmas decor magic.
So learn from the master we did. Ready to deck the halls like your favorite rom-com character? Here's how to create your own Meyers' magic this Christmas.
How to have a Nancy Meyers Christmas
'Achieving Nancy Meyers-inspired home decor involves a combination of timeless elegance, cozy comfort, and a touch of luxury,' says Esme Amberg, head of design at The Roost. 'It's all about creating an idyllic festive atmosphere where everything feels warm, magical, and perfectly styled. The decorations are chic, the fire is glowing and crackling and a tray of full champagne flutes are ready on the sideboard.'
It’s the small, thoughtful details that make a space feel like it could belong in interior designer's favorite Nancy Meyers homes like The Holiday or Something’s Gotta Give. Think garlands draped over a fireplace, flickering candlelight, and piles of blankets for a relaxed yet elevated look.
Here, we share our checklist for creating a Nancy Meyers-inspired Christmas at home this year.
1. Embrace an eclectic Christmas tree
If there's any better time to embrace your maximalist side, it is Christmas. And of course, the best and most obvious place to start is with your Christmas tree ideas.
Nancy Meyers-inspired Christmas trees are anything but cookie-cutter, nor are they too perfect. They radiate charm and personality, blending eclectic decorations with timeless holiday traditions.
The more the merrier this Christmas so skip the matchy-matchy ornaments and embrace a mix of textures, colors, and shapes. Think ribbons and bows, streaming tinsel, vintage baubles, handmade ornaments, and meaningful keepsakes that tell a story. And don't forget to make the base of your Christmas tree look nice with a flouncy tree skirt.
Have you ever seen a sweeter sweater bauble? These hand-knitted ornaments have been made with incredible attention to detail to adorn your tree.
This hand-woven natural rattan tree base cover features a detailed scalloped trim for a whimsical take on traditional structured collars. It comes it two handy pieces to slip it round the tree once decorated.
No Nancy Meyers-inspired home is complete without shelves and stacks of books. This bookstack ornament is perfect for the avid reader in your life, whether that's yourself or a loved one.
2. Create a collection of thrifted and vintage decor
At Christmas and all year round, a Nancy Meyers home is filled with a mix of old and new for a transitional space filled with timeless classics, story, and tradition.
Embrace thrifted and found decorations and Christmas table decor versus a picture-perfect, modern aesthetic for something that feels more authentic. Whether it's a set of mismatched vintage candleholders or a collection of antique glassware, these collected touches create a sense of nostalgia for Christmases past.
Start by scouting local vintage stores, flea markets, and online marketplaces for unique holiday pieces that speak to you. Think antique figurines, a worn-in rug, hand-painted plates, or charming old-school stockings.
3. Add a homemade touch
A tree should feel like a reflection of the family who decorates it.
Meyers’ films often feel as if they’ve been lovingly curated over time, and homemade decor is an essential ingredient in that timeless appeal. Incorporate pieces you’ve collected and made over the years like paper garlands, dried fruit garlands, and crafts made by the kids. These layers are key to creating a warm, lived-in feel.
You don’t need to handcraft every single piece of your decor, but integrating a few homemade pieces will help you achieve that cozy and homey atmosphere that makes Nancy Meyers’ Christmas spaces feel so inviting.
4. Create comfort and joy with texture, pattern, and print
A Christmas living room or bedroom should feel like stepping into Iris' cottage from The Holiday. Cozy, welcoming, and filled with a hodge-podge of textiles, patterns, and textures to reach out and touch.
Embrace your inner Grandmillennial with a mix of florals, quilted throws, cashmere, and classic holiday motifs like tartans and plaids for a touch of the Ralph Lauren aesthetic. It’s about creating depth and warmth – two hallmarks of Meyers’ trademark movie style.
Don't be afraid to pattern clash here. But if you feel a little pattern-shy, mix prints strategically by sticking to a cohesive color palette like in the living room above designed by Susie Watson.
Look to switch out your throw blankets for something with a subtle nod to the season. This brushed blanket from West Elm features a geometric Christmas tree print to snuggle up under.
Delightfully Christmassy without screaming it, this holly striped pillow has been designed with Studio McGee to have a subtle festive look. The cover is removable for easy cleaning post-Christmas.
Shop small this Christmas and look to Etsy for your stockings. Made from a cinnamon-hued gingham, this frill-topped stocking will look so cottagecore in your living room.
5. Create layers with your decor
The secret to the Meyers look is embracing layers – in textures, prints, colors, and lighting. Year-round, this can be achieved with textiles and plenty of bookshelf wealth styling but at Christmas, you can take things one step further.
Start with your Christmas garland. Instead of a simple foliage garland, layer multiple garlands like Melissa Oholendt from Oho Interiors has achieved above to create a Christmas mantel. Combine fresh greenery with berries and foliage sprigs, and weave in pinecones or dried orange slices for texture and scent. For added flair, intertwine twinkling fairy lights or velvet ribbons in soft, festive hues.
A Nancy Meyers-inspired Christmas table can also be layered up. Use linens and crockery with subtle patterns or textures, and introduce natural woven elements with a wicker placemat and vintage glassware.
This set includes the 6ft faux pine garland, an orange slice garland, a cowbell garland, and two velvet bows for an easy-to-assemble layered garland hack.
6. Focus on the glow factor
Warm, inviting, and perfectly soft, lighting is essential for setting the mood and creating that movie-like magic. Take your cue from Father of the Bride's decor with plenty of festive lights.
'Warmth and atmosphere make everyone want to jump straight into that Cotswolds cottage in The Holiday – achieve the same feel at home with well-placed table lamps, twinkling festive lights, and sofas full of cozy woolen throws,' suggests Danielle Le Vaillant, head of photography & film at Cox & Cox. 'Add plenty of candles for the romance we all need at Christmas,' she adds.
The glow factor makes your home feel cozy, intimate, and effortlessly festive. Make sure all your lighting, both indoors and out, has a warm yellow bulb, and go wild with fairy lights, candles, portable lamps, and paper lanterns.
Candle-style tree lights give such a vintage, old-world charm to your Christmas tree. This set of 10 clip-ons illuminate your living room with warm white bulbs - plus they're on a timer with a remote control.
McGee & Co.'s holiday collection is filled with elegant pieces like this gold leaf Menorah. Featuring delicate metal leaves, this will add a glow to your window sill or mantel for all your seasonal celebrations.
These firework-style lights can be found as stake lights for outdoors, garlands for your porch, or in twinkling orbs like these from Pottery Barn. Hang a few in your window for a burst of festive cheer.
7. Don't try to make everything too perfect
Now is the time to go big or go home. Nancy Meyers' rooms aren’t stiff or overly polished – they’re warm, lived-in, and slightly imperfect, which makes them relatable and inviting.
Stop editing down, and include lots of everything: set out bowls of oranges and candy, candles in every size and shape, mismatched ornaments, wreaths, and garlands galore. Let your decor reflect your personality and the joy of the season.
'The key to getting the most from the look is to spread it freely throughout the house for a completely cohesive feel,' advises Danielle from Cox & Cox on how to get the balance right. 'Take the color scheme and selected decorations and echo them from tree to table and style them around the house at focal points like the hall table and mantelpiece.'
Nancy Meyers’ movie homes feel so inviting because they aren’t trying too hard, creating a holiday home that’s warm, joyful, and perfectly imperfect. They feel like real people live there, and that’s what makes them magical.
This season, channel the charm, coziness, and timeless elegance of a Meyers movie in your holiday decor. So pour yourself a cup of mulled wine, queue up The Holiday, and get decorating.
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