Tropical Christmas Decorations: 17 Bright, Festive Ideas
17 tropical Christmas decoration ideas, from palm tree Christmas trees and palm leaf wreaths to poinsettias, orchids and festive tropical tables.
By Magda Callery, interior designer and florist
Not every Christmas has to be red, green and snowy. For millions of people in Australia, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Brazil and Southeast Asia, Christmas falls in the heat, and the decorations reflect it: palm leaves, tropical flowers, shells, citrus and bright, joyful colour. A tropical Christmas is also a lovely idea in a British home, bringing light and warmth to the darkest weeks of the year and offering a fresh alternative to the traditional look.
In this guide I'll share 17 tropical Christmas decoration ideas for your tree, wreaths, table and garden, the colours and materials that make the look, how Christmas is celebrated in warm countries, and how to keep a tropical Christmas stylish rather than gimmicky.
The quick answer: tropical Christmas decorations combine festive classics with palm leaves, tropical foliage, shells, citrus, pineapples and bright flowers such as orchids, anthuriums, proteas and poinsettias. Choose a palette such as green and gold, coral and white, or turquoise and natural rattan, and use natural materials like rattan stars, dried palm and shell ornaments for a look that's warm rather than kitsch.
What Is a Tropical Christmas?
A tropical Christmas swaps snow and holly for the plants, colours and textures of warm places. Some people decorate a potted palm instead of a fir, others add tropical touches to a traditional tree, and many simply bring in lush foliage and exotic flowers for the table.
| Palette | Colours | Mood |
|---|---|---|
| Green and gold | Palm green, gold, natural rattan | Elegant and warm |
| Coral and white | Coral, white, sand, shell pink | Soft and beachy |
| Turquoise and natural | Turquoise, sand, driftwood, white | Fresh and coastal |
| Hot tropical | Pink, orange, lime, red | Bold and joyful |
| Classic tropical | Red, green and white with palm and orchids | Festive with a twist |
17 Tropical Christmas Decoration Ideas
Tropical Christmas trees
1. A palm tree Christmas tree. A potted kentia palm or areca palm wrapped in warm fairy lights and a few gold baubles makes a striking alternative tree, especially in a small space.
2. Tropical ornaments on a traditional tree. Pineapple, flamingo, starfish, shell and parrot baubles add a playful tropical touch to a classic fir.
3. A natural tree with rattan and shells. Rattan stars, woven balls, shell ornaments and wooden beads give a natural, beach-house Christmas look.
4. A pink and coral tree. A white or flocked tree with blush, coral and gold decorations feels sunny and celebratory, and pairs well with the year's Christmas tree trends.
5. A driftwood tree. A small tree made from driftwood branches, hung with shells and lights, is lovely on a mantel or sideboard.
Wreaths and garlands
6. A palm leaf wreath. Dried or fresh palm leaves and fan palms arranged in a circle make a bold, sculptural door wreath.
7. A tropical foliage garland. Monstera, palm, eucalyptus and magnolia leaves along a mantel or table, with candles and a little gold, make a lush alternative to pine.
8. A citrus garland. Dried orange, lime and grapefruit slices strung with cinnamon sticks bring colour and scent.
9. A shell wreath. A wreath of shells, starfish and natural raffia is perfect for a coastal or beach-house Christmas.
Flowers and table decorations
10. Poinsettias. The poinsettia is itself a tropical Christmas flower. University of Massachusetts Amherst's history of the poinsettia notes that it "is native to southwestern Mexico and Guatemala" and that it "was cultivated and valued by the Aztecs and Mayans well before the arrival of Europeans." In Mexico it's known as flor de Nochebuena, the Christmas Eve flower.
11. Orchids and anthuriums. White orchids and red anthuriums are long-lasting, glossy and festive, and look elegant in a low arrangement.
12. Proteas and banksias. These dramatic Australian and South African flowers last for weeks and dry beautifully.
13. A tropical Christmas table. A runner of palm leaves, gold candles, pineapples, limes and small vases of orchids makes a joyful festive table.
14. Pineapples. The pineapple has long been a symbol of welcome and hospitality. A gilded pineapple, or a real one crowned with a sprig of berries, makes a lovely centrepiece.
Outdoor and lighting ideas
15. Lit palms and garden lights. Wrap the trunks of garden palms or tree ferns with warm fairy lights for a glowing tropical garden at Christmas.
16. Lanterns and candles. Rattan lanterns, hurricane lamps and pillar candles create a soft, warm glow indoors and out.
17. An outdoor Christmas table. If you're somewhere warm, or brave enough for a winter lunch outside, set a table on the terrace with palm leaves, lanterns and a colourful tablecloth.
