Better Homes And Gardens Full Size Wax Warmer Sculpted Tree

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While fall's trends were all about staying cozy and warm and choosing accessories that make your home comfortable and casual, this year's holiday trends are all about embracing the magic and nostalgia of the season. To help you set the mood for the holidays, we caught up with Max Wilker, style director for Better Homes & Gardens, to discuss the season's decorating trends using items from the holiday 2021 Better Homes & Gardens Walmart collection. With tons of red and white throw pillows, candles that smell like the season, and home decor pieces that are dressed up with Christmas trees and poinsettias, the collection has everything you need to transition your home from fall to holiday. Check out our five favorite holiday decorating trends below—and start shopping now!

Walmart holiday pillows

Credit: Courtesy of Walmart

1. Red & White Color Story

Goodbye to red and green Christmas decor—this year is all about decorating with red and white. "We're seeing a lot of natural materials like wood being used in Christmas decor, and the popular red and white color combo is going to be very strong this year," Wilker says. These Holiday Cheer Decorative Throw Pillows ($25) are the perfect way to incorporate red and white into your holiday look. Throw in a buffalo plaid throw pillow ($14) or two and even a red pouf ($39) for extra seating. Even better, cuddle up with an oversized sherpa throw ($15). "In addition to red and white, metallics will also always be strong. Throwing in some gold or shiny silver decor is the perfect way to add a little bit of bling to your house."

Walmart Christmas tree candles

Credit: Courtesy of Walmart

2. Christmas Tree Motif

It's not just about the tree itself—decorating with the Christmas tree motif will also be huge this year. "The popular farmhouse trend is not going away anytime soon; there's more and more farmhouse decor coming out just in time for the holidays. The tree motif—and the poinsettia motif—is one of the strongest things we're seeing in holiday decor," Wilker says. Whether it's candles shaped like mini Christmas trees ($12), throw pillows with pictures of trees on them ($25), or even a poinsettia throw blanket ($15)—you can never decorate with too many trees or flowers.

Walmart holiday candle

Credit: Courtesy of Walmart

3. Holiday Scents

Adding fragrance can help elevate your home decorations, and make them personal, especially when they relate to how you celebrate the holidays. "Everyone loves candles, so finding a really great candle that you love for the season really helps to set the mood," Wilker says. "Pick a scent that makes you think of past holidays as you are getting ready to decorate the house this year. If you love a fir tree, maybe it's a balsam or pine scent. If you love baking, maybe it's something food-related like a sugar cookie." Light up a five wick candle ($12) to make your room smell like cherries and clove. If candles aren't your thing, then the Countdown to Christmas Wax Warmer ($18) is perfect for you.

Walmart holiday dinnerware

Credit: Courtesy of Walmart

4. Mix and Match Table Settings

Because of the holiday's focus on entertaining, there will be tons of tabletop decor and serveware this year. "Holidays are all about people gathering around the table. We're going to see a lot of small appetizer plates and salad plates—pieces that you can layer on top of your regular dishes—instead of having to buy a complete set of something," Wilker says. "Using small plates and serveware with beautiful holiday motifs is one way to easily and cost-effectively dress up the table when you're entertaining family and friends." This Winter Botanicals 12-Piece Dinner Set ($45) is the perfect addition to your dining room table, or just dress up dinner by serving food with a fun holiday baking dish ($13). Layer in some red plates and bowls ($40) for extra color.

Walmart guest room holiday decor

Credit: Courtesy of Walmart

5. Decking Out The Whole House

After spending so much time at home, people are going to be decorating more for the holidays this year. "Everyone wants to go all out for Christmas this year because they're expecting to get more people gathered around the tree. But, finding a tree to fit the space is what's really important. With a lot of people getting smaller spaces, pencil trees are going to be huge," Wilker says. "Memorable ornaments—things that make you think of a special event or someone in particular—are going to be a big part of the holidays, especially during the season of gift-giving."