Rich reds and shimmering golds create a warm, lavish Christmas atmosphere without going overboard. These colours instantly make any room feel festive, full, and inviting. Whether you’re styling a small space or giving your entire home a seasonal upgrade, this list brings easy, practical ideas you can recreate on any budget. From tree decor and table styling to handmade accents and simple swaps, each tip helps you build a polished red-and-gold Christmas look that feels expensive, cosy, and full of character.
1. Red and Gold Ribbon-Layered Tree
Give your tree a richer look by weaving red and gold ribbons through the branches. Start with the gold ribbon for brightness, then add red ribbon for contrast. Work in loose waves instead of tight spirals so the tree feels natural and full. Use wired ribbon so it holds shape. If you’re on a budget, buy one wide ribbon and cut it in half lengthwise. Add a few matching bows to tie everything together. This simple technique makes even a basic tree feel complete and luxurious.
2. Gold Charger Plates for a Luxe Dining Table
Gold charger plates instantly make any table look more expensive. Pair them with red napkins to bring out the holiday theme without overcrowding the table. Add small gold accents like cutlery or candle holders to pull the look together. If buying new items doesn’t fit your budget, spray-paint inexpensive chargers gold and let them dry overnight. Layering textures like velvet napkins or satin ribbons can also add depth. Keep the centre simple so the table feels balanced and easy to use during meals.
3. Velvet Red Stockings with Gold Embroidery
Velvet stockings always give a premium feel, and adding gold embroidery makes them look custom. You can buy iron-on gold letters if hand-stitching isn’t your thing. Hang the stockings in a straight line to keep the mantel clean and symmetrical. Mix textures like velvet, faux fur trim, or knitted cuffs to create dimension. This idea works even in small spaces because stockings add charm without taking up floor space. Choose deeper reds for a richer look and match the gold thread to nearby decor.
4. Red Baubles with Gold Leaf Accents
Turn plain red baubles into luxury ornaments using gold leaf sheets. Apply small patches so the texture feels natural and artistic. Each ornament will look slightly different, which adds character. If gold leaf sheets are too pricey, use metallic gold paint for a similar effect. Hang these ornaments where they catch the lights so the gold shines. This DIY works for old baubles too, making it both affordable and stylish. A small collection of these can transform your entire tree.
5. Golden Candle Holders with Red Taper Candles
Red taper candles in gold holders add height, warmth, and elegance to any room. Place them on dining tables, sideboards, or mantels for an instant upgrade. Mix tall and short holders for variety. If your candle holders don’t match, spray-paint them gold for a unified look. Use dripless candles to keep things tidy during meals or gatherings. Adding a few evergreen sprigs or berries around the base brings colour without clutter.
6. Red and Gold Wreath for the Front Door
A bold wreath sets the tone before anyone walks in. Use red ornaments, gold berries, and ribbon woven through the greenery. Keep the design balanced by spacing out the red and gold elements evenly. Hot-glue works for attaching lightweight pieces if you’re making it yourself. For a quick upgrade, add a large gold bow at the top or bottom. This design works on interior doors too, especially pantry or hallway doors that need a festive touch.
7. Red Throw Pillows with Gold Patterns
Throw pillows are one of the easiest ways to shift a room into the holiday mood. Choose red pillows with gold stitching, geometric prints, or subtle shimmer. Mix plain red pillows with patterned ones for balance. If you’re keeping costs low, buy simple covers and stencil on gold designs using fabric paint. Scatter pillows on couches, accent chairs, or even beds. The colour combo adds warmth without needing a full room makeover.
8. Gold Lanterns Filled with Red Ornaments
Lanterns make beautiful decor pieces even without candles. Fill gold lanterns with red ornaments of different sizes to create a stylish display. Add battery lights inside for a soft glow. This setup works well on porches, entry tables, or mantels. Use ornaments you already have to keep costs down. Mixing matte, shiny, and glitter textures creates visual depth. The lantern frame keeps everything contained, making it a neat and polished piece.
9. Red Table Runner with Gold Trim
A red table runner with gold trim makes the dining setup feel coordinated. Choose a fabric with a bit of weight so it lays flat. If sewing isn’t your thing, use fabric glue to attach gold ribbon along the edges. Combine the runner with gold centrepieces or simple greenery for balance. This works for coffee tables too. The runner adds colour without covering the entire table, keeping the look open and inviting.
10. Gold Wrapped Gifts Under the Tree
Gift wrapping is decor too, especially when it sits under the tree all season. Use gold wrapping paper and add red ribbons for a polished look. Mix textures like satin, velvet, and organza ribbons. If you prefer variety, switch it—wrap some boxes in red paper with gold bows. Stack different sizes together to fill the space visually. Reuse boxes each year to keep things affordable. Even a small cluster of gifts makes the entire room feel festive.
11. Red Berry Garlands with Gold Accents
Red berry garlands bring colour and texture, while gold accents add shine. Drape them across mantels, door frames, or staircase railings. Add small gold branches or metallic leaves to tie the colours together. Use battery fairy lights to make the garland glow at night. If the garland feels too thin, twist two together for fullness. This simple idea works even in small apartments where space is tight.
