Blue and white ornament glowing among Christmas lights Blue and white ornament glowing among Christmas lights

Nautical Christmas Decor Ideas for a Cozy Coastal Holiday

Give your Christmas a coastal twist with these nautical Christmas decor ideas: rope garlands, shell ornaments, sailboat tree toppers and blue-and-white holiday color schemes.

If you love the sea, your Christmas decor can reflect it. Nautical Christmas decor swaps traditional red and green for soft blues, whites, natural rope and shells, and the result is calm, cozy and different. Here are easy ideas for your tree, mantel, table and front door.

A Nautical Christmas Tree

Use a blue, white and silver color scheme. It feels like winter by the sea and looks elegant with warm white lights.

Blue and white ornament glowing among Christmas lights
Photo: Rodion Kutsaiev / Unsplash

Make a rope garland. Wrap natural jute rope around the tree instead of tinsel.

Bead garland with natural star ornaments
Photo: Sixteen Miles Out / Unsplash

Hang shell and starfish ornaments. Add a small loop of twine to real or faux shells.

Seashell ornament hanging on a Christmas tree
Photo: Nika Benedictova / Unsplash

Add mini sailboat and anchor ornaments. A few spread around the tree tell the story without overdoing it.

Little sailboat ornament on a Christmas tree
Photo: Mark Hall / Unsplash

Top the tree with a starfish. A large starfish makes a natural, coastal tree topper.

Natural woven star topper on a Christmas tree
Photo: Hannah Fleming-Hlll / Unsplash

Coastal Christmas Mantel

Layer a simple pine garland with driftwood pieces, white candles and a few lanterns. Add a small sailboat or a framed nautical print in the middle. Hang knitted stockings in cream or navy.

White mantel with a simple Christmas garland
Photo: Jake Goossen / Unsplash

Holiday Table Ideas

Use a white or linen tablecloth with a navy runner. Fill glass bowls with shells, pinecones and fairy lights. Tie napkins with twine and a small sprig of pine.

White holiday table set with candles and simple dishes
Photo: Erik Mclean / Unsplash

Front Door and Porch

Make a wreath from rope, driftwood or a life ring. Add a navy bow and some pine. Place lanterns with warm candles on the steps for a cozy welcome.

Handmade rope wreath
Photo: Lakmi Kaushalya / Unsplash

Easy DIY Nautical Ornaments

Rope knot ornaments: tie a simple sailor’s knot in jute rope and hang it.

Round nautical rope knot
Photo: Alberto Gasco / Unsplash

Painted wooden sailboats: buy plain wooden shapes from a craft store and paint them white and blue.

Painted wooden sailboat model in blue and white
Photo: Jon Tyson / Unsplash

Sand-filled glass baubles: fill clear ornaments with sand and a tiny shell.

Clear glass ornament filled with sand and a starfish
Photo: Susie Punter / Unsplash

Final Tips

Keep the colors soft, mix natural textures with twinkle lights, and choose a few nautical details instead of filling every surface. Save this post on Pinterest for your holiday decorating.

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