Holiday decoration in 2026 is becoming more personal, with expressive color combinations, handmade items, and original table settings taking center stage. These trends encourage South Africans to move away from traditional Christmas styles, focusing instead on creating spaces that reflect personal traits, cherished memories, and the people gathered around the table.
Decorex Africa gathered opinions from South African retailers, designers, and creative specialists to explore ideas influencing holiday celebrations in 2026. Participants in the study included Woolworths Home, @home, Babylonstoren, Poetry, interior design studio Cocoon Lifestyle, and catering organization Food, I Love You. Their recommendations offer inspiration for everything: from festive color schemes and decorations to choosing thoughtful gifts and creating the right home atmosphere.
This year, traditional holiday colors are giving way to bolder palettes. Designers are moving beyond relying solely on red, green, and gold, exploring combinations that can be relevant not just in summer or after December. Johan Van Der Merwe, CEO of Poetry, suggests pairing rich tomato reds with soft pinks, buttery yellows, olive greens, and earthy tones. Adding unexpected blue accents can create contrast while keeping the color scheme relevant outside the holiday season.
Babylonstoren's 2026 collection, titled 'A Garden of Gifts,' draws inspiration from nature. Its botanical approach features embroidered tablecloths, garden-inspired spheres, and natural textures. The color palette ranges from soft olive to deeper leaf greens, complemented by fresh yellow-greens and muted gold.
To achieve a more dramatic look, Mpho Phalane, founder of Food, I Love You, advises working with a unified color palette. Deep ochre, terracotta, and charcoal can form a layered, atmospheric setting where raw textures take precedence over numerous competing colors.
Table settings are going beyond traditional floral arrangements, as food is increasingly becoming part of the decor. Phalane, whose recent work included culinary collaboration for the 100% restaurant at Decorex Joburg 2026 alongside Botanicus and Lounge by Marble & Mauve, calls this approach 'edible architecture.' Instead of viewing food and table decor as separate elements, the idea is to create a composition where ingredients become part of the overall design. Bread sculptures, sculptural oils, and rosemary or olive branches can serve as central elements that guests are encouraged to share.
The result is a more interactive dining experience, where the table transforms throughout the meal. Bilala Mabuza, founder and creative director of Cocoon Lifestyle, proposes a different approach, drawing inspiration from art galleries and handmade goods. Her vision for a festive dinner includes ceramics, sculptural pieces, and softer textures, allowing individual items to contribute to the overall character of the table. The focus is on combining practical tableware with artistic expression, creating an ambiance that feels considered but not overly formal.
Craftsmanship and individuality are also influencing holiday decor in 2026. Garreth van Niekerk and Alan Hayward, Creative Directors at Decorex Africa and 100% Design Africa, note the growing international interest in handmade items, playful ornaments, and the revival of Art Deco glamour. These influences are reflected in trends like 'Craftmas' and 'Merrymaxxing,' popularized by online retailer Etsy, as well as the 'Neo Deco' trend from Pinterest Predicts for 2026.
For South African homes, this means incorporating local ornaments, inherited textiles, and handmade goods. These items can bring a sense of history and personal significance to festive displays. There is also an emphasis on experimenting with contrasting materials and unexpected combinations: for example, plaid paired with stripes, colored glass next to chrome, large bows mixed with whimsical balls, and ornaments combining different styles.
At @home, this expressive approach manifests in the Grand Hotel aesthetic, which incorporates playful colors, flowers, bows, and quirky ornaments. Marketing Manager Lerato Mohapi states that there is no longer one prescribed way to decorate for the holidays. Instead, homeowners are advised to blend tradition with unexpected details and choose items that reflect their personal style.
Festive gift-giving is increasingly focusing on finding items that remain useful or meaningful long after the celebrations end. Mohapi points to glassware, serving ware, and coffee ritual accessories as options that combine practical value with thoughtful design. Babylonstoren's farm-style calendar and gift baskets bring a sense of place and origin to the gifting process, while Van Der Merwe from Poetry advises choosing handmade items or books that suit the recipient's interests.
Woolworths Home also emphasizes shared experiences through board games and photo albums, encouraging gifts that help create and preserve memories. Beyond decor and settings, atmosphere remains an important part of the festive experience. Woolworths Home's concept for Summer 2026, 'Home is a feeling,' explores how lighting, scent, and thoughtful details can influence the perception of space. Their festive collection includes tableware and linen from the Soft Bloom series, accent lamps, and an expanded range of fragrances. Seasonal decorative details include ribbon wrapped around cutlery, glowing paper angels, and ceramic houses.
Senior trend forecaster Courtney Louw notes that the focus is on creating opportunities for connection and enjoying simple moments with loved ones. Dim lighting, festive scents, and a decorated Christmas tree contribute to creating a warm and welcoming environment.
Ultimately, the holiday decor trends for 2026 are united by a common theme—individuality. Whether it's expressive colors, handmade items, edible centerpieces, or meaningful gifts, the emphasis is on creating celebrations that reflect personal stories and bring people together.
