6 Tacky Christmas Decorations We Secretly Love

Blow Molds on the Porch

A suburban classic, blow-mold figures are enjoying a full revival. Whether you score a vintage piece at the thrift store or pick up a modern reproduction, these molded plastic icons (like rosy-cheeked Santas and jolly snowmen) bring a cheerful, retro charm to your porch. Cluster two or three pieces together near a front door or walkway to create a focal point that feels intentional, but not chaotic.

Christmas Tree Tinsel

Tinsel can add movement and sparkle to your holiday treescape. Plus, it has an Old Hollywood kind-of kitschy glamour that's hard not to fall for. When tinseling your Christmas tree, remember to go slow and scatter tinsel sparingly, letting it shimmer rather than clump.

Chunky Multicolored Lights

Elegant white twinkle lights have their place, but nothing is quintessential Christmas quite like those multicolored bulbs—especially when they’re big, chunky, and unapologetically bright. They glow like gumdrops and can make any space feel instantly festive. Try layering them alongside evergreen garland on a mantle to soften the effect while keeping the punch of color.

Singing and Dancing Figurines

Think an animated Rudolph who sings his namesake song, or a Santa who belts out "Jingle Bells." These bring a touch of whimsy and playfulness, making you smile throughout the season. To keep them from overstaying their welcome, turn them on selectively—ideally during a party or as a special surprise for kids.

Colorful or Metallic Christmas Trees

Whoever said these were "tacky," we would like a word! Martha herself has artificial, shiny aluminum Christmas trees in her collection of vintage holiday décor. (The bronze tree in her dining room is really a beauty.) "Trees come in many colors besides silver, such as white, gold, blue, green, pink, red, and bronze," writes Martha. "I have given white ones to my publicist. She uses them in a Modernist space with blond Heywood-Wakefield furniture. My daughter, Alexis, loves the rare pink trees in her contemporary rooms."

If you don't want to commit to a full-sized, full-spectrum tree, consider a smaller, secondary one in a fun hue. Add it to an entryway, a child's room, or dining room so you can play with color without overwhelming your main décor.

Sprawling Christmas Villages

A sprawling ceramic Christmas village, complete with skating rink, moving train, and tiny residents, can feel a bit over the top—but that’s exactly why we love it! When styled thoughtfully on a console, mantel, or even a dedicated bookcase shelf, it'll feel curated over cluttered.

If you can't resist collecting more pieces, consider starting a tradition where you allow holiday guests to choose one to take home with them at the end of the night. 'Tis the season for giving, after all!