Coastal Christmas Decor – Embrace the Sea

As the holiday season draws near, many of us dream of a cozy, festive home filled with the warm glow of lights and the scent of seasonal greenery. But what if you could take a different approach to Christmas decor—one that blends the natural beauty of the sea with the spirit of the season? Coastal Christmas decor is a stunning way to bring a refreshing and serene vibe to your holiday celebrations. With glass fishing floats, seashells, starfish, and other natural accents, you can create a beach-inspired winter wonderland that’s both unique and stylish.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how to incorporate coastal elements into your holiday decor, with tips for adding nautical charm to every corner of your home.

 

1. Glass Fishing Floats: Vintage Charm with a Nautical Twist

Glass fishing floats are a quintessential coastal decoration. Originally used by fishermen to keep nets afloat, these colorful glass orbs are now coveted for their vintage charm and beautiful, glossy finish. Available in a variety of colors—from seafoam green to cobalt blue—glass fishing floats make an excellent addition to any coastal Christmas display.  Here I’ve interspersed them amongst the greenery on the mantel.

Other Ways to  Incorporate Glass Fishing Floats:

  • Tree Ornaments: Hang small glass fishing floats from the branches of your Christmas tree to create a beachy, nautical look. Choose delicate metallic ribbon or twine to complement the glass and add an extra touch of elegance.
  • Table Centerpiece: Arrange larger fishing floats in a shallow bowl or glass vase and surround them with candles or pinecones for a subtle, coastal-inspired centerpiece.
  • Window Display: For a striking visual effect, hang a few glass floats near your windows, where they can catch the light and create a beautiful glow that reflects the spirit of the season.

 

2. Seashells: Natural Elegance for Festive Tables and Mantels

Seashells are not only lovely reminders of the beach, but they also bring a natural, earthy element to your holiday decor. From simple conch shells to intricate star-shaped sand dollars, seashells offer endless decorating possibilities. Their neutral tones of white, cream, and soft pastels make them the perfect complement to the typical reds, greens, and golds of Christmas.  Here, I’ve added oyster shells to the swags, along with a monkey’s fist and rope.

Other Ways to Incorporate Seashells:

  • Table Settings: Scatter seashells along your holiday dinner table as part of a coastal-inspired centerpiece. You can also use them to decorate place cards or to create beachy napkin rings by gluing small shells onto twine.
  • Mantel Decor: Place a few larger shells on your mantelpiece, paired with candles, garlands, or a simple sprig of greenery. The contrast between the rough texture of the shells and the softness of the greens creates a striking visual balance.
  • Wreaths: Craft a stunning wreath for your front door and attach a variety of seashells to it. 

 

Natural accents: bringing the outdoors in

To complete your coastal Christmas decor, don’t forget to bring in natural accents that enhance the theme of the season. Think fir, cedar, pine, eucalyptus, berries and pinecones—these elements add texture and an earthy touch that pairs perfectly with the shimmering glass and shells.  I place pitchers of fresh greenery in each bathroom and bedroom to add a festive atmosphere and scent.

How to Incorporate Natural Accents:

  • Driftwood Christmas Tree: For an unconventional yet beautiful display, create a Christmas tree from driftwood. Stack the pieces in a tree-like shape, and decorate with twinkling lights and coastal accents like seashells and starfish.
  • Pinecones & Greenery: Incorporate natural pinecones and fresh greenery, such as eucalyptus or holly, alongside your beachy decor for a balanced look that blends coastal and traditional holiday elements.
  • Wreaths & Garlands: Add a few pieces of driftwood, seagrass, or even a few small shells to your wreaths and garlands for a more organic, rustic touch.

5. The Finishing Touches: Coastal Color Palettes and Lighting

 

To tie everything together, consider a coastal-inspired color palette that complements your beachy elements. Soft blues, sandy neutrals, and seafoam greens are all lovely choices for a peaceful, serene look. Add in touches of silver or gold for a festive sparkle, and layer in cozy textures like knit or faux fur throws or soft linen pillows for an inviting atmosphere.

For lighting, opt for soft, warm lights—think fairy lights or battery operated candles. String lights work beautifully in beach-inspired settings, and their glow will highlight the natural textures of your coastal decor, creating a soft, welcoming ambiance.

Final Thoughts: A Coastal Christmas to Remember

Coastal Christmas decor offers a fresh, soothing alternative to traditional holiday themes. By incorporating glass fishing floats, seashells, starfish, driftwood, and other natural elements, you can create a serene holiday environment that feels both festive and beachy. Whether you’re decorating a beach house or simply dreaming of the sea during the holidays, these coastal accents are sure to bring a sense of calm, joy, and beauty to your home.

So, why not trade in the snowflakes for seashells this holiday season and let the waves of the ocean inspire your Christmas decor? With a little creativity and some natural touches, you’ll have a coastal Christmas that’s as enchanting as a walk along the shore.

Happy holidays from The Beach Chalet!