12. Gold Mirror with Red Ribbon Detail
A gold-framed mirror becomes an instant Christmas statement with a simple red ribbon. Tie a bow at the top or drape a long ribbon down the sides. This adds colour without overwhelming the mirror. Use satin or velvet ribbon for a rich look. This idea works in hallways, living rooms, or bedrooms. If you want more detail, add tiny gold bells or ornaments along the ribbon. It’s a low-cost way to bring Christmas into unexpected corners of your home.
13. Red and Gold Hot Cocoa Station
Set up a small cocoa station using red mugs, gold spoons, and matching jars for toppings. Add a red tray to keep everything together. Use gold labels or lids for storage jars to create a coordinated look. Display marshmallows, cocoa mix, and cinnamon sticks. Add a small string of lights for warmth. This setup works on kitchen counters, carts, or dining nooks. It adds charm while being useful for guests.
14. Gold Bow Tree Topper
Replace traditional toppers with a large gold bow. Choose wired ribbon so the loops stay full. The bow adds height and shines beautifully under lights. Add long ribbon tails that cascade down the tree for extra drama. If you want a fuller look, layer a red bow underneath the gold one. This topper works well for both large and small trees and gives a clean, stylish finish.
15. Red Velvet Tree Skirt with Gold Trim
A velvet tree skirt adds softness and makes the tree feel finished. Choose deep red velvet for richness and add gold trim around the edges. If you can’t find one in stores, buy fabric and wrap it around the base. Add gold ribbon or tassels for detail. The skirt hides the tree stand and ties the theme together. This small detail makes the entire tree look more complete and balanced.
16. Gold Vases with Red Florals
Use gold vases with red floral arrangements to brighten corners and tabletops. Poinsettias, roses, and berries work well. Mix fresh and artificial flowers if you want a long-lasting display. Place vases on entry tables, dining tables, or nightstands. If you’re saving money, spray-paint old vases gold. Add a small bow or ribbon around the neck to match other pieces in the room. This simple idea adds elegance without needing a big arrangement.
17. Red Napkin Rings with Gold Details
Napkin rings give your dining table a clean, organised look. Choose red rings with gold details. If you’re crafting your own, wrap cardboard rings with ribbon and glue on small gold beads or bells. Pair them with white or cream napkins so the colours stand out. This idea brings charm to holiday meals and keeps your table styling consistent without needing a full redesign.
18. Gold String Lights with Red Bulb Covers
Add red bulb covers to gold lights to create a warm glow. These can be found online or made from tiny red plastic craft cups. Drape the lights across mantels, shelves, or windows. The red diffuses the light softly, making the space feel cosy. This is a budget-friendly way to shift your lighting to match the theme. Mix in a few plain gold lights for variety.
19. Red and Gold Table Centre Bowl
Fill a large bowl with red ornaments, gold pinecones, and small evergreen sprigs. This creates an easy centrepiece that looks full but not cluttered. Use items you already have to keep costs low. Add a few battery lights inside the bowl for a soft glow. This works on dining tables, coffee tables, and kitchen islands. Choose a bowl with a gold rim or spray-paint the base for a bold finish.
20. Red Ribbon Wrapped Staircase
Wrap wide red ribbon around your staircase railing, then layer gold garland or lights on top. Keep the spacing even so the look feels clean. Add small bows at each post for detail. If your staircase is small, use thinner ribbon to avoid crowding. This adds height and structure to your holiday decor without overwhelming the space.
21. Gold Pinecones in Decorative Bowls
Spray-paint pinecones gold and display them in bowls around your home. Add a few red ornaments or berries for colour. This decoration is simple, light, and easy to move. Place bowls on shelves, coffee tables, or entry tables. Collect pinecones from outdoors to keep the project budget-friendly. The gold finish adds shine without making the bowl feel busy.
22. Red Curtains with Gold Tiebacks
Swap your everyday curtains for red ones during the holidays and use gold tiebacks for a polished look. Choose fabric with some weight so the curtains drape nicely. If you don’t want to buy new curtains, hang red fabric panels using clip rings. Add gold ribbon as a simple tieback. This idea instantly warms up the room and frames the windows beautifully.
23. Gold Trays Styled with Red Accents
Use gold trays to create small styled corners in your home. Add red candles, ornaments, or flowers. Place the tray on coffee tables, ottomans, or nightstands. This keeps decor contained and easy to move. If you don’t have a gold tray, spray-paint an old one. Mix heights and textures to make the arrangement interesting without cluttering the space.
24. Red and Gold Mantel Display
Create a full mantel display using red ornaments, gold garland, and matching candles. Keep taller items at the ends and shorter items in the centre. Add small fairy lights for a soft glow. Hang red stockings with gold details to tie everything together. This display becomes a focal point in the room and brings warmth to the space.
Conclusion
Red and gold make any home feel warm and festive, and these ideas help you style your space without making things complicated. Small swaps like ribbons, candles, or pillows can change the whole mood. Larger pieces like wreaths, table settings, or mantel displays bring everything together. Choose a few ideas, start simple, and build the look step by step. Your home will feel cosy, polished, and ready for the holiday season.
Emily Parker is a home décor enthusiast and design blogger who believes every space deserves a touch of warmth and personality. With a love for cozy neutrals, modern textures, and DIY styling, she shares simple, beautiful ways to make your home feel like you. When she’s not rearranging throw pillows, you’ll find her hunting vintage finds or sipping coffee while planning her next room refresh.
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