Nestled in a high-end area of Nashville, designer and retailer Christopher Todd, owner of Christopher Todd Interior Design & Fine Gifts, is changing his approach to holiday décor this year, focusing on pieces and styles that aren’t available in big box stores.
For Christmas 2026, he’ll feature one massive tree for ornaments sourced from Joy to the World, a Polish ornament company, mixed in with other high-end ornaments.
“We’ll focus on what people need in a hurry and things that are difficult to find,” he said, citing ornaments, beautiful garlands and last-minute gifts such as high-end candles, soaps and lotions.
He has also devised a practical merchandising strategy for customers who are reluctant to pick ornaments off the tree because they are afraid it will ruin the display — a basket beside the tree filled with the ornaments featured on the tree.
“People have trouble buying something off of a tree when it’s really beautiful,” Todd said. “It helps to have baskets of ornaments near the tree. We’re adding a monitor next to the tree this year where customers can search for what they’re looking for and find it on the tree.”
Todd sees nostalgia and color leading the trends for holiday this year. “People want to return to color in their design, and that will carry into holiday,” he said.
Editor’s note: This story is part of Home Accents Today’s 2026 Holiday Buying Outlook series. Read our complete report on how independent retailers are planning for the holiday season.
