Coastal Christmas Ornaments: Curating a Seaside-Inspired Holiday with Marie & Oakley

As the holiday season rolls around, many people picture cozy cabins adorned with snow and pine trees. But not us here at Marie & Oakley! For those who feel at home by the ocean, coastal Christmas decor offers the perfect blend of holiday spirit and seaside charm. A coastal-themed Christmas tree brings the tranquility of the beach to your home, no matter where you are. In this post, we’ll explore how to decorate with coastal Christmas ornaments and share a heartwarming tradition of gifting these ornaments before Christmas—a beautiful way to spread seaside joy during the holiday season.

My most frequently asked question on Instagram is, “Where do you find all your coastal Christmas ornaments?” Each year, my husband and I embark on a search for new treasures for our tree. Sometimes we discover them ourselves, and sometimes, it feels like they find us.

Whimsical Fish & Sea Creatures

Whimsical fish and ocean creatures are my go-to ornaments, bringing an element of fun and wonder to the tree. Some of my favorites are from Pottery Barn, which we found years ago and cherish every year. Though they’re harder to find now, I’ve discovered lovely similar options at Cailini Coastal, perfect for adding a playful, underwater feel to your tree.

Colors of the Sea

For my coastal Christmas palette, I lean towards the colors of the sea: turquoise, blues, and greens. These shades feel serene and fresh, like a perfect seaside escape. I add pops of pink and a little red to bring a holiday touch to the overall look, creating a balance that feels both festive and coastal.

Texture: Glass, Shiny Brite, and Glitter

Texture is key in bringing a coastal tree to life! My favorite ornaments are glass—especially vintage Shiny Brite pieces. These ornaments have that beautiful, timeless glow that pairs so well with the coastal theme. And, of course, I can’t resist a little glitter to bring out the sparkle of the season. The shimmer and shine capture the light like ocean waves, adding a magical touch to our tree.

Seashells and My Collection of Seashell Christmas Trees

While I don’t typically decorate the tree with many seashells, my collection of Seashell Christmas Trees adds an elegant coastal touch to the overall decor. I pick up most of these charming pieces from Airlie Moon, a boutique I love in Wilmington, NC. And if you’re not local, Airlie Moon ships! Each seashell tree adds texture and natural beauty, reflecting the treasures found on sandy shores.

Fresh Greenery and Citrus Accents

Fresh greenery brings a wonderful fragrance and touch of natural beauty to coastal holiday decor. This year, I’m eyeing a live wreath with hints of blue and citrus accents to add to the mix. Fresh garlands also enhance the tree’s look, creating a lush and inviting feel that makes the whole room feel festive and alive. Adding a pop of citrus is my favorite trick to brighten things up and add a bit of whimsy.

Our Tradition: Gifting Coastal Ornaments Before Christmas

One of our most cherished traditions is exchanging coastal ornaments with family and friends before Christmas. It’s a simple but meaningful way to spread a bit of holiday anticipation and seaside charm. Whether it’s a new fish ornament, a tiny lighthouse, or a glittery shell, each ornament brings a personal touch and becomes a treasured piece of the tree. This tradition lets us celebrate both the joy of giving and the beauty of the ocean, and our collection grows with special memories each year.

Finding and Creating Your Own Coastal Tree

If you’re looking to create your own coastal Christmas tree, let your imagination and love for the sea guide you. Start with a color palette inspired by the ocean and add a mix of whimsical, natural, and vintage-inspired ornaments to make the tree truly your own. And if you’re ready to start your own tradition, consider a pre-Christmas ornament exchange to build a collection that’s filled with love, memories, and a touch of holiday magic. I love this Alpine Flocked Christmas tree from Balsam Hill. So much so, that I have the table-top Christmas tree in my cart and need to finalize my order. Plus, both trees are on sale!

A coastal Christmas tree brings together the best of both worlds—celebrating the holidays with a nod to the ocean’s beauty. This holiday season, we hope you find inspiration and joy in curating a seaside-inspired Christmas. Whether you live by the coast or simply love it, each ornament and every touch can bring a bit of the beach home for the holidays.

Shop the collection below or see the full collection here.