Christmas in Warm Countries
- Australia. The State Library of Queensland notes that "Christmas in Australia falls during the summer holidays which means trips to the coast for the end of year break," and that it's "a time when families can come together to celebrate with a barbecue at the beach or in their back yards," as described in its post on Christmas past and present.
- Mexico. Poinsettias, papel picado and nativity scenes decorate homes, and the season ends with Three Kings' Day.
- Hawaii. Greetings of "Mele Kalikimaka," leis and Christmas trees on the beach.
- The Caribbean. Bright colours, sorrel drinks, fruit cake and lively music.
- The Philippines. Colourful parol star lanterns hang from homes and streets from September onwards.
How to Bring a Tropical Christmas to a British Home
A tropical Christmas works best in a UK home when it's warm and natural rather than beach-themed. Keep the tropical touches to foliage, flowers and natural materials, and balance them with candlelight, wool throws and warm wood. A few ideas:
- Mix tropical and traditional. Add palm leaves and orchids to classic Christmas flower arrangements with pine and eucalyptus.
- Style the mantel. A foliage garland with gold candles suits a classic room, alongside other Christmas mantel decorations.
- Use greenery generously. Palm, monstera and magnolia leaves are some of the longest-lasting greenery for flower arrangements.
- Choose a palette. Green and gold is the easiest to live with; coral and white is lovely in light rooms.
- Carry it through the year. If you love the look, it's a natural extension of everyday tropical decor.
For a more traditional wreath, the classic evergreen fresh Christmas wreaths and berried stems from trees with red berries can be given a tropical twist with dried orange, palm and protea.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why it's a problem | What to do instead |
|---|---|---|
| Too many novelty decorations | Looks gimmicky | Choose a few playful pieces and lots of natural ones |
| No clear colour palette | Looks chaotic | Pick two or three main colours |
| Tropical plants in cold draughts | Leaves drop or blacken | Keep palms, orchids and poinsettias warm and away from doors |
| Fresh tropical leaves near radiators | They curl and dry out | Keep foliage cool and mist it |
| Forgetting warmth in a British winter | The look can feel cold | Add candles, wool and warm wood |
| Mixing too many themes | Beach, jungle and traditional clash | Choose one main mood |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are tropical Christmas decorations?
They're festive decorations inspired by warm places, using palm leaves, tropical flowers, shells, citrus, pineapples and natural materials like rattan alongside classic Christmas lights and baubles.
Can you use a palm tree as a Christmas tree?
Yes. A potted kentia or areca palm wrapped in fairy lights and decorated with light baubles makes a lovely alternative tree.
What colors are used for a tropical Christmas?
Popular palettes include green and gold, coral and white, turquoise and natural, or bold pinks, oranges and lime.
What flowers are best for a tropical Christmas?
Poinsettias, orchids, anthuriums, proteas, banksias and amaryllis all suit a tropical Christmas.
How do you make a tropical Christmas wreath?
Arrange palm leaves, tropical foliage and dried citrus on a wreath base, or mix proteas and palm into a traditional eucalyptus wreath.
Is the poinsettia a tropical plant?
Yes. Poinsettias are native to southwestern Mexico and Guatemala, so they need warmth and protection from draughts indoors.
How do people celebrate Christmas in hot countries?
With outdoor meals, barbecues and beach trips, decorated palms, bright flowers and lights, along with local traditions such as Mexican poinsettias and Filipino parol lanterns.
A Festive Season Full of Sunshine
A tropical Christmas is a joyful way to bring light, colour and warmth to the festive season. Choose a palette, lean on natural materials and lush foliage, add a few playful touches, and your home will feel festive and sunny, whatever the weather outside.
And if you'd like help styling your home for the festive season, you can book a one-hour online interior design consultation with me.
About the author
Magda Callery is a UK interior designer and florist with more than 15 years' experience designing homes, pubs, restaurants and bars, and her expert commentary has featured in Homes & Gardens, The Mirror and The Spruce. Explore more of the decorating articles.
Continue reading
Wildflower Bouquet: 17 Flowers and How to Make One
How to make a wildflower bouquet, 17 of the best flowers to use, the rules on picking wild flowers, wildflower wedding ideas and how to keep stems fresh.
Greenery for Flower Arrangements: 19 Best Foliage Picks
19 of the best greenery choices for flower arrangements, from eucalyptus and ruscus to olive and ivy, plus how to condition foliage and use it through the seasons.
Simple Flower Arrangements: 19 Easy Ideas for Your Home
19 simple flower arrangement ideas for your home, from tulips in a jar and bud vases to low bowls and branches, plus easy rules and how to keep flowers fresh.