SO, you’ve grown a little tired of the usual tinsel and twinkling lights but are just not ready to spend a fortune to overhaul your Christmas decorations. No problem. Architect Cathy Saldaña, managing director of PDP Architects and a respected voice in architecture and design, shares the strongest interior trends for Holiday 2025 and the first hurrah of 2026. And it’s something that rings familiar and yet feels new — a rediscovery of pride and identity in the Filipino way of living.
HOLIDAY TRENDS The more festive trends naturally happen throughout the holidays, leading up to Christmas and New Year’s Day. PHOTO FROM WILCON DEPOT
Saldaña says, “During the holiday season, there are trends that will be more festive.”
She shares: “There are designs and decorations that will match with existing Christmas décor. There will be a lot of parties and gatherings in homes, in restaurants [and] in hotels.”
Her statements ring in the Filipino character of opening homes to family and friends, and throwing heartfelt celebrations. What is even more joyful to note is that there is a renewed wave of sociability after years of restrained celebrations. This fervor is influencing design choices across homes and hospitality spaces. Once again, people are excited to entertain at home. That excitement can be translated to making every gathering both beautiful and meaningful.
Functional elegance at the table
Saldaña points out that a lot of this renewed excitement will center at the dinner table. She notes the use of functional décor: silverware, serving platters and beautiful table pieces that double as display art.
“We are seeing the need for extra chairs on standby,” she says. “The beautiful pieces of plates, the silver platters and glass bowls are coming out because they can mix both as décor and as functional items.”
DECORATIVE AND FUNCTIONAL Silverware, serving platters and glass bowls mix as décor and as functional items. PHOTO FROM WILCON DEPOT
Start with a foliage-print Kessel Charger Plate, and for food plating, the Kessel Eterea Fish Plate brings an ornate charm that beautifully complements any dish. Pair it with a classic set of stainless steel from Kessel Svea Spoons and Kessel Svea Forks. And don’t forget the festive glasses, the Kessel Napoleon Wine Drinking Glass, exudes luxury. She notches this penchant to infuse practicality with artistry to the Filipino instinct for ganda at ginhawa (beauty and comfort), especially during the holidays. Bring on the simple merienda (snack) spread, but elevate it by bringing out heirloom tableware or handcrafted serving pieces. Such a staple is the Kessel Dinnerware Set, which has a lot of potential and use with a complementary Kessel Wood Serving Tray.
Pride of place and local flair
For Saldaña, the Christmas season is also a time to showcase a growing appreciation for Filipino craftsmanship. These can range from handmade shells and woven décor to locally carved wooden trays and artisan glass bowls, homeowners are proudly showcasing pieces that celebrate local talent and tradition. These can be combined with pieces from Wilcon such as the Kessel Oden Rectangular Tray with that familiar homey feel.
“All of these — just like our handmade shells and artifacts or handicrafts from the Philippines — will also be on display,” she adds. “There are many local items [with which] we stand proudly.”
OF HERITAGE AND MODERNITY Filipino homes are now personal galleries of the collective desire to reconnect with heritage and celebrate modern life. PHOTO FROM WILCON DEPOT
Interestingly, the trend is more than just aesthetic. It reflects a cultural movement where design becomes a vehicle for identity — a statement that Filipinos are beautiful. Homes are evolving into personal galleries of local pride, echoing the nation’s collective desire to reconnect with heritage while celebrating modern life. And when you speak of modern, you can’t go wrong with items such as the Kessel Oden Round Tray with its metal and wood fusion of materials, and Heim Round Tray With Metal Handle nods to the contemporary yet traditional wooden feel.
Holiday 2025 design tips
Mix function with beauty. Use your best platters, trays and glass bowls not only to serve food but also to decorate your space. You can never go wrong with going by tradition and choosing the Classic Red Theme this holiday. The red vine patterns of this dinnerware resemble classic Christmas ornaments. Kessel Dinner Plate sets the stage for a more comforting meal with a seasonal flair. Complement with a matching Kessel Side Plate for your pastries, salads and appetizers, and serve your specialty with Kessel’s Soup Plate. Enhance your cutlery with the Kessel Spoon and Kessel Fork Set.
CHRISTMAS PATTERNS Classic Christmas ornaments are alluded to through red vine patterns on tableware such as dinner plates. PHOTO FROM WILCON DEPOT
Showcase local craftsmanship. Incorporate handmade Filipino pieces from Capiz shell ornaments to rattan or abaca accents. Combine modern practicality with traditional styles with the Heim Round Decorative Bowl and Kessel Runda Rnd. Placement Natural.
MADE IN THE PHILIPPINES Handmade pieces such as Capiz shell ornaments and rattan or abaca accents showcase Filipino craftsmanship. PHOTO FROM WILCON DEPOT
Add flexible seating. Keep extra chairs or stools ready for surprise guests. Consider the Heim Ori White Folding Chair and Heim Walter Folding Chair White/Chrome, which offer both portability and space efficiency. Another great option is the Heim Stackable Plastic Chair and Heim White Rubi Stackable Chair, a secure and minimalist yet stylish seating solution.
PORTABILITY AND EFFICIENCY Folding chairs offer portability and space efficiency while providing the flexibility to accommodate unexpected guests. PHOTO FROM WILCON DEPOT
Layer textures. Combine natural materials such as wood, metal and woven fabrics for warmth and authenticity. Showcase your Christmas trinkets on the Heim 3-Layer Shelf, adding a festive touch to your space with the Heim Sadec White 3 Layer Storage Cabinet. For a captivating piece to display picture frames and cherished keepsakes, the Heim Jordan Dark Oak Decorative Shelves provide the perfect spot.
ROCKING RETREAT Matching a rocking chair with a modern sofa and an oak center table creates a winter-inspired retreat. PHOTO FROM WILCON DEPOT
Pairing the distinctive Heim Shale White Rocking Chair with the Nobizzi Hyesan Modern Style White Boucle 4 Seater Sofa and Heim Greece Golden Oak Center Table creates a cozy space that also highlights local flair and ties the entire look together with the Heim Abstract Carpet, a stylish focal point that completes your winter-inspired retreat.
Celebrate your story. Let your décor reflect your family’s traditions and memories. Bring out the photos and get the frames that go with them at Wilcon. For a warmer, cozier vibe, pick the Heim Samla Wall Frame in Wood, a beautiful way to preserve and celebrate life’s little moments.
Celebrations with a heart
For Saldaña, these design choices also mirror the Filipino spirit of hospitality. A well-laid table or a thoughtfully decorated space becomes a language of love and generosity — an extension of malasakit (caring) for those who enter the home.
Whether it’s a small family reunion or a big community gathering, the festive design trends of 2025 are not about luxury but about connection. They celebrate the stories behind every object, the people behind every craft and the warmth that defines every Filipino celebration.
