5 Quick Ways to Create a Coastal Christmas Atmosphere

Happy Holidays Saltsy friends! We are thrilled to be in the midst of the holiday season and hope that you and yours are making the most of every moment and enjoying a truly coastal Christmas in both spirit and style.

We know that the allure of the coast is undeniable during any season. Yet the calming waves, sandy shores, and refreshing sea breeze add an extra peaceful ambiance to the holidays — and who doesn’t want a calming space during this bustling season?

Although this time of year is traditionally filled with red, green, and gold baubles galore, we love a good minimalist maritime moment that brings an air of festivity in its own way. When looking for coastal Christmas décor, consider the four primary elements: color, pattern, texture, and material. Each can be integrated in its own unique way, individually or together.

Here are some of our favorite Coastal Christmas décor items to elevate your space in seaside style this season.

1. Light a Festive Seaside Scent

Have you ever caught a scent and it took you back to a time and place so vividly that you’d swear you were there? Lucky for you, candles don’t just provide this nostalgic experience, they also create the perfect holiday ambiance. While it’s natural to go simple and piney this season, take a chance on blending it with something more unexpected.

This Coastal Classic candle by Old Whaling Co. is a blend of “crisp winter air and frosted juniper” for a wintry outdoor vibe. For something more classic, this Beach Cottage candle by Homesick is the perfect addition to bring you back to peaceful past summers. Both make excellent gifts!

2. Offer a Warm Seaside Welcome

For the holidays, look for color that plays into the natural design of your home and brings in subtle natural accents. If you have a crisp white and cream interior, this Dried Coastal Holiday Wreath is a great addition. The greens are soft and layered in tone, and the yellow starfish add a subtle contrast. Plus, we love a good wreath that takes you from season to season!

3. Embrace an Ocean-Themed Tree

If the Christmas tree is your feature décor, don’t hesitate to commit to an under-the-sea theme! Picture your tree decked out in patterns that give major ocean and nautical vibes. These Navy and White Jute Ornaments are a sailor’s dream, and they are perfect paired with sleek and simple white coral and blue iridescent ornaments, white lights, and simple velvet or jute ribbons.

If you’re looking for something unexpected, this White Washed Driftwood Garland is a stunning addition to any Christmas tree or mantle. The natural driftwood shifts freely on the cord, letting you adjust exactly how it lays along the branches, getting just the right amount of texture and depth. We also love these starfish trees for the same reason — each one is unique and brings an unexpected seaside element to your home!

4. Beach-Comb for Your Christmas Decor

Part of the beauty of the sea is knowing that every element we get from it is unique — each forged by the elements of nature. This year, consider taking a cue from that wildness and bring in some eclectic elements that work harmoniously to create a serene holiday setting. This is the perfect opportunity to give your beach-combing finds a festive new life!

This ship rope garland is a rustic take on a classic stair railing wrap. All you need to recreate the look is a thick rope, some greenery, and some decorative elements to nestle into the garland. They use sea stars here, but we think shells, glass floats, driftwood, dried coral, or decorative buoys would look lovely with the greenery as well!

5. Add Unexpected Eclectic Elements

We love objets d’art to integrate on bookshelves, tables, and countertops as part a collection. This sweet Aqua Beach Gnome from CM Home Elements steals our heart! And if you want a fresh take on a Christmas tree accent, check out the Oyster Trees from Treasures of GG or the Sea Glass Trees from Life Gift Crafts. All of these elements contain a lot of texture and uniqueness that will add a sense of wonder to your coastal Christmas decor.

Embrace the coastal spirit in your Christmas décor to can create a unique and inviting holiday atmosphere that captures the essence of the seaside. How do you add a coastal flair to your festive season? Share your ideas in the comments